Monday, May 07, 2012

Kentucky Derby...Horseracing's Superbowl

I watched the Kentucky Derby this weekend and as usual it was quite the spectacle. While the race itself was quite exciting, it only lasts about two minutes, but it is arguably the most exciting two minutes in Sports. More than just the race, it's everything leading up to it that makes the Kentucky Derby the Superbowl of horse racing. For all intents and purposes, the festivities surrounding the race kicks off weeks before the race, leading up to the grand finale on the day of the race.

Celebrities of all types make their appearance at Old Hilltop to take in the scene. For those who have a vested interest in the race such as the owners, trainers, jockeys and horses themselves it is a make or break day. For the owner and jockeys they hope to garner horse racing fame and possibly a chance for horse racing immortality by winning the Triple Crown. But it is really the horse that attains that special place and not the jockey or owners. I can prove my point my stating that not more than one out of a thousand people remember who owned or rode Secretariat but they do remember that horse.

There's another benefit that comes to the lucky winner of any of the big three races, and that is the privlege of providing stud services to filly's in his leisure and retirement from racing. And it's not a bad deal for the horse either!