you say.) In our house, as a child, it was compulsory to listen to the race on
the radio and, later, watch it on television in black and white. Over the years
it's gotten a lot more elaborate and begins to rival England's Ascot Opening
Day. Dresses for the day cost upwards of $500, hats seem to have become de
rigeur for women All this fol-de-rol for a race that takes, perhaps, two
minutes.
It is, of course, the first leg of the Triple Crown and a great deal of money
hinges on the horse and jockey able to win all three races. The other two are
the Preakness and the Belmont Stake Race. The three races are for 3 year olds.
A horse who wins the Triple Crown has much more value as a stud when put out to
pasture. The last winner of the crown was Affirmed in 1978. The jockey was
Steve Cauthen, the youngest jockey to have won a triple crown.
So, if you have a blank spot today or you're not going to St. Paul's Cinco de
Mayo celebration, look towards Louisville, Ky and salute the running of the
Kentucky Derby.