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Mind, Body, Soul
It's
a First!!
By Mona Lease
Greetings, Gals!! Saturday May 4, 2019 saw the Kentucky Derby kick off
the month of May. Never before in the history of the Kentucky Derby has
"this" ever happened. What is "this?" Glad you asked. I'll tell you!!
This year was the 145th running (trotting,,,pacing?) of the Kentucky
Derby. AND, the first time in those 145 years, that a winner was "DQ'd"
- disqualified. Yikes and well...wow!!
"Maximum Security" - in essence - changed to the lane to his
right after going through water on the track - which "impeded" or
"blocked" the horse to his right. This did not allow that horse to move
forward and caused that horse to move to his right...which "impeded"
him from going in a forward motion. The horse to his right was not
affected. And this allowed Country House to win. The above situation
with the "lane changing" is illegal and almost caused a "horsey
pile-up" on the track. It is agreed that "Maximum Security" was the
best horse on track...and three years old.
Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted
throughout thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race.
the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.
There are few American sporting events with the history and
popularity of the Kentucky Derby. It's rich traditions - sipping
a mint julep, donning a beautiful hat, and joining fellow race fans in
singing "My Old Kentucky Home" - transcend the Kentucky Derby from just
a sporting event to making it a celebration of southern culture and a
true icon of Americana.
The Kentucky Derby is the longest running sporting event in the United
States, dating back to 1875. This race is often referred to as "The Run
of the Roses" and has continuously produced the most exciting two
minutes in sports, uninterrupted , even when coinciding with profound
historical events like the Great Depression, World War 1, and World War
2.
In 1872, Meriwether Clark went to Europe and attended the Epsom Derby
in England. He talked with people who developed another popular
horserace - The Grand Prix. Clark wanted to bring this racing to the
United States. John and Henry Churchill (Clark's uncles) gave
Clark the necessary land to develop a racetrack.
The Kentucky Derby had been through various changes over the years.
From shortening the distance of the race, the introduction of
traditions like draping the winning horse in a garland of roses, to the
growing size of the Derby crowds; the Kentucky Derby embraced the
change of time, while honoring the integrity of the spectacle race. In
1883, the name "Churchill Downs" is first used to landmark the
racetrack that is now the home of the Kentucky Derby. (Wikipedia)
What does this have to do with women? Keep reading!
In 1904: Mrs. Laska Durnell nominated "Elwood" to the Kentucky Derby.
"Elwood" was the first starter and winner - owned by a woman...also
bred by a woman...Mrs. J.B. Prather.
In 1942: Seven of the eight finishers in the Kentucky Derby were owned
by women. The exception was "Valdina Orphan"...who finished third.
As of 2015, no woman trainer or jockey has ever won the Kentucky Derby.
Mary Hirsch was the first female trainer to race a horse in the
Kentucky Derby...in 1937.
Shelley Riley finished in 2nd place riding "Casual Lies" - in the
1992 Kentucky Derby.
In the 2011 Kentucky Derby, Kathy Ritvo finished in 3rd place riding
"Mucho Macho Man." She went on to win the Breeder's Cup Classic
in 2013. This made her the first woman trainer to win a Breeder's Cup
Classic. (Wikipedia)
If there's a moral here, gals; maybe it is: Put on your helmet, protect
your eyes, get your feet planted firmly, and hang on tightly. The road
gets muddy and there are those who will get in your way - intentional
or not.
The best is yet to be!
"Sometimes all you need is for someone to just be there, even if they
can't solve your problems. Just knowing there is someone who cares can
make all the difference." - sun.gazing.com MONA
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