Every year, more than 30,000 thoroughbred babies are born. In the next two years, less than half will begin their racing career. By the time they are 3 years old, only 20 will have the opportunity to compete in the greatest race of all time, but just one - out of a field of 30,000 - will make history on the first Saturday in May. This year, I was lucky enough to witness the one that made it to the winner's circle at legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky for the 139th running of the KENTUCKY DERBY.
It is a race that I have grown up watching on TV and wishing that someday I would get to witness first hand. As Miss Rodeo Florida, I couldn't think of a better time to make my Derby debut. I also had a friend, @Brian Robertson, in Louisville that I had served with in Afghanistan who extended the invitation to stay with him & his family if I could come. It was perfect, I just had to go! Originally, I intended to watch the race from wherever I could. Infield tickets are the cheapest available - and with all of the expenses of being a state queen I didn't need to splurge any more than I already was. “Who cares where I sit,” I thought. I was beside myself with excitement just getting to attend.
In the weeks before the race, I started doing my research. I wanted to know the field of 20 that qualified for the Derby inside and out before picking my favorites and placing any bets. I read about the horses, looked at the odds and studied what the experts were predicting. In my reading, I stumbled across a great article about a big bay horse named Normandy Invasion. His name alone stood out, because I am interested in all things military. But by the time I had finished reading the article about him, I had fallen in love. His owner, Rick Porter of Fox Hill Farms (and a former military member himself) had sent out a press release announcing that 4 veterans of World War II had been chosen to attend the derby as his guests. Those veterans were Bill Wilch, 89, of Middletown, Ohio; Ray Woods, 90, of Ottowa, Ohio; J.J. Witmeyer, 92, of Harahan, La.; and Alan Reeves, 91, of La Jolla, Calif. I was so thrilled at the idea that I immediately called my dad and told him about the horse I was going to put all my money on: Normandy Invasion.
The day before the race finally rolled around, and I called my dad again after I was out of work to let him know I was going to head out and start my 10 hour drive up to Louisville. I was surprised to hear the news he had for me. He said that he had contacted Fox Hill Farms, told them who I was and that I would be attending - and that they would love to facilitate a meeting between myself and the 4 veterans! I couldn’t believe it! With that news, I packed my things and headed north towards Kentucky. The excitement kept me alert & awake for about the first 6 or 7 hours of the trip, then I switched to Rockstar Energy Drinks. I arrived about 3am and caught a quick snooze before the big day!
The next morning, I woke up bright and early. I didn’t even feel tired; I was too eager. When I arrived at the track, people were everywhere. Rain coats, umbrellas, and ponchos were the fashion. Everyone was bustling around, laughing and talking. I went through security and didn’t know where to start. My mind was in overload – I wanted to see everything! I didn’t know where to go first. I checked out the infield, the gift shop, and then went to the paddock - where horses were already parading around in a circle before stepping onto the track. Most people don’t realize there are horse races all day long, and the Kentucky Derby is race #11. I arrived around race #3. By race 4 I placed my first bet for $5. Two minutes later, I lost it all. That was quick, I thought.
After checking out everything there was to see on the lower level, I called Victoria (my contact for Team Normandy Invasion). They hadn’t arrived yet. I decided I would head upstairs to our table anyway and check things out. I walked by the red carpet area where celebrities were expected to arrive, waved at the paparazzi (didn’t seem too interested) and headed up the elevator towards Millionaires Row. When I got upstairs, it was like I had walked into a different world. There was nothing like it; excitement filled the room! Men were seen looking GQ-esque while donning preppy bow ties & stylish fedoras reminiscent of old-Hollywood movie stars. Women looked as if they were trying to out-do each other, with extravagant hats, upscale, classy dresses and fashionable high heels. Almost everyone had a mint julep in hand, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby. I couldn’t believe where I was. I stepped out onto the patio and my jaw literally hit the floor. The finish line was directly below me and I had a clear view of the entire track.
A police escort showed the veterans and the rest of Team Normandy Invasion to their table, they had finally arrived. The 4 gentlemen were so sweet; it was a true honor to meet them. Each wore a gray hat sporting the words “Normandy Invasion” and a red button to match. On their suit jackets, they had their ribbon racks and medals, which I thought was really neat. They were just beaming with excitement, their eyes bright and alert. I could tell how grateful each of them was to be a part of this big day. One even pulled out a framed picture of his deceased wife and set it on the table. "Me and my wife watched the Kentucky Derby for years. She always wanted to come," he said. “And now, she will.” My heart just melted.
Before the race, we enjoyed supper, which was phenomenal. Tender and juicy roasted chicken, vegetables, potatoes, salad, and soft warm dinner rolls were served. But the best thing about the meal was the conversation. Every person that I had the pleasure to meet had an interesting story, career, or connection to the racing industry. I met all kinds of people. I even had the chance to mingle with a few celebrities. Artist will.i.am (from the Black Eyed Peas) asked me for a lighter. Star struck, I shook my head no. I almost blurted out a lyric from the song, “My Hump,” but decided against it. Looking back, I should’ve expressed my concern about the effects of smoking, but hindsight is 20-20. Other notables that I saw in the crowd were Dallas Cowboys Head Coach, Jason Garrett, a few basketball players, Lauren Conrad, Miranda Lambert and my very favorite country music artist Luke Bryan. It was fun to be in the same crowd as these celebrities. A day in the life!
The trumpet sounded as the horses stepped on the track for the parade of champions; everyone went wild! The horses pranced in front of the grandstands for a final look before their jockey’s mounted up. This was the first time I ever saw Normandy Invasion in person. He looked great – wide eyed, bushy tailed, and ready to win. As his jockey, Javier Castellano, climbed on top of his back, chills went down my spine. They made their way to the starting gate, and it felt like the entire crowd was holding their breath! “And they’re off,” the announcer yelled in his British accent. Mud went flying and the horses sprinted out of the starting gate. The “two greatest minutes in sports” had begun. It was hard to tell which was which, they were in a pack and most of the horses were sorrel or bay and kind of all blended together! By the time they rounded the first turn I had peeled my eyes away to glance at the leaderboard and get a better idea of who was in the lead. By the time the horses were on the back side of the track, Normandy Invasion started to gain on the leader. He pulled towards the front! I about lost it, I was going wild! Into the final stretch, he began to fade. Orb was coming up fast and crept into the lead just in time for the wire! Orb was the winner! What a fantastic race.
The Kentucky Derby is more than a horse race. It is a mood, an excitement and an atmosphere that creates a culture around the track. I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am for the experience. I will never forget the day that I spent at the derby. It has always been an item I have had on my bucket-list, and I never imagined I would’ve gotten to cross it off with such a great story to go along with it. The word ‘hero’ gets thrown around a lot these days, but I’ve never run across men who deserve it the way those 4 veterans do. It was an honor to sit at their table and witness the 139th running of the greatest race of all time with them.
Let me just close with the following thought: What have you checked off your bucket-list lately?
Running Time in a Car: 201h
Running Mileage: 12,981
Running TV Interviews: 7
Running Mileage: 12,981
Running TV Interviews: 7
Running Radio Spots: 2
Running School Visits: 4
