As we go through this pandemic Danny Boyce has decided to mention some of what he is missing from the sports world. Some will seem silly, some will seem serious, and there’s a distinct possibility that the reader will feel the opposite of which ones are which. But again, it’s sports, so enjoy!
Part 2: The Kentucky Derby
“AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME!!!!!!”
We should have heard that last Saturday.
IT IS A NATIONAL PASTIME!!!
It is a time when we actually do remember a part of our past. Back when football or basketball didn’t’ matter as much. Back when what we consider our “Sunday Best” was standard dress for a sporting event.
It is a time for the gamblers to pretend they know something about horse racing, even though they just started reading about this race the day before (maybe Wednesday; don’t want to insult any gamblers out there).
It is a time to decide if the next two big races are worth watching (Boyce tip: If the Derby is a close race, you won’t see a Triple Crown Winner).
It is about Secretariat taking his first big step into history.
It is about my dad having to buy a round at Telich’s, including one for his three-month old son, because that kid drew Seattle Slew in the 1977 Derby. Oh, that three-month old son heard about it 21 years later. And yes, that 21-year old son bought him a round. You’d think he paid for high school or something . . .
It is about a Rite of Spring. That finally the flowers will start blooming, the sun will be out longer, the temperature warmer . . .
And most importantly, it’s about caring about something.
It sounds crazy, but people CARE about the Kentucky Derby. People show up WANTING to look their best. For one day a year, horse racing is once again the Sport of Kings. World Wars didn’t shake it up. But mess this did.
Damn it.