When I was a kid, my favorite three days of the year were Christmas, my birthday and Derby Day.
I was obsessed with horses and got into the Derby hype that was hard to miss in Kentucky.
My first crush was Riva Ridge. I was devastated when his Triple Crown campaign was over in the second race. I then fell hard for his stablemate, a beautiful, big red horse named Secretariat. Trying to prevent another two-week-long crying spell like the previous year, my parents tried to prepare me for the odds being against “Secy” winning the Triple Crown. I never wavered. I still cry when I watch him run on old footage.
As an adult, I am not as dedicated, but I keep up with the Derby. Most years we go to horse camp where we trail ride all day and then attend the camp’s Derby Party. I call it BYOH- bring your own horse.
This year I feel my old Derby excitement for Epicenter. He is the current favorite and I think it is because he was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky. That makes him like the majority of natives who were born in rural counties and not the blue-blood farms around Lexington. Granted he is well bred and worthy of the attention, but he is a horse of the people.
I don’t know if he is Triple Crown material, but it is possible that my eyes will get misty when he comes out of the tunnel and onto the track as the band plays My Old Kentucky Home.
The Yoga Cowgirl 
Oh, what a sweet post. I have always been so in awe of the immense power and athleticism of those horses running like that for 2 minutes. But after Barbaro, I have had mixed feelings about the safety for horses. I’m saying this as a complete bystander and novice so maybe you have a better perspective as to whether they are safe running these races.
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I am in awe of these animals, but like most things where money is made, there is a dark underside to this industry.
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Ah, that makes sense and gives me a little more perspective.
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I hope you weren’t disappointed in the outcome. I used to take an interest in the Derby and even enjoyed going to some local horse races where I live now. I can recall having a big crush on jockey Steve Cauthen, back in the day! Clipped his photo out of Newsweek to put on my wall.🥰
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I also had a crush on Steve Cauthen, LOL!
I’m a little disappointed but what a perfect race and great story.
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My parents loved the Derby as much as you. I remember them into it as child. It might have been the horses– or the Mint Juleps. What an upset this year!
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This is sweet. My mom’s assisted living has a derby party every year. They all bet bet on the race–this year’s winner wasn’t even on their list. They all enjoyed root beer floats instead of mint juleps.
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Love this! Yes, the winner was a late entry from a horse that dropped out.
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