Monday Mop Up Kentucky Sports

Curlin falls short at Belmont's Man O'War Stakes

The 2007 Horse of the Year, Curlin, finished two lengths behind Red Rocks in Saturday's Man O'War Stakes. Prior to the race, much talk had been circulating that Curlin could be a contender in Dubai, and in the Arc race in France. That scenario would make Curlin possibly the highest earner ever.

The Belmont match up was run on turf, which was a bit of an experiment for Curlin. With the defeat, trainer Steve Asmussen is keeping his cards close to his chest in regard to Curlin's next run.

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Controversy continues to swirl around Curlin's ownership. This gets really complicated, but it seems that two Kentucky lawyers own 20% of the champion. These lawyers were involved in a big pharmaceutical lawsuit and won millions. Accusations are flying that instead of giving the cash to those who were represented; the lawyers pocketed an unusually large portion of the proceeds. Petitions on behalf of those who were represented, have been filed to force the sale of Curlin to make up for the shortfall. The lawyers are currently being housed in the Boone County KY jail.

Becoming an Outdoors Woman

Men aren't the only gender that enjoys being the the great outdoors, and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Game are quick to realize that fact. Celebrating a tenth seminar anniversary, "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" acronym BOW will take place Sept. 19-21 in Jabez, KY at the 4-H Leadership facilities. Topics will include general wildlife-related activities, as well as fishing, hunting, boating, and shooting. Caving, fly-tying, campfire cooking, identifying local animals and plants, falconry, dog-training and canoeing classes will also be offered.

Learn More about the BOW program and Pre-register for Early Bird Savings

UK Wildcats Football to host Women's Football Clinic

UofL, Louisville Cards Football Luncheon Sold Out

You gotta believe, and Coach Rich Brooks has sure given us Kentucky gals something to cheer about! Go Big Blue! Whether you are a football guru or football newbie, if you want to learn more about Big Blue Football mark Saturday, August 2, on your calendar. The clinic will include appearances by Kentucky coaches, lessons in Kentucky offense and defense, autograph sessions, and of course LUNCH! Did I mention there will be UK sports SHOPPING opportunities????

For more info about this exciting event, contact Lisa Ellis at 859.257.3611.

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Down in the River City of Louisville, Coach Steve Kragthorpe has to be excited that the Cardinals annual football luncheon scheduled for Thursday, August 14 is a sellout. Kragthorpe, an offensive expert, will be celebrating his second season as Cardinals head coach.

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky insurance agent and Kentucky sports fan. Her comments and opinions do not always agree with her husband, Charlie Pinson a Kentucky sportscaster. Together, they are devoted Kentucky sports fans who make a living in the insurance business.

Big Brown Kentucky Derby Winner Breezing at Belmont

Okay, I admit it. Big Brown just doesn't have all the romance and charisma that makes me all giddy. But, his confirmation and his rocket speed make him a real contender for the Triple Crown. Now THAT makes me giddy! He has convincingly won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. Giddy UP at Belmont! Go Big Brown!

Left hoof healing well

Last week, Kentucky sportscasters were abuzz with concern about an abscyess on Big Brown's left foot. It had been drained, and the heat associated with the infection had diminished. Big Brown has a vertical break in his left hoof, which they expect to repair with acrylic and mesh. It's like a broken fingernail, that goes to the quick. It is painful, but heals quickly and with a little help from the manicurist...well not such a big deal. Apparently, Big Brown is prone to this affliction, and has recovered from it on several other occasions.

Big Brown is "feeling his oats" and put on quite a little show for the folks enjoying Breakfast at Belmont on Sunday. I've seen a couple of different reports, but it seems Big Brown is happy to be in the limelight and ready for the big show.

Casino Drive dragging

Casino Drive, the possible "spoiler" for Big Brown's Triple Crown attempt, has been breezing at Belmont for a few days. His time is lazy, crazy slow. Now, the Japaneese have different ideas about how horses are prepped for races; so it's hard to say whether they are reigning in Casino Drive to save energy or whether the big equine is just that much slower than the lightening quick Big Brown. Or could it be Casino Drive is lulling Big Brown's handlers into a false sense of security? Guess Saturday will tell the tale...er make that "horse tail." (Sorry I couldn't resist the pun!>

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Triple B Insurance KY does business throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Specializing in Kentucky Health Insurance and Kentucky Employee Benefits, the Kentucky Insurance agency supports Kentucky high school and college sports. Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky Health Insurance agent with Triple B Insurance KY.

Big Brown Triple Crown Contender :Casino Drive Spoiler?

"Colorful" hardly begins to describe Big Brown's trainer, Rick Dutrow. Far from being "politically correct" and definitely far from being a "saint", Dutrow has had his ups and downs. An admitted recovering drug addict and banned from racing for numerous infractions including overmedicating horses, you have to wonder how he got to this new crescendo. Big Brown is poised to do something that hasn't been done in thirty years...win the Triple Crown.

Time magazine offers up an article very revealing about Dutrow, the New York enigma. In regard to Big Brown's biggest competition at the Belmont, Casino Drive, who has been making big waves in Japan...here is Dutrow's comments in the Time article, "Dutrow says he would tell his jockey "to find Yamamoto," referring to the Japanese admiral who conceived the Pearl Harbor attack, "and chew his ___." (I deleted the word, but you can figure it out)His jockey is of course two time Kentucky Derby winner Kent Desormeaux.

Casino Drive, won the Peter Pan Stakes a few weeks back. Oddly enough, jockey Desormeaux was "up" on that race. Will that give Desormeaux an advantage? Dutrow, quoting Desormeaux says Casino Drive doesn't measure up to champion, Big Brown.

A rider for Casino Drive has yet to be announced. Rumor has it that Edgar Prado is one of three candidates. In another twist, it was Prado who Dutrow had originally wanted to mount Big Brown.

Big Brown had a workout at Belmont a few days ago, and the trainer is well pleased. Casino Drive, is scheduled to workout on Sunday.

Say what you like about Dutrow, Big Brown seems to be the real deal. Now, as I have said before he is no Secretariat, my all time ideal horse. But with Barbaro and Eight Belles  fates throwing a pallour on racing, it's time for a hero. The win could be healing for Dutrow, for Desormeaux, and for the the industry. We can only hope.

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky health insurance agent, who very much enjoys Kentucky sports including horse racing. A big fan of jockey Steve Cauthen, Joyce blogged about the triple crown battles between Alydar and Affirmed  which took place thirty years ago.

Big Brown to Stand at Three Chimneys

Big Brown coming back to Kentucky

If you followed my Kentucky horse racing posts, you know I was not a fan of Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby. Perhaps it's my Agricultural Economics background, but I just felt like he had not run enough races to be a solid contender. (I was too conservative) I ate my hat (quite a pretty one I must confess) on Derby Day and took a wait and see attitude for The Preakness.

Behind the scenes between the Derby and Preakness, the Clay family were negotiating Big Brown's future. It seems Big Brown will go to Three Chimneys Farm. Big Brown will stand in good company. Three Chimneys has had the likes of Point Given, Silver Charm, and Smarty Jones in their stables. Dynaformer, sire of Barbaro, and Seattle Slew, the only Triple Crown Winner to go undefeated, have also called Three Chimney's home.

The Big Brown deal monetary figure has not been disclosed. What is interesting, is the deal was sealed BEFORE the Preakness was run! WOW! Before I signed that contract I would have taken a skip and a jump down the road from Three Chimney's, to Woodford Reserve, for a courage reinforcement. Giggle

Big Brown Canters Away with the Preakness

Saturday's Preakness made a "Big Brown fan" out of me. It was so engaging to see the triple crown contender wanting his head, and KD holding him back. When the jockey finally "pushed the button" Big Brown just flew! For just a minute, I was sure I saw wings on the big horse's hooves. WOW!

As I have noted previously, I am a big fan of Affirmed  and of course Big Red Secretariat. In my opinion, Secretariat is "the horse above horses." However, Big Brown gives me pause and makes me smile with the anticipation of the last leg of the Triple Crown, The Belmont Stakes. Guess I will come to the Big Brown party a little late...but I'm on board!"

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky Health Insurance Agent  who is horse crazy. She points out, "Now the Govenor of Maryland can spout all he wants that The Woodlawn Cup is "the most coveted" trophy in horse racing. However, we all know the Kentucky Derby trophy is. Kentucky sports.....always superior!

Kentucky Sports Mop Up Louisville KY Basketball, Preakness Horse Racing, and CBA East Ky Miners

Louisville KY Cards Basketball

Rick Pitino, head coach for Louisville KY Cardinals Basketball, recently announced co-captains for the 2008-2009 Cards season. Senior forward Terrance Williams and Senior guard Andre' McGee will slide into the slot left vacant by departing senior David Padgett.

T-Will, Terrance Williams, begins his senior year at U of L, ranked #48 the school's career scoring records. He has 1,102 points to his credit.

Looking to Louisville KY Cardinals Women's Basketball, we are disappointed to note that Yuliya Tokova will not be returning to the court for her senior year. What a huge disappointment! Tokova has had some serious injuries, and apparently her ongoing herniated disc problems will keep her from the hardwoods.

Horse racing saddling up for Preakness Stakes

If all goes as planned, Big Brown will have shipped from Louisville KY's Churchill Downs Wednesday. Gayego appears to be the only other horse from the Kentucky Derby to opt in for the Preakness. Much to my chagrin, Big Brown ran away with the roses at the Kentucky Derby. Gayego, had a lackluster Derby performance.

I failed to mark down my source, but I was reading that equine experts are particularly impressed with Big Brown's heart. It seems the crowd favorite has a large heart, perhaps even bigger than the greatest of all horses, Big Red, Secretariat. We look forward to Saturday's festivities, broadcast on NBC Sports beginning at 4:30.

East Kentucky Miners CBA
Basketball Pikeville KY

Josh Pace, is making the move to the NBA. In a press release from Pikeville KY's East Kentucky Miners, they note that Pace is working out with the Golden State Warriors, the Miami Heat, and the Indiana Pacers. (Pace-Pacers now that would be funny!)

Two of Pikeville's players were recently named to the Top 20 Minor Players in the CBA. Pace, who was leading scorer in the CBA's 2007-08 season, ranked fourth. James Jackson, nicknamed "Boo", was ranked eleventh.

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Author Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky Insurance Agent  who enjoys most Kentucky sports. Her husband, also a Kentucky insurance agent, is a Kentucky sportscaster for radio and television.

Kentucky Derby..Sad End to Eight Belles

I had hoped today would be a day when Charlie and I would exchange banter about my Derby picks. After all, I am the horse racing enthusiast and my pick "Monba" finished last. On the other hand, Charlie picked "Big Brown" going with the crowd favorite. On any normal post derby day, we would be laughing...and he would be giving me a really hard time. But not this year.

Louisville has embodied Dickens famous quote "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" during this years Derby Festival and Kentucky Derby. In a cruel twist of fate, the Delta Queen won the golden antlers in the Great Steamboat Race but may be unfairly retired if Congress has it's way. Larry Jones saw victory at The Oaks, then must have felt sheer agony when second place Derby Star, Eight Belles had to be put down. Both ladies won their battles, but seem to have lost the war.

To Larry Jones et al, I extend my deepest condolences for the loss of a filly who captured our imagination and fancy. To the supporters to keep the Delta Queen afloat, continue to fight for exemptions. Like Yogi Berra opined, "It ain't over, til it's over."

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Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky health insurance agent. She wishes Big Brown well at the Preakness.

Churchill Charlie Pinson Playing the Field Kentucky Derby 2008

Reviewing the Field

It's been a "tough turf" for me this week, trying to pick a winning Derby trifecta. Do I go with my heart, or do I go with analyzing the record? Do I just say "Oh hey, that jockey wears pretty silks" or do I take my old Animal Sciences professor's opinion..."Horse conformation is everything." This year is just tough!"

I like Nick Zito and Anak Nakal. Jockey Rafael Berjarno made his reputation at Cincinnati's River Downs. Anak Nakal, is owned by Four Roses, and "Roses" are always lucky at Derby. Right?

Nick also has Cool Coal Man, and living here in the Kentucky Coalfields I have to take that into account. Breeder Will Farrish, who also has Court Vision in the lineup, is the guy that hosts the Queen of England when she comes in for the races. He ought to know a little something about horses. Right?

Then there's Todd Pletcher and Monba. Lots of good pedigree there, including Breeder Alice Headly Chandler whose daddy founded Keeneland. Monda was the first to cross the finish at Keeneland's Toyota Bluegrass Stakes.

Fellow Northern Kentucky native, Mike Battaglia, has Big Brown at the 3-1 favorite this morning. Charlie, who has never sports casted a Kentucky Horse Race, says he goes with the favorite. Big Brown placed first in the Florida Derby, and Kent Desmormeaux is a good jockey. But alas! Big Brown is in the 20th post position. If my math is right, it's been 79 years since a horse won from that position.

Colonel John and the Winstar Farms team looks pretty good. I've always liked jockey Edgar Prado, who is mounted on Adrrino.

My heart says go with the red and white silks of Eight Belles. Larry Jones from down in Hoptown looks like a good old Kentucky boy who knows his stuff. Eight Belles placed first in the Oaklawn Park Fantasy.

Enough Already! Here's my picks

As a pencil pushing, number crunching Kentucky Insurance agent, I am going with Todd Pletcher and Monba for the win. Second, is Eight Belles and Larry Jones. As much as I like Nick Zito, I am counting him out and putting Big Brown in number three.Win, Place, and Show...there you have it.

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Author Joyce Pinson is in the middle of moving, and is not focused of this year's Kentucky Derby. Her Derby picks are solely for her own amusement, and not to be taken as an expert's opinion. This year, no matter who wins, it will be enough to know the greatest Kentucky Sports tradition is alive and well.

Reflections of Past Kentucky Derby Champions

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.

Kentucky Derby 1978 Remembering the Magic

Alydar vs Affirmed

In May of 1978, the senior class of Boone County High School Florence KY was counting down the days until graduation. Across the county, jockey Stevie Cauthen was counting down the days until the Kentucky Derby. The class of 1978 was dreaming of making history...but Steve Cauthen made it.

Could that have really been over thirty years ago?

For generations, my family has had a fascination with the Kentucky Derby. Grandma's people had ties to Calumet farm, grandest of the Lexington KY horse farms. She even painted her house white with red trim, in honor of Calumet. In 1978, she was thrilled Jorge Velasquaz would be wearing the devil red and blue silks. So it comes as no surprise, Grandma was pulling for Alydar.

As for me, well I went to 4-H Camp with Steve Cauthen. He was less than a month older than me. He was a local kid I could identify with...and so of course I championed Affirmed. Never mind that I had never heard of Harbor View Farm.

On that glorious Saturday in May, all was well with the world. We gathered around the TV, got misty eyed when they sang "My Old Kentucky Home", then held our breath as they shouted "Riders Up!" And then, They were OFF!

It was not until the second turn that Steve and Affirmed seemed to get control. But then at the quarter mile, things got pretty exciting. After some checks, bumping, and literally jockeying for position, it was Affirmed who crossed the finish line first.

I was elated. A few weeks later, Affirmed prevailed at the Preakness and the Belmont. A triple crown!!!!

I still remember Grandma getting me a copy of Time Magazine with Stevie Cauthen on the cover in pink silks. How great was that?

In retrospect

Many horse racing enthusiasts believe that the Alydar and Affirmed rivalry, was perhaps the best in recorded history. The great equines met ten times, with Affirmed winning seven of those match ups. Alydar was to be the saving grace for Calumet, and his untimely and suspicious death may have been the nail in the coffin for bankrupt Calumet. So sad.

It's been a long time since there was a pairing the likes of Alydar and Affirmed. But you never know, the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday. Business obligations will keep me away from Louisville KY and Churchill Downs, but you can be sure we'll gather around the TV, get misty eyed when they sing "My Old Kentucky Home" and wait excitedly for the greatest two minutes in Kentucky sports.

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Author Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky insurance agent, who is passionate about the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky horse racing. On Saturday, you might hear her sing "My Old Kentucky Home" as she anticipates another great day of Kentucky sports history. Her husband, fellow insurance agent and Kentucky sportscaster Charlie Pinson, wonders how he will ever build a house big enough to store all of Joyce's Kentucky Derby memorabilia. Help Charlie.Get Kentucky Auto Insurance online