Every year, the Derby has more stories than any book in the library. The people involved, the letdowns, and the turns of fortune are incredible.

I wanted to see Quality Road run. He had the look of something very special, and his turn of foot in Florida made me think that they were already etching his name next to the greats.

When Ian McKinley came in to work on his feet, I knew they had the best in the business. Jimmy Jerkins, son of the “Giant Killer” had a nice looking colt heading strong. But things took a turn for the worst, and his quarter crack went from one to two. They never gave up until the last moment. In my opinion, if they had another week or so, we wouldn’t be talking about him not being there. No matter, he had to be taken out and these are the hard decisions of our sport.

Square Eddie will not get his ticket stamped as well. He had sore shins, and time will possibly bring him back to racing.

“There was a little heat in his left shin,” O’Neill said outside Barn 17 Tuesday morning. “He’s walking sound and looks fine, but we decided to err on the side of caution.  It’s extremely disappointing. If the race were a month from now it would be a different story.”We realized we had to be hiccup free to make the Derby and this was the first sign of a little hiccup. He’s going to be fine. Unfortunately, it’s the biggest race of the year. We are extremely disappointed but at the same time extremely grateful that he’s sound.

These are just two of the stories that surround Derby 135. Many dreams faded in barns and farms long ago. Many we will never know. So, when you hear “My Old Kentucky Home” played on the first Saturday in May, know that there are many more who did not make the dance. The music is sweet and the game is exciting, but for some, it is over before it gets started.