Thursday – 5/2/2013

“This is not about going back. This is about life being ahead of you and you run at it! Because you never know how far you can run unless you run.” – Diane Lane (from the movie “Secretariat”)

 
This Saturday marks the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, otherwise affectionately referred to as, “The Run for the Roses.” Even before I attended my first Kentucky Derby in 2007, I was always a fan of the race, getting caught up in the excitement leading up to the first Saturday in May. However, it’s more than a race, it’s an event, and something I have always thought others should try to witness at least once in their life if given the opportunity. The last Derby I attended was May 2, 2009, two months before an accident that left me paralyzed. Every race I’ve watched since my injury has been somewhat bittersweet, with me feeling fortunate to be alive, but wishing I could still be walking the grounds at Churchill Downs.

As I have been gearing up for this weekend’s festivities, reminiscing about the fond memories I have, it struck me how in a way, Derby Day is somewhat analogous to life, and I think a few parallels can be drawn between the two. When it comes to Derby Day, it’s all about the anticipation and the events leading up to the race itself. It’s truly an epitome of the reminder that life is a journey, not a destination. After all, the actual race represents less than 1% of the entire day at the track. But it’s the other 99% of the day that I always hearken back to when thinking about the Derby, not the actual two-minute race.

First of all, there is a tremendous amount of detail and meticulous planning that goes into choosing the outfit you will wear on race day. This is somewhat akin to the choices one makes in life, such as where to go to school, whom to marry, whether to start a family, etc. that sets the tone for an individual’s future direction. While the fate of picking out the perfect hat, tie or pair of socks may not be as significant as making a more crucial decision like choosing the right retirement funds to invest in, one cannot underestimate its relative importance. The right outfit just further helps enhance the entire day and should not be taken lightly!

Next, there is the incredible and arduous task of predicting the winner and wagering on the right horse. Kind of like all the preparation and care that someone puts into going about his or her life, you can study the daily racing form until you’re blue in the face. And even though you may have the best of intentions in making the safe, educated and well-researched bet, at the end of the day sometimes a little luck is still needed. And every now and then it just might be worth throwing caution to the wind and letting it ride!

And then of course, there is the raw, unfettered and unpredictable range of emotions that accompany the day. A day at the races certainly runs the gamut of emotions that are impossible to escape throughout one’s life. There are incredible highs and extremely deflating lows. I vividly remember the exhilaration I felt in 2009 watching Mine That Bird come from dead last to win, claiming the longest margin of victory in over 60 years, and becoming the longest-odds horse to win the Derby in 85 years. The jubilation I felt was further punctuated by the fact that I had placed a bet on the horse to win!

But the amazing high I experienced watching Mine That Bird make history was matched by the incredible low I felt the previous year witnessing the mighty filly, Eight Belles, fracture her ankles at the finish, and subsequently resulting in her being euthanized right there on the track – the first fatality in Kentucky Derby history. I have personally witnessed the highest of highs and the lowest of lows at the Kentucky Derby. Similarly, life filled me the same highs and lows as I joyfully celebrated my second wedding anniversary with the love of my life, only to break my neck three weeks later. Inevitably, we will all experience ups and downs throughout our lives, sometimes leaving us searching for answers, while at other times reveling in our good fortune, whether planned or serendipitous. However, it’s important to continually thank God for our blessings along the way.

Finally, no Kentucky Derby would be complete without the traditional mint julep. Even though the drink is comprised mostly of straight bourbon, its taste is rarely associated with the bitterness bourbon possesses. To the contrary, the classic cocktail is heralded for its sweetness, which is very pleasing to the palate due to the sprig of mint and sugar muddled amongst it. The perfect reminder that, just like a mint julep, life is so much sweeter when the right ingredients are added to it. To this I say, choose your ingredients wisely!

And so it is with great pleasure that I leave you with my 2013 Kentucky Derby picks. The candle has been burning at both ends this week as I’ve poured over thousands and thousands of daily racing forms and other documents to correctly predict this year’s winning horse. Yeah right. Actually, I arrived at my picks relatively early in the week and while I admit I still have a bit more research I will be doing, I will go on record with the following Superfecta I plan to box:

Verrazano
Goldencents
Itsmyluckyday
Orb

I’ll also be placing some action on Oxbow and Mylute solely due to the Jockey stories associated with them. Looking forward to the race and a safe trip around the track for all.

Thank you for all of your continued prayers and support! It is greatly appreciated!

Stand Strong!

Scott