I attended the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby. The weather was overcast with spots of sunshine, and there were 13 races carded on this wonderful day. I had plenty of time to think on the drive to and from, and came up with my own list of ABC’s about the day.

A- Animal Kingdom shocked us at 20-1, but if you saw the Vinery at Turfway. You knew he had solid potential.

B-  Big winner. The guy in the next box had the $48,000 superfecta in the Derby. It sure looked good, and I hope to dance the same way he did!

C – Company. You must go with the right people to have a great time.

D – Dialed In did not show. I think he has the $5.5 million dollar bonus on his mind if he wins the Preakness. How many favorites go off at 5-1??

E – Effort. The new riders held their own with the best.

F- Far turn I thought Nehro was going to win, but they have it right. The leader at the 1/8th pole gets their picture taken.

G- Good food!

H- Holler if you have a chance to win…. It makes it more fun….

I- In time. Get up, and don’t be late. This will lead to more traffic and longer lines.

K- Killed…. I got killed all day long until the Derby. We hope you did better!

L- Losers. There were plenty that left as soon as Animal romped. But, that is what makes winning sweeter.

M- Money. It takes a big wad as everything is expensive on this day.

N- Newbies. They were everywhere. I think many were there to see, and be seen. Why else would that man have worn the purple suit with Christmas lights?

O- Ouch!  When you get beat it hurts. I ran second six times on this day.

P- People watching. This is worth the price of admission! / Parking – $40 bucks to park in someones front yard  and walk a mile?

R- Run,  don’t walk to the windows. They were long, and filled with new players.

S- Sample the food and drink of the Derby. It makes for a fun day, and a full belly.

T- Time. The post time for the Derby was forever and a day….

U- Upset time! – The odd number years have big payouts.

V- Victory is sweet, but it only came once on this day. But, it was super sweet….

W- Winning sure beats losing, and we hope you enjoyed this during the day.

X- This is for all of the “X” factors that go into finding the winner.

Y- You will tear up when they play “My Old Kentucky Home.”

Z- Zooming down the lane. I thought the pace would have been quicker, but they came zooming late just as I thought. I hope they ended up as you selected.

I got my butt whipped running second and third all day long. That is a worse beating than running last. But, the Derby makes you soon forget. It gives you something to talk about for a year, and picking one winner makes you forget about the other 10 losers.  The day is expensive, and tickets are hard to find. You can expect to pay and arm and a leg if you find a friendly scalper, and you could easily be hooked $400 before you and your guest get to sit.

Even with high prices, long lines, and fighting the crowd, there was an all-time high attendance of 164,568 beating 1974. And with the costs, losing, and sore feet, I can’t wait to go next year. I already have the form to order tickets, and the first Saturday in May 2012 will be here before you know it!