We struck on Derby Day! The only down side was, that it wasn’t the 10th at Churchill Downs. It was the 8th at Arlington Park with the 3 yr. old filly JERMIDY owned by Jerry Merritt and Penny Lauer. It was her first start since December 2006. She won a non winners of two on the new "magic carpet" surface.
And speaking of Derby weekend, it was miserable weather on Thursday and Friday as it rained off and on most of the day and evening. Saturday turned out to be a warm and slightly humid day with very little rain. As usual, it was a fantastic race with the favorite (STREET SENSE) winning, making it the first Breeders Cup Juvenile winner to win the Kentucky Derby. He is also the first Two Year Old Juvenile Champion to come back and win the Kentucky Derby since Spectacular Bid. The favorite filly, (RAGS TO RICHES) won the Kentucky Oaks on Friday afternoon.
Celebrity sightings were bountiful, from the Queen of England (who few saw) to local Larry Burkhead and his female entourage. Elvis was seen overlooking the paddock, fresh from his American Idol appearance. Kid Rock (who comes every year), Michael Jordon, Joey Fatone, Payton and Eli Manning as well as others to numerous to mention. With all the dances and charity functions that take place all week, it is one of the largest "dress up" parties in the world.
On Sunday, we awoke to a perfect spring day with low humidity and temperatures in the low 70’s. I am sure it helped all those hung over and worn out from the jam packed week.
I hope that you all would check out my blog (www.lizzieloophotography.blogspot.com) to read up on Street Sense’s involvement with the Race For Education. 1% of his total earnings go to benefit the Race For Education, for a total of $16,000 from Derby alone. This is almost one full scholarship! One full scholarship from the Race For Education was awarded to me in 2005, and is helping to foot most of my WKU bill. This program is amazing and really works for the horse industry – plus I’m on their homepage (racingscholarships.com) standing next to Street Sense last Monday.
-Elizabeth