I was cordially invited to a Kentucky Derby party last Saturday and it turned out to be such a blast. Not only were the ladies dressed in large sun hats, guys in their classic Chaps style clothing and bet takers selling a chance to pick the potential winner out of a hat, but there was even Derby pie, which had an interesting taste (bourbon?) but I really liked it. Anyone who has watched the Kentucky Derby or any of the Triple Crown Events (Belmont Stakes, Preakness) knows that the media coverage of these horse races is so drawn out and hyped prior to the actual race itself that it’s like waiting in line at Disneyland to go on Splash Mountain. You don’t really know why you’ve been waiting all afternoon, but you do it anyway and when it’s all said and done it was fun but probably didn’t meet the hype or expectations.
I wagered my $5 and felt good about the horse I drew “Friesan Fire.” A strong horse, it was the favorite amongst commentators and the viewers polled by my former employers at NBC Sports. The conditions were exceptionally muddy, as rain had drenched Churchill downs all weekend. This forced all the millionaire owners to walk the track cautiously and many of the women walked to their seats and interview posts barefoot, as their stilettos would sink in the mud. The pompousness of these elitists really exuded when one of the horse owner’s who paid a record $2.1 million for his two year old horse wouldn’t even stop to answer questions by the commentator forcing an awkward interview as they both walked cautiously through the goop trying to look professional and not slip at the same time (is it bad that I was secretly rooting for him to slip?).
Finally after two hours of pre race festivities which included playing wingman and talking to wine breathed women that were too old for me and not very interesting, the horses were brought to their gates. It’s a good thing I don’t drink because at $7 a beer and five beers, that’s about what I spend on my airline buddy passes. To compensate for being the weird guy that doesn’t drink I just order up some $12 calamari and chicken wing appetizers to become normal again. One more commercial break and this time Bob Costas promises that the 135th Kentucky Derby will be run…
The gun goes off and Jack’s Saloon hasn’t even changed a bit. It appears as though the majority are too inebriated to notice that the race is underway. By the first turn, they begin to get it and start yelling out their horses name belligerently….” Musket Man!!!, Come on Pioneer of the Nile!!! Hoof Hearted!!! ( Hoof Hearted wasn’t actually in this race, but it’s my all time favorite horse name as I’m sure you’ll figure out why upon watching the attached video). Until crossing the finish line Mine That Bird’s name is addressed only once by NBC commentator Mike Battaglia exactly one minute into the race by saying “ And well behind the rest of them is Mine That Bird.”
Everyone’s cheering brought back memories of the 2004 Palio horse race I attended in Siena Italy during my BYU London study abroad. Their horses however are named after animals that represent select Sienese neighborhoods. We were pulling for Leopard that hot July afternoon. But it was Giraffe that crossed the finish line in first place even after its jockey fell off the lap before. I like the Palio better than the derby, but still prefer our horse names to the Italians. “Advice, Advice, Advice!!!” I was now screaming since that was the name of the horse my friend Tim had pulled from the hat, and it was winning as the riders approached the final turn.
That’s when I saw it all unfold, from the very moment jockey Calvin Borel decided it was time to let his horse go. Borel’s story is enough for a major motion picture in and of itself as I’m not sure I’ve ever come across any athlete easier to root for in my life. Born in the heart of Cajun country in south Louisiana, the 5’4, 116 lb jockey most closely resembles Cletus from the Simpsons.
"They can only go so fast, so far. When I hollered at him, he just went on. I had enough room," Borel said. "He's a small horse." It was Borel’s second Derby win in three years as he won aboard “Street Sense” back in 2007.
For one reason or another my eyes picked up Mine That Bird immediately on the backstretch as he began to carve his way in and around the rest of the pack eventually bursting along the inside railing. It seems as though no one was more surprised than announcer Battaglia (watch the video and notice that he tries to make it sound exciting by yelling the names of the other horses, yet struggles to identify the leader). Hello!!! he’s only miles ahead of the pack, and in the event that one of us was actually dumb enough to put money on the 50-1 long shot, we would like to know the name of the horse if you don’t mind). Battaglia finally calls out Mine That Bird as he crosses the finish line a staggering 6 3/4-lengths ahead of the rest. It was the second-biggest stunner in Churchill Downs history and the margin was the largest since Assault won by eight lengths in 1946.
For some odd reason, I have absorbed this year’s Derby profoundly into my mind and heart and come away with valuable parallels to life’s daily grind. Not only is my I-Phone background picture one of Mine That bird, but I have been inspired to start a blog that fuses the happenings of sport with lessons applicable to everyday life. The site is www.mondaymormonquarterback.blogspot.com and will be periodically updating with positive messages intertwining life principles and athletics.
My Two Cents:
Here is my personal breakdown of lessons one can learn and/or apply from this year’s Kentucky Derby:
1) Mine That Bird may have been the smallest thoroughbred in all of Churchill Downs that afternoon and perhaps the smallest colt in race history. Nonetheless, the 3 year old (most are 2 years old) from New Mexico passed his colleagues so fast down the straightaway that he left 153,563 at Churchill Downs checking their programs to see who the heck the No. 8 horse was, and why he was running off with the roses and not the favorite Freisan Fire, who finished 18th out of 19. A lot of times in life we might feel insecure; too small, too old, too ugly, too poor, but by possessing the heart of a champion, the right training and some good luck, we too can get passed the naysayers. Following the horses crossing the finish line, it is usually customary for the following television shot to be of millionaire owners and their families hugging each other and jumping up and down (all while trying to keep hair in place, suits unwrinkled and, hats on head). MTB’s trainer Benjamin “Chip” Whooley’s name was not mentioned or face shown for several minutes. "They know me now," Chip told a TV interviewer. Whooley actually brought Mine That Bird on a simple trailer behind his pick up truck the morning of the race; while the million dollar horses usually come in days early in what are horse equivalents to Bentley’s with refrigerated glove boxes, and sleep in Ritz Carltonesk stables on Egyptian cotton hay.
- Our instructor is the Lord and it is never too late to come unto him, heed his counsel, repent, and inherit his glory. Just as a $2.1 million dollar horse isn’t a prerequisite to win on horse racing’s biggest stage, either are material possessions, infinite friends or an elevated status necessary to obtain Eternal Life. Having already bridged the gap between mortality and immortality, what the Savior asks for is a broken heart and a contrite spirit (3 Nephi 12:19).
2) The track condition were very muddy serving as an advantage for Mine that Bird. Since he came from last to first, he and his rider’s vision were impaired by their mudslinging counterparts. Mine That Bird was able to remain patient, spot the opportunity and never look back. "All I asked him was to lay the horse back and be patient, and he did that magically," said Whooley.
“Stay back and let it fly,” said Borel… “He stayed behind the others….mud in the face, couldn’t see things clearly, until he was out in the open!”
- Things often appear hazy in our lives, and the clarity of our faith and testimony can come in and out of focus at times. It is imperative that when opportunities present themselves, (and they do/will) that we take advantage of them. Recognizing our strengths and weaknesses is essential in this process. It is important that once we commit to giving a righteous goal our all (through prayer and spiritual confirmation), that our confidence doesn’t waiver, thus halting momentum that is generated. Spiritual progression comes through consistency and repetition. Just as our body gets sore when we initiate a new workout or weightlifting program, and just as a basketball player must practice in order to maintain his or her game level, we must initiate a spiritual workout consisting of daily scripture study, prayer and regular church/temple attendance to become spiritually swole (buff). Progress might be difficult to spot at first, but with patience, (a willingness to accommodate the Lord’s timeline) we will increase momentum until we too maneuver our way out in the open around temptation and other obstacles Satan puts in our way (Alma 32:42).
3) Finally, and most importantly, is the value and payout of this year’s Kentucky Derby. It was the second-largest payout in Derby history behind Donerail ($184.90) in 1913. A $2 correct “superfecta” bet would have netted more than $500,000. That’s just a taste of what MTB offered those who were crazy enough to place their bets on 8. Let’s not forget that along with the roses he got to wear (and one must think some tasty organic oat bags came along with it as well), he calmly trotted away with the $2 Million champions purse.
- The worth of souls is great in the sight of God (D&C 18:10). Given the current economic climate, many have been hoping and earnestly praying (myself included) that someone out there will take a chance on them. Others are seeking affection and swear (not literally) that if they could just get the boy or girl of their dreams, that they’d lose 10 pounds. Others would valiantly improve their work ethic if they could just see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. The point is that naturally we all feel as though we bring something to the table and feel the need for validation. Our impact does not have to be felt financially, rather it will have a more valuable effect if it can penetrate the souls of other causing them to repent and come unto Christ (Alma 17:11)
(Please view the following links)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv8x9x5A49s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/05/the_2009_kentucky_derby.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY5SU3ZGF3w
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