Every May I watch The Kentucky Derby on TV. 
I enjoy the tradition, the color, and the human-interest stories about trainers, owners and jockeys, each one hoping to finish the day in the winner’s circle.

I love the peeks into the stables, with behind-the-scenes views of million-dollar racehorses being groomed into sleek perfection prior to the race.

Every year I look forward to “My Old Kentucky Home,” sung by thousands of spectators.

I marvel at all this: The parade to the post. The gates bursting open, and 20 horses thundering forward onto the track.  Months of training for an event that in moments will be history. 

Hundreds of thousands of dollars changing hands, sometimes through the blind luck of spectators who know nothing about racing but who choose a horse because it has a catchy name.

This year, jockey Calvin Borel crafted his third Derby win in four years and rode Super Saver through the mud to win the Kentucky Derby.

He was my first choice to win. 

Here’s the give-away—now you will discover my level of horseracing expertise:  I picked Borel to get the win because as he finished the Parade to the Post, in the moments prior to the race, he had tears in his eyes and was barely able to control his emotions. Hey, show me an athlete with tears in his eyes, and I’ll believe he cares enough to fight harder than the rest. I doubt my theory would hold up well in any sports broadcast analysis, but I don’t care. (Later Borel said the trainer told him, “Ride him like you own him.” What a perfect thing to tell a jockey.)

My other favorite for Derby winner was an unlikely entry named Noble’s Promise, purchased at auction for $10,000, a pittance for a Derby prospect.

His owners were twenty-five ordinary Americans who pooled their money—and found themselves at The Kentucky Derby.  Their dream horse finished sixth—nearly finishing third.  “We’re kinda like the people you don’t want coming to your party,” said one of the owners, a postman, grinning.  “We don’t belong here.”

Of course they belonged—and probably went home with more fantastic memories than anybody else.  I think I saw some of them shed a few tears, too.

PS – Watch for details about the Vintage Car Show coming up Saturday June 12, 10 a.m. – to 3 p.m., at the Edmonds United Methodist Church on Caspers Street. 

The show is going to be great fun, with food and lots of raffle prizes from local merchants.  Best of all, all proceeds from the show will go to our local food bank.

It’s not too early to put the show on your calendar!  Summer and car shows—a winning combination.  And proceeds to the food bank?  Perfect!  Can’t wait for details?  Call Jim Thayer at 206 -  819-7737.