05/04/06 Derby Day

I admit I am a horse racing fan. There is nothing that brings tears to my eyes quicker than watching the horses led to the track and the fans rise for the playing of "My old Kentucky Home on Derby Day which happens to be this Saturday. This year the Kentucky Derby will be especially near and dear considering that a 3 year old bred in California foaled, yet raised in southern Oregon has been picked by handicappers as the frontrunner for the Kentucky Derby. The thoroughbred named "Brother Derek" is unique for the Sport of Kings, (sheiks , blue bloods and celebrities) because he is a product of small breeders, precisely the Gavel Ranch in Eagle Point Oregon. Brother Derek's breeding fee wasn't six figures and the colt didn't grow up on pristinely fenced Kentucky Blue grass, rather ran on rugged pastures along the Rouge River. Brother Derek can win, so far not only the Santa Anita Derby but nearly 1.1 million in earnings. So with my mint julep in hand, and a tissue to dab the tears, you know who I will be cheering for at Saturdays' 132nd running of Kentucky Derby.