Some Derby Pics
Last weekend I travelled to Louisville to attend the KY Derby with my friend Dave. After wandering around in a post-Derby daze the past few days, I finally got around to posting some cell phone pics. I’ll try to recap what happened, but the details still seem a little fuzzy.
Friday morning at Churchill Downs
We got to the track early Friday, “KY Oaks Day,” and the weather was perfect. The picture above is from the Trackside Village just outside the first turn. We spent most of our time there; with an open bar, complimentary buffet, and short betting lines, why not.
Calvin and RACHEL leaving the paddock
I ventured out to the paddock for the La Troienne to see horse racing’s “rock star,” RACHEL ALEXANDRA. The area was packed with people trying to get a glimpse. A lady near the fence offered me her prime spot and I got a clean shot of Calvin and RACHEL (thanks, whoever you are!). Notice Calvin petting RACHEL’s neck to calm her among the cheering crowd.
Kentucky Oaks First Turn
The stands were filled for the KY Oaks and I snapped a photo of the field rounding the first turn. I know, the horses look pretty small; sorry, no zoom lens. I bet on CRISP by the way, but BLIND LUCK’s rallying victory was impressive. People at the track were going nuts during the stretch drive; a terrific race!
Barbaro's Statue
Leaving the track, we walked past Barbaro’s statue just outside the Derby museum. I thought, what the hell, why not take a picture. Barbaro is in full stride with all four hooves above the ground — very cool! Unfortunately, there were too dang many people around for an unobstructed shot.
Oaks day was profitable betting-wise. I bet 10 of the 12 carded races and won five of them. I was 4 for 4 in the turf races with QUICK DELIVERY, DANZON, SILVER TIMBER, and DOUBLES PARTNER all getting it done.
Friday night on Bardstown Road
Friday night we relaxed on Bardstwon Road. For some reason, there was a guy walking down the street carrying a big white cross and yelling at people; wasn’t sure what to make of that.
Dave: at the track early and ready to bet
The morning of the Derby was wet and dreary, but spirits were high as we downed Bloody Mary’s while reviewing the racing form. Here’s a shot of Dave feeling lucky and rarin’ to go.
The "Roses"
Before the 5th race I went to down the paddock and stumbled upon the blanket of roses on display in a big case right next to the clubhouse.
Jill in the paddock giving out her picks
Our buddy Stu hooked us up with some paddock passes. In addition to seeing some beautiful race horses up close, we saw ESPN’s Jeanine Edwards interviewing trainers and Jill Byrne doing her paddock report.
Stu's horse #4 HYMN BOOK
We really liked Stu’s horse, HYMN BOOK. The 5th was off the turf to be run on a sloppy track and she was 1 for 1 in the slop. We bet aggressively, but no dice, HYMN BOOK led at the clubhouse turn before getting passed in the stretch.
After that, Dave had to hit the ATM and the lines were long. You’d think CD would have more ATM terminals for the Derby. Not wanting to miss the 6th, Dave went into the US Bank branch where his paddock pass garnered surprisingly prompt service.
The money run paid off a few races later when Dave hit the trifecta in the 9th with Calvin Borel’s ATTA BOY ROY winning at over 10-1. His combination win and trifecta bets paid $880 and he was back in the black!
Derby horses and their entourage
Later on, with about 30 minutes before the Derby, the horses were led in from the backstretch. All 20 horses, trainers, owners, and various others, paraded in from the backstretch. A site to behold.
CONVEYANCE and SIDNEY's CANDY leading the Derby field
Here’s a shot as the Derby field rounds the first turn. I thought a fast pace would set up well for my picks: ICE BOX, PADDY O’ PRADO, and, ahem, AWESOME ACT. Well, you know what happened.
Donna Brothers interviews Calvin Borel after the Derby
Dave topped his score in the 9th by hitting the trifecta in the Derby (race 11); his combined trifecta and win bets paid over $2,500. Of course, Calvin Borel was the constant in those two bets.
As for me, I had ICE BOX and PADDY in exactas and trifectas with MISSION IMPAZIBLE and AWESOME ACT. I dismissed SUPER SAVER due to his running style, but failed to account for “Calvin the magic Derby jockey.”
After crushing Oaks Day, my only winners on Derby day were MONA DE MOMMA in the Humana Distaff and the exacta in the 13th, a maiden special weight. Luckily, my wins on Friday covered my losses on Saturday . . . well, almost anyway.
Dave in line at the "IRS window"
Of course, after you win that much money, you gotta fill out some paperwork for Uncle Sam.
That paddock pass is a chick magnet
Hitting a few trifectas makes you very popular in the Trackside Village.
"And down the stretch they come"
New York's Finest
After the Derby we met up with Kevin, a NYPD officer having a good ole time.
Kevin and Steve with Chip Woolley
It’s about 9pm and we’re were drinking beer and milling around about an hour after the last race of the day when a couple of guys walk by; one’s carrying a large metal “MINE THAT BIRD 2009″ sign and the other has a black cowboy hat. In our post-Derby stupor it took a few moments to register that it was Chip Woolley. No worries, Kevin ran after him; he’s used to pulling people over I guess. Chip could not be more friendly as he stopped for some pics – a very good dude.
Derby Day at CD - "Before"
Derby Day at CD - "After"
After two days of non-stop drinking and betting and I didn’t run out of money or throw-up once. Of course, when I got home and watched Andy Cohen host Bravo’s KY Oaks coverage I suddenly felt sick to my stomach.
What was learned? 1) Waiting in CD’s taxi line after the races takes forever; you can catch make shift “shuttles” from locals much quicker (I wouldn’t do this alone though);. 2) The more Mint Juleps you drink, the better they taste. 3) Calvin can win on just about any horse at Churchill Downs!
On to Pimlico . . .
