Louisville KY Churchill Downs
Do you mark time by the Derby Winner?
Like many historical events, I sometimes equate time frames with that years' Kentucky Derby winners. For instance, the first time Grandma went to Derby and picked the winner was in 1962 with Decidedly ridden by Bill Hartack. In 1964, Grandma was right on the money with Northern Dancer, jockeyed by Hartack. I joined 4-H in 1969, when Majestic Prince won the Derby race. Guess who the jockey was? Yep, it was Bill Hartack.
By 1973, I was a teenager. Grandma and I would stretch out in the floor with newspaper prognostications strewn all about and pick out our favorites. In my mind's eye I still clearly see red circles drawn around the name Secretariat Seventy three was a good year, as Secretariat and Ron Turcott not only won the Derby; but went on to Triple Crown victories. All Hail Big Red!
Sweet Sixteen in 1976, and finally a Kentucky Driver's License! (Click this link if you need Kentucky Auto Insurance) Hat's off to Bold Forbes and Angel Cordero!
In 1977, Seattle Slew and Cruguet were the rage, with another Triple Crown. The horse even got mention in the popular film "Harper Valley PTA" starring Barbara Eden. Grandma and I could not agree in 1978, as she loved Calumet anything. But fellow teenager, Steve Cauthen lived less than ten miles from me...so I said Stevie and Affirmed all the way.
By the time I headed out for UK, my Derby passion had to be put on hold. How could they put Derby on the same week as finals? It was truly a travesty! Looking back at some of my grades I should have partied in the Churchill Downs infield. My grades probably wouldn't have suffered anymore than they already had. Giggle.
But during college I did study the "old" Derby winners. As a UK "aggie" I had spent many hours out on UK's Maine Chance agricultural farm once owned by cosmetics mogul, Elizabeth Arden. Did you know Arden owned Jet Pilot the 1947 Kentucky Derby Winner? See, I did learn something in college!
I was pulling for Willie Shoemaker in 1986 mounted on Ferdinand. In 1992, the joy and elation I felt for Pat Day and Lil E. Tee was beyond measure. (I have a little Pat Day statue on my desk at work I loved watching Pat ride, especially at Keeneland!)
Now Charlie, who is all about Kentucky Sports, is not as passionate about horse racing as I am. But his first sports broadcast, was just a few weeks before Monarchos won the Derby at 1:59:97. Not too shabby!"
In recent years, I have been fairly accurate at choosing the Derby winner. However, in 2004, Birdstone just couldn't pull it off, yet went of to win the Belmont. Now Birdstone was owned by Marylou Whitney who has the greatest HATS ever, and with Nick Zito and Edgar Prado on the team I was so sure Smarty Jones would be defeated.
So what about this Kentucky Derby? Grandma has been gone many years now. I don't lay in floor with red crayons circling picks in the Kentucky Post. I'm much more sophisticated. I print racing forms off the internet, and circle them with a blue felt tip marker. Now that's technology!
Who do you think is going to win the Kentucky Derby? As time comes closer, I'll share my thoughts...but I want to hear from you.
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Author Joyce Pinson enjoys Kentucky history and collecting all things Kentucky Derby. Her most prized collectible is a bobble head of fellow Boone County native and Triple Crown jockey Steve Cauthen. Joyce is a Kentucky health insurance agent.Visit www.pinsoninsurance.com for Kentucky insurance quotes.
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