April 17, 2010

Twenty Horses – There Must be a Better Way

The Kentucky Derby is unlike any other race in the world. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown, and has a colorful and rich history. It attracts funny hats and fans from all over the world. Simply put, the Kentucky Derby is the race everyone wants to win. It can be no wonder than that the race attracts as many prospective starters as it does. Now more than ever, The Derby tests the boundaries of how many horses can safely and fairly run 1 ¼ miles on the first Saturday in May. Twenty horses is the limit, and believe it or not, I think that is a good number. Sure it is a bigger field than just about any other race going, but it is supposed to be special, it is supposed to be an amazing happening, it is after all the Kentucky Derby. In a twenty horse field, many horses have tough trips, while some miraculously have no trouble whatsoever. This magical trip only adds to the mysticism that is the Derby. Limiting the field to 12 or 14, I do not believe, is in the best interest of maintaining the grandeur of the greatest race. This one race a year, we like to see the twenty horse field make a cavalry charge for the first turn.
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4 comments:

Chalk Eating Weasel said...

I say we run the race in heats, like they do in the Olympics. Culminating in the 15 best times running for the roses on the 1st Saturday in May.

NetworkEmpowerment said...

I think that is a good idea. I would like to probably use the win and your in system for maybe the first five horses with the races the TBD, SA Derby, AK Derby, FL Derby, and Louisiana Derby. Have the next five be determined by a point system that only applies to graded stakes at 8.5 or over. The remaining ten would be decided by a panel. The only thing about my weird way is that it may be a bit to complex, lol.

Anonymous said...

Brian
Sunday would be a great time to show the 1956 San Juan replay with Joe Hernandez calling the race.
Any chance?
RG

tencentcielo said...

1966, not 1956.

That would be a great thing to see...