Kentucky Derby Roller Coaster

I realize that I’m 3 states behind in my posts but today I’m going to write about Barbaro, Seabiscuit, Big Brown and Eight Belles

When I was recently in the Bluegrass State, I was 1 ½ weeks ahead of the Derby festivities and about as far away from Churchill Downs as one could be and still be in the state. It’s horse country and I couldn’t help wishing that my timing was slightly different and I could say I was in Kentucky for the Derby. My sister-in-law was there a few years ago visiting friends in Louisville, it only seems fair that I could be there sometime too! Quilts and horse racing would be the iconic Kentucky experience with a sampling of bourbon for good measure. When I first schemed about visiting all 50 states in one year I fantasized about hitting all of the iconic events. Reality quickly set in and I resolutely reined in my ambitions to my existing plan.

I am not a huge horse racing fan but I love horses. I was fortunate to have horses in my youth and remember watching the “big” races from a young age. A few years ago, when the book and subsequent movie, Seabiscuit, came out John & I really enjoyed both. Always eager to jump on a theme we embraced the Seabiscuit story and took it one step (well several) beyond what one would expect. We went to the Tanforan Mall in San Bruno, CA which is formerly the site of the Tanforan Racetrack and viewed the statue of Seabiscuit. We went to Bay Meadows Race Track for a day of racing to experience the thrill up close. There’s a street in Ingleside District of San Francisco, Urbano Drive, which was a race track in the 1920’s so, of course, we had to march around the loop. See what I mean by beyond?

Two years ago we closely followed the heartbreaking tale of Barbaro and now we have another high-profile tragedy.

Last Saturday I wrote the following excerpted email to my sister-in-law:

Hello from the sexy Days Inn in Sonora. (It's a dump but at least there's wifi) We drove up here this morning to attend the Buie wedding tonight and are taking a brief siesta while watching the Kentucky Derby hype. I can just picture you and Bill in town. I know you didn't go to the race itself but what a thrill to be a part of it all! OH - what a sweet Budweiser commercial - it brought tears to my eyes. Can you imagine me crying to a Budweiser commercial?!? How gauche. Must pause to sing "My Old Kentucky Home"

A perfect segue to the quilt museum. The town was all abuzz with white haired ladies carrying quilted bags. What a zoo! It was two days before the annual National Quilt Show and I naively thought I'd arrive prior to the crowds. Quilts were festooning the entire town of Paducah, Kentucky. I really don't have much to report about the quilts. The crowds were ferocious and there were quilt shows in every public building in town plus many private ones, I imagine. The supposedly really remarkable quilts were in an area that was closed for a private event. All I can say is I'd like to return and I was impressed by the fervor of the quilting fans but I needed to get on the road because Missouri was beckoning so I couldn't linger.


AND THEY'RE OFF......

WOW... go Big Brown!!!!

so, where was I? ah yes, well…

oh no---the filly is down on the track.

…

oh no....how sad...the 2nd place horse broke both front legs and they euthanized her. Horse racing is way too traumatic for me. Tears at a commercial are nothing now.

I know I should write this in a more cohesive manner but I feel like you're sitting here next to me!

The wild spectrum of cheering on a remarkable animal to victory then gasping in despair as the fate of Eight Belles became known was a roller coaster shared by millions across the world. The last two days have brought much commentary and judgment in the media. The Kentucky Derby should bring to mind mint juleps, hats and a rose garland for the winning horse but sadly this year added a tragedy to the mix. I don’t feel the horses are abused but undoubtedly there are issues that need to be addressed. For me the cloud of Barbaro and Eight Belles lingers but the thrill of Big Brown’s accomplishments and heartwarming tale of Seabiscuit shine through. My interests in the tradition of the Derby and in horse racing have been enhanced greatly by my travels and “field trips”. That’s why I do it. That’s why I’ll continue to do it. That’s also why I’ll watch the Preakness Stakes on May 17 cheering Big Brown on and saying a prayer for Eight Belles and Barbaro.