The Triple Crown

The Kentucky Derby

Notes: I've made a few changes to the race.

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May 1, 2004

Churchill Downs - 10th

Kentucky Derby (G1)

Distance: 1 1/4 Miles Surface: Dirt

Open. Age: 3 Year Olds Stakes

Purse $1,000,000.

PP - Horse - Jockey - Trainer - ML

1 - Limehouse - Santos J A - Pletcher Todd A 30-1

2 - Song of the Sword - Arroyo N Jr - Pedersen Jennifer 30-1

3 - Lion Heart - Smith M E - Biancone Patrick L 10-1

4 - Action This Day - Flores D R - Mandella Richard 30-1

5 - Wimbledon - Bailey J D - Baffert Bob 126 15-1

6 - Friends Lake - Migliore R - Kimmel John C 15-1

7 - Minister Eric - Day P - Mandella Richard 30-1

8 - Master David - Solis A - Frankel Robert 12-1

9 - St Averil - Baze T C - Becerra Rafael 30-1

*10 - Southern Oregon St - Taylor J - Kinney Brian 20-1

11 - Imperialism - Desormeaux K J - Mulhall Kristin 15-1

12 - The Cliff's Edge - Sellers S J - Zito Nicholas P 4-1

13 - Borrego - Espinoza V - Greely C Beau 20-1

14 - Birdstone - Prado E S - Zito Nicholas P 50-1

15 - Read the Footnotes - Albarado R J - Violette Richard A Jr 12-1

16 - Smarty Jones - Elliott S - Servis John C 9-1

17 - Castledale (IRE) - Valdivia J Jr - Mullins Jeff 15-1

18 - Pollard's Vision - Velazquez J R - Pletcher Todd A 20-1

19 - Tapit - Dominguez R A - Dickinson Michael W 8-1

20 - Pro Prado - McKee J - Holthus Robert E 30-1

21 - Quintons Gold Rush - Nakatani C S - Asmussen Steven M 20-1

Second Half Oaks-Derby Daily Double/Exacta/Trifecta/Superfecta

Pick 3 (Races 10-11-12)

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I wonder what it's like to go to work after sunrise like normal people you think to yourself as you pull onto the rainy highway. But it's just like every other work day. Well almost.

It's the first Saturday in May. You're in Louisville and heading to Churchill Downs. It's Derby Day. Your name is Brian Kinney and you train race horses for a living. One of the horses you train is running today. And not just in any race. He's in the 130th running of the Kentucky Derby, the most famous horse race in the world.

Your ungodly start time and work schedule is something else you can blame on your father. Other fathers when they wanted to spend time with their son would play catch or hoops or go to a ball game. Mine took me to the track. Said it would be good for me to hang around with real men. Yeah right. It was mostly watching his busted out friends who were trying to scrounge two bucks for a bet.

Since I was just sitting there most of the time I started to pick up on the math and systems of handicapping. After awhile I became pretty popular with his buddies because I could pick winners. I was a real miniature Damon Runyon character. But I knew how hard it was to win in the long run. That's how I got involved behind the scenes. As a teenager I used to work for a trainer that was a friend of my dads. He took me under his wing and that's how the city boy learned all about the care and training of race horses. It's how I became a trainer.

The track gave me a place of my own where I could be accepted for who I was. That's pretty good for a teenager who's just coming out to himself. The track was mostly a male environment. It didn't take long to find other guys like myself.

But over the last couple of years the best part of racing was a young apprentice rider I found. Or maybe he found me. We met on the backstretch one foggy morning when he was working horses. Blond hair flying in the wind and the bluest eyes I've ever seen. An ass most guys would die for. I've never told him but as he rode past me that day it was love at first sight.

He turned out to be a pretty good rider. He got a few mounts from me on the track. Then he got a few mounts in my bed. But he earned both. Justin was the best raw talent I ever saw, both in and out of bed. It sounds crazy but he had a form of empathy that let him almost talk to horses. All the great riders have it. And Justin will be considered one of the greats one day. Just have to hope his fearlessness doesn't get him killed one day.

I still have nightmares about that day. They were coming around the far turn and a lead horse went down. There was no place to go and 4 horses went down including Justin's. I can still hear the sound of one of the following horses stepping on his head. It was a miracle he lived. He didn't wake up for 2 weeks. After that some of the doctors didn't expect him to walk again. But a year later in his first races back he came flying up the home stretch between horses with his devil may care attitude and won. It was his way of yelling to the world, 'I'M BACK!".

The sky was just starting to barely lighten and show the morning rain as Justin and I arrived at the barn. Horses are just like children but headstrong, temperamental children that weight over a thousand pounds. Our dog Sid Vicious came out to investigate the noise as we pulled up. She was also looking for her breakfast. Horses are not solitary animals but race horses are alone in their stalls a lot of the time. That's why we keep dogs, goats and other animals around the barns. Sid was a black lab named by one of the grooms who was a punk rock fan. She hung around the barn and had taken a liking to the reason we were all here.

His name was Southern Oregon State. We called him Southern for short and sometimes shit head when he misbehaved. . He was named after the alma-mater of the owner. He was a big strong three year old chestnut colt but with the temperament of a child going through the terrible twos. But when he set his mind to it boy could he run.

He never showed much promise as a two year old. That's how I got him. But something happened when he turned three. He won a few races going away so we entered him into a couple of the Derby prep races. He held his own so the owner decided to take the chance on the big race.

He knew we were there and was already trying to kick the walls of his stall down.

"Hey!" I yelled to get his attention. He meekly turned around and walked over like a child caught doing something bad. I usually had an apple for him in the morning and he knew that. He chowed down as I gave him a little TLC and some soft words. Like any spoiled child he just wanted a little attention

Since he was racing today we just wanted him to get a light workout to get the kinks out. Because of the rain overnight the track had been sealed to protect it. No horses were allowed on the track that morning. So the grooms just walked him around the barn area so he could work off a little energy.

After about 30 minutes we got him back to his stall. He was fed and cleaned up. Justin stopped by my office.

"Hey." He said softly to get my attention.

"Heading over?" He had to head over to the jocks room and get ready. First race was at 11 am. He was riding in one other race today before the Derby.

"Yeah." I could see how nervous he was getting

"Look, you'll do fine. I'll see at the paddock."

"Later." He said with that nervous smile and left.

Now we wait and hope the rain stays away. About 9 am the monsoons hit. There goes a chance for a fast track. I watched the early races but mostly we waited. Justin got a fourth in his race. But it did give him a good chance to feel the track out for later.

The track had gradually dried out so by the eighth race the track was listed as fast. At about 4:30 we started getting every thing ready. It started to look like the Derby would get a fast track. That is till monsoon number 2 hit. Even knocked the live remote ESPN was doing off the air. So much for a fast track.

The rain gradually tapered off and stopped so we got prepared. The saddle and some gear were sent over to the saddling paddock. Here at Churchill from the barn area you have to walk onto the back stretch of the track, around the turn and halfway down the home stretch. Then take a tunnel through the grandstand which takes you to the paddock. And you have to do all this with a temperamental thoroughbred in front of 100,000 plus people. Piece of cake.

We left the horse blanket behind and me and a couple of grooms headed off with Southern through the barn area to the back stretch. Was kind of surprised how well he behaved.

I checked the track out as we walked. There was water on the surface but it was draining off. It did feel really solid and neither us nor Southern sank in to much. The conditions were going to be ok.

As we walked down the home stretch we were greeted by the cheers. What a feeling that was walking in front of that grandstand. But with the noise I figured if we were going to have problems this was where it was going to be. But he just looked around and didn't let it bother him. It was almost as if he was saying "Big deal lets race."

We got him through the tunnel and to the paddock. Found our assigned stall and preceded to get him ready. There's a thin cushion, then the saddle cloth with his name and post number that goes on his back first, then a small saddle that's cinched on. That plus Justin should come out to exactly 126 pounds. The weight all horses in this race are assigned to carry.

The call went for the jockeys and a few minutes later Justin arrived. He was wearing the green and gold colors of the owner.

"How's he been acting?" Justin asks you.

"Like a champ. It's almost hard to believe."

Then you heard the call "Riders Up!"

This is it. I held out my hand for Justin and gave him a boost into the saddle. "Justin." I said to get his attention. He bent down and I kissed him "For luck." I whispered in his ear. "Now go kick their asses." I then said loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I'll see you in the winners circle." He said confidently with that big smile of his.

The horses headed out from the paddock in their post position order as the on track Bugler began to play "The Call to Post". Each horse is assigned an outrider. It's another horse and rider who will escort you to the starting gate. He's there to help with any problems that might occur and to stop any horses from getting lose and running free.

Justin had been calm most of the day but now the butterflies are really starting. You haven't entered the tunnel yet but the lead horses are already reaching the track.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the management, staff and horsemen of Churchill Downs welcomes you to the 130th running of the Kentucky Derby. Please rise and join with the University of Louisville marching band for the singing of My Old Kentucky Home."

The tunnel amplifies the sound as 100,000+ people rise to there feet and begin to sing.

The sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home,

'Tis summer, the people are gay;

The corn top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom,

While the birds make music all the day.

The young folks roll on the little cabin floor,

All merry, all happy and bright;

By'n by hard times comes a-knockin' at the door,

Then my old Kentucky home, good-night!

Weep no more, my lady!

Oh weep no more today.

We will sing one song for my old Kentucky home,

For my old Kentucky home, far away.

There isn't anyone who's involved with this race that doesn't get a little misty eyed when they sing that song.

"Here are the horses for today's race. Post position #1 is Limehouse…."

You half listen to the announcer. It'll be a minute before he gets to us. You scratch Southern between his ears and pet his neck to help calm him. "Well boy we going to kick some ass today?" you ask. You half believe he understood you when he shakes his head up and down. He feels really calm but you also feel the huge power a thoroughbred has that he's ready to unleash. For the first time you really start to believe we could win this thing.

"… Post position #10 is Southern Oregon State. The jockey, in his first Derby, is Justin Taylor. Southern Oregon State is trained by Brian Kinney and owned by SC Farms. #11 is…"

You heard some cheers during your introduction. At least someone bet on us. "That's for you big guy." You tell him petting his neck.

Brian had worked his up to the owner's seat. They would watch the race together from there.

"How is he?" the owner asked.

"Ready as he'll ever be."

You watch the horses as they approach the starting gate far to your left. You think about how the race should break down. First off is the Kentucky "Demolition" Derby as 19 horses come flying out of the starting gate banging into each and all with the same idea. Get to the rail and get to the front. Then they'll pass in front of us the first time jockeying for position as they head into the first turn. By then things will have settled down and hopefully Justin will have the horse near the front stalking the early leaders. On the back stretch the horses will relax a little trying to save some energy for a big finish. As they enter the far turn the horses that can will begin their moves to the front and when they get to the homestretch it's a 1,234.5 foot cavalry charge to the finish. Then hopefully we'll be making a trip to the winners circle.

"The horses are approaching the starting gate."

As you approach the gate you pull down four sets of goggles over your eyes. Because of the wet conditions you're going to get a face full of mud. You have four sets so as one set gets covered with mud you'll pull them down around your neck leaving a clean pair to see through. Hopefully you can save the last pair for the home stretch.

"The horses are at the starting gate."

The outrider leaves you and one of the assistant starters grabs the harness of your horse and leads you into the starting gate. Southern goes right in with no problem. He's always been good at loading. Because there are so many horses they load two at a time. Post 1 and 10 then 2 and 11 and so on till all 19 are loaded. Southern is ready to go but we have to wait. "Easy boy it'll happen soon enough.'

"…Quintons Gold Rush is the last to load. The flag is up! And they're off in the Kentucky Derby!"

The gates fly open and Southern takes off like a rocket. That's another good thing about him. I've never had to hustle him out of a starting gate. Imperialism on your right cuts over a little and bumped you but it doesn't cause a problem.

"…Imperialism got a little bump from The Cliffs Edge at the start. Read the Footnotes comes away in good order and there's Lion Heart flashing his early speed today. Minister Eric and Southern Oregon are up close to the pace. Limehouse down toward the inside has been taken back. Quintons Gold Rush is on the far outside…"

You let Southern run the way he wants. The field gradually spreads out and that allows you to swing him left so you're closer to the rail. The worst thing that can happen is being caught wide going into the first turn.

"…By us for the first time Lion Heart leads the way with a host of pursuers. Minister Eric is there. Read the Footnotes is third. Smarty Jones is very eager. He's forth. Southern Oregon hustled up to fifth. Pollards Vision is there on the outside and Quintons Gold Rush is next, six wide as they move into the club house turn…"

You pull down the first set of muddy goggles. They lasted longer then you expected. You got Southern sitting fifth just off the rail. It will give you a chance to save some ground. But you're going to have to be careful you don't get boxed in on the rail.

"…Farther back Master David is running along in eighth position. Borrego is ninth on the outside. Pro Prado moves up into tenth. Birdstone is eleventh and in between horses. Limehouse is saving ground with Castledale in the clear. He's now running in thirteenth. Friends Lake is now fourteenth. Song of the Sword fifteenth. Tapit is running together sixteenth and seventeenth with The Cliffs Edge. And Imperialism is eighteenth. He has but one horse beaten. And that is Action this Day…"

Ok you're on the backstretch. Let's try and get Southern to relax a little. We need to save something for the finish. But by being close to the rail it's allowing you to save a ton of ground. That will pay dividends at the finish.

"…The opening half mile: forty six and three fifths seconds. And Lion Heart throws down the gauntlet and opens up by three. Testing fractions for him with five furlongs to go…"

We're coming up to the far turn. Second set of goggles down. You've moved up to third. Horses are beginning to move up on your right. You're going to have to do something or you're going to get boxed in.

"…Smarty Jones is a stalking second as they approach the far turn. Southern Oregon is third on the rail, saving ground. Pollards Vision in the clear and he's right there fourth. Minister Eric down on the inside looking for fifth. Read the Footnotes is handling the track well. He's sixth between horses…"

"…With a half mile to run they've run three quarters in one eleven and four. Borrego is beginning to pick it up on the outside. Southern Oregon is moving on the rail. Pollards Vision fights his way through in between horses. And there goes Tapit. Tapit is circling horses on the far outside. And The Cliffs edge is following him. And Imperialism is risking his way through down toward the inside. Now to the outside and Master David follows him. They're twelve lengths from the lead… "

It's now or never. You tap Southern with your whip and urge him on. All of a sudden you find he has a new set of gears you've never seen before. Southern comes up rocketing off the turn and flying down the rail. You've got a clear path to the finish. We're going to win this damn thing.

"…as Lion Heart turns for home an undefeated Smarty Jones comes flying off the turn. Southern Oregon is driving on the inside. And these three hook up at the top of the stretch. Lion Heart is all heart. Smarty Jones is all out. Southern Oregon is driving mightily. And those three are deadlocked at the eighth pole. And Smarty Jones is rode to the lead by journeyman jockey Stuart Elliot. Southern Oregon goes with him. And they have taken the lead away from Lion Heart. Farther back its Limehouse and Imperialism…"

"Come on Justin! Go baby!" Brian yells along with thousands of other people as they watch the two horses battle to the finish line.

"Wire! Where's the farkuckta wire!" yells the owner.

"…Smarty Jones and Southern Oregon are neck and neck, nose to nose, driving to the finish. Neither one will give way. And at the wire… PHOTO, TO CLOSE TO CALL!!! "

"Photo???" the panicked voice of the owner says.

Damn that was close. "Come on, we got to get down there." You grab the owners arm and try to weave your way through the crowd.

You let the horse coast through the turn. Damn that was close. I have no idea who won. You make eye contact with the other rider. He shrugs his shoulders. He has no idea who won either.

Brian and the owner stopped for a moment as they played the replay of the finish in super slow motion on the big screen in the infield. You hear the crowds' reaction. No one can pick out who won.

You get the horse under control and turn him around and head back to the finish line. As you come around the turn you look at the tote board. All it says is "Photo" You see Brian has made his way down to the track and you trot Southern over to him. One of the grooms grabs his harness while you get off his back. It'll help him to get your weight off of him as soon as possible. You already know what Brian's first question will be. You just shrug. You've got no idea who won.

As a trainer your first priority is to your horse. The groom starts to walk him slowly in a circle. That will stop him from stiffening up. You see he's catching his breath and he's walking with no distress. Good, that means he came through the race ok.

Now comes the hard part. You wait for the Stewards to read the photo and see who won. It should only take a couple of minutes. You've been through this before but this is the biggest race of your life. NBC has a couple cameras and reporters down here already. But they keep their distance.

It's about 5 minutes and nothing. They keep showing the replay but it doesn't tell you anything new. You wait and wait. 6, 7, 8 minutes and still nothing. Christ what are they looking at. Finally, Justin touches your arm and points. The photo sign is gone. Here it comes.

DEADHEAT the tote board flashes.

You both won! It was a tie. It's the first time in Derby history it's happened. Numbers 10 and 16 are blinking. 3 and 11 finished third and fourth. Before you can react Justin jumps up and grabs you around the neck yelling "We won!"

You're absolutely in shock. I must be dreaming. But it's not a dream, it's real. You just hug Justin close to you. Not many people get to share a moment like this with someone this close to them. You let him down because it's time for all the ceremonies that go with winning this thing. Both horses are lead into the infield and since you have the lower post number Southern will go first for the photos. Justin gets back on and a blanket of roses is draped over Southerns' shoulders. The owner, his friends, you and all the guys from the barn gather in for the winner's photo with Southern. Then it's the turn of connections of Smarty Jones to have the same photo taken.

Since there's only one trophy for now the owners are presented it together. Photos are taken. Then Justin and Stuart Elliott pose together as joint winners with the trophy. Then you and your opposite, John Servis, pose for more photos. Then you all get together for one big photo opportunity.

The hoopla finally starts to die down after you must have shaken a million hands and given a million interviews. But now your priority is to get the horse back to the barn. Southern gets a bath and is put back in his stall to rest and eat. You go back to your office to get some quiet time after the craziest day of your life. Then it hits you. You got to start making plans for a trip to Baltimore. The Preakness Stakes is in two weeks and you got a shot at the Triple Crown.

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