It's Derby week here in Kentucky! I love Derby week!
I am consumed with all things Derby the first week of May. I read everything I can about the horses--their trainer, their jockey, their farm. I study their pictures. I look at the odds. And, I never have a clear cut favorite to win. I'll pick a horse solely for his looks. This year, the horse Hansen is beautiful! I'll want a jockey to win because I just like him. Calvin Borel, for instance. I love him! Or I'll pull for a trainer because he's never had a Derby winning horse. Or because he's a legend in the horse industry and another win would just be perfect. D.Wayne Lukas hasn't won a Derby in 13 years. I would love to see his horse with the garland of roses come Saturday afternoon. I don't usually bet. I want them all to win.
I'm also obsessed with the Derby Hats. Last year, when I went to the Kentucky Oaks, I had just as many pictures of hats as I did the horses. I love seeing all the gorgeous and outrageous Derby hats.
There's something almost magical about the Derby. I get goosebumps when the call to post is made, and I become teary-eyed when they sing "My Old Kentucky Home"...and then I sit glued to the TV, afraid to blink while the horses race.
I don't know if my love affair with the Derby is because I'm a born and bred Kentucky girl, or because my birthday always falls Derby week, or because it's just that addicting...but I truly love this time of year.
