By R. David Shew
My family moved to Kentucky in August 1970. Ten months later, I learned a lot about the Kentucky Derby. Secretariat will always be one of my favorite thoroughbred horses. Big Red and Ronnie won the Kentucky Derby in 1973 which was my high school graduation year. If you have not ever been to Claiborne Farm in Paris, it is my suggestion for you to log into www.visithorsecountry.com and plan a visit.
This time of year, the eyes of the racing world are centered on the first Saturday in May and Churchill Downs. Twenty horses will enter the gate Saturday, May 3rd for the Kentucky Derby.
My father, Randall Shew, will be smiling down on Louisville Saturday and pulling for Journalism and Publisher to make it to the finish line first and second. This son will gladly place a $2 exacta box bet on 8, Journalism, and 13, Publisher, Saturday in my father’s honor.
Dad loved animals and fell in love with thoroughbreds when we moved to Kentucky. Mom wishes that he would have fallen in love with a condo on the beach in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, but I do not need to go there.
One has to enjoy the names of the horses in the Derby this year. Some of my favorites, besides Journalism and Publisher, are Citizen Bull, Final Gambit, American Promise, Flying Mohawk, Coal Battle, Sandman, Chunk of Gold, and Owen Almighty.
Render Judgment is an interesting story about a horse that was owned by Toby Keith and three other organizations. Toby loved country music and horses. His daughter is proud to represent her father’s ownership this year at the Kentucky Derby. Toby dreamed of having a thoroughbred run in the Derby. My father had this dream too. By the way, Kenny McPeek is the trainer of Render Judgment and won the Derby and Oaks last year.
East Avenue is trained by Brendan Walsh, a friend who was a jockey in Europe before coming to America. Brendan is a great guy and good for horse racing.
An old golf competitor from Maysville told me today that his two favorites were Sandman and Burnham Square. They are two top horses this year and not bad picks.
The Kentucky Derby will air Saturday on NBC, and it is my hope that you pick a winner! Good luck to all with your wagers!
Post time for the Derby is 6:57 p.m. Saturday.
