History in the making

While in no way a horse racing fanatic, my mom genuinely enjoys watching a good horse race, always betting on the one who's "booty sticks way up in the air." One of her favorite stories is about the money she made in off of the1982 Kentucky Derby long shot Gato Del Sol. The teller rolled his eyes and smirked when she placed her win bet, a smirk that was wiped off his face when Gato Del Sol cruised home 2 1/2 lengths in front at odds of 21-1. Such is the joy of horse racing.

Nine years earlier, Secretariat was no long shot to be cheered on for the fun of it. When I, creature of the next generation, look back at Secretariat, I only see perfection. How could everyone not KNOW that he would win the Triple Crown in such fashion? My God, he was Secretariat! Freaking Secretariat! But for my mom, there in the moment, it was unbelievable. "You don't understand... we'd watch him run, and there was no way he'd ever be better than he was at that moment. But then he would be; he'd make that last race seem like nothing special. He just kept getting better and better everyone thought he would stop one day, that there'd be a flaw, that he'd stop being special. But he never did. Turned out there was no end to what he could do." When someone looks back on Secretariat, their voices become reverent, awed. The funny thing was that how BIG he was didn't necessarily register with people casually watching race by race until it was all over.

One day, I'll probably talk to my kids about Cigar that way. About how I tuned into every race, hoping for another win, counting down to Citation's record. Serena's Song, Invasor, Azeri, Silver Charm, Skip Away.... oh the stories I will tell! And now, Curlin. I admit it, I admit it! A year ago at this time, I agreed that he was a good horse, but thought sure he's finish way back in the Derby, take a few weeks off and return for a strong fall campaign. Well, Curlin impressed not only with a strong showing in the Derby, but throughout the rest of the year. He had one little dip in performance, then finished out strong, the clear Horse of the Year. And then he came back in Dubai....... better. Better than ever. Powering away from everyone without ever being asked.



We are witnessing a legend; stories of Curlin will be retold and exaggerated for years to come. And every exaggerated detail will be a part of me, mine to tell. I love it! :)