It is often called the Sport of Kings, but I think its a sport for all when it comes to watching it. Yesterday was the second largest crowd ever, to watch The Kentucky Derby. I was present at the first largest crowd back 34 years ago at the one hundreth running of the Derby . That year we went to the in -field and believe me there were no kings there. It cost $5.00 to get in and you were searched at the gate for alcohol and other substances and people from all walks of life were there. The riff-raff and the hoi pol loi all cheering together and all singing together and crying together.
Yesterday was still as thrilling as the first derby I attended. We are fortunate enough to get to be right on the fence about eight feet from the track. Hearing the thunder of hooves around the bend and watching the jockys literally 'jockeying ' for position is an experience that has no equal. Gregg took a picture of the horses just as they passed us and #20, Big Brown was very close to the back of the pack planning his circuitous trip to the finish line.
Gregg, Paul and Karen, Linda and Larry, Cynthia Sullivan and Paul Duryea, from Cincinnati, Nathan and the former ump from Denver, Junior, Brian and I were in it for the day. Brian had to leave frequently to attend to his duties and then he roved the whole area to take pictures. Gregg joined him to take pictures from the vantage point of seeing the horses rounding the bend after the race . They were right there when Eight Belles had her break down and had to be euthanized. She came in second in the Derby and had proved her mettle by beating every horse except Big Brown. She was a beautiful, beautiful filly and will long be remembered in the annals of racing. We all mourned her passing.
Linda's husband, Larry is a former Naval Officer and he told us that "8 Bells" is a Navy symbol that means," End of the Watch." When there is a burial at sea the ceremony ends with eight bells ringing.
This may not have had any thing to do with the naming of Eight Belles, it may well have been a coincidence because the belle part indicates a female but nevertheless, it was the end of her watch. We laugh in embarrassment over the sentimental tears that are shed when "Weep no more my Lady.. is sung but there was no joy in our tears for Eight Belles. She left her mark in the racing world. Larry Jones, we offer our sympathy.
On a happier note, I gave a list of bets to Karen to place for me, (the betting windows that were effecient were a 'fer piece' to walk, the near by windows were the tellers from hell) Anyway, Karen accidentally made the wrong bet, she bet #20 across the board instead of betting Pyro. I did also bet Dennis of Cork to show so I won!!! Thank you ,Karen.
We went to Bucco de Peppo (?) for a late dinner when the festivities were over and then came home and crashed. Cynthia and Paul got up at 6:AM and headed back to Cincinnati. A good time was had by all and we are looking forward to Derby 135.Thank you, Brian. You are definitely the host with the most! Thank you ,Gregg for the great pictures you've posted for us. We hope to see some of Brian's soon. We are so lucky to have you talented guys in our family.
I'll write more tomorrow.
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