Today was the one hundred fiftieth running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. As a rule, I’m interested in watching one of the most expensive two minutes in any sport, but for some reason today’s broadcast seemed over the top.
Maybe it was the extended coverage on more than one streaming service, as well as on NBC. Maybe it was the emphasis on the $200 million paddock renovation that “guests are just going to love.” I thought the paddock was where the horses were.
Or maybe it was the hats that people traditionally wear for the occasion. In fact, there is a website touting the best ones. And with 156,710 people in attendance, according to the racecourse’s communications director, there were a lot to choose from.
The horses were beautiful, the jockeys trim and colorful, the weather spectacular. And it was a photo finish among three contenders with Mystic Dan, a fairly long shot, taking the prize.
Still, I was more interested in Heather Cox Richardson’s article about famous horses reprinted in honor of the Derby. If you don’t read her regularly, I suggest you read this piece. Go to https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-3-2024.
I think I’m becoming jaded.
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