There's no single explanation why.
Several reasons and experiences contribute to my undying passion and love of the Kentucky Derby.
It may be a lifetime spent around horses.
It might be my love for history and American traditions.
It might have been enhanced a bit a few years ago when Annie and I spent a day watching and betting on some of the races at Santa Anita.
This passion toward the Derby always has something to do with my mother, whose love of horses in every way, shape or form inspired me and many other family members from childhood.
She's no longer with us, but every single year that the Kentucky Derby rolls around and when I listen to "My Old Kentucky Home," Mother is on my mind.
She loved the Derby, and when my sister Barbara took her along to a horse judging trip to Louisville one year, Mother stood under the sign for the horse that won the Derby the year she was born: BEHAVE YOURSELF.
It seemed like an appropriate name for my mother, who, when she was behaving HERSELF expected us to behave ourselves.
She did have a few moments in between during her amazing and inspiring life as a horsewoman, artist and strong and formidable family matriarch who expected no less than the best from her herd of offspring and who always admired beautiful horseflesh.
And, so today is Derby Day, always special and always highlighted by the spirit of a strong woman in our family's lives.
This year, Derby Day is extra special for me because one of my friends and his wife will be there.
They have already taken in some of the amazing traditions associated with attending America's oldest sporting event.
Kevin West, a true gentle MAN, who has some rather inspiring parents himself, was kind enough to snap some photos of the events he and Jennifer attended yesterday and send them my way.
He even found Mother's special sign.
You turned out to be an amazing correspondent for "Slight Detour," capturing some wonderful scenes of this magnificent American event.
And, so, much credit goes to the photographer who documented what had to be one of the most amazing experiences of his life, besides some kinda neat ZAG-infested basketball happenings.
Thank you so much, Kevin.
Hope you enjoy Kevin's contributions today and then, save out some time during this beautiful day to tune into NBC sports for a few hours this afternoon to see some of the wonderful stories associated with the Derby.
Happy Saturday.
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Kentucky Derby Special Correspondent and kind gentleman, Kevin West |
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Kevin and Jennifer West, from Spokane and Sandpoint. ~~~~ from Kevin after yesterday's pre-Derby events . . . . . . . an amazing show of people, attire, and history. The horses are athletic as I had imagined they would be. It’s been a terrific experience for sure. Pageantry sticks out as theme word for sure. Love seeing people getting dressed up and keeping with history that has been around for 147 years. |
2021 Kentucky Derby Contenders
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