I have always loved watching the Kentucky Derby to hear the announcer say "And down the stretch they come" when the horses were on their final stretch to the finish line. We watched every Saturday in May for the longest time to see the winners. I always liked to choose the horses with the best names.....even though those were usually LAST place. This year was a little different. I had a different view of the Derby. I WAS THERE!!! Marcus has been before last year when Barbaro won. One of Marcus' brokers who works for a company in Kentucky invited us down to the races, The Oaks and The Derby. It was the most amazing thing....being there in person experiencing the races. The anticipation leading up to the Derby race was so exciting. Seeing all the people in their hats and dresses was half the fun. I had my hat made by a teacher friend. She did an amazing job!! When you go to the Derby you have experience it all....even the MINT JULEPS. I did not quite know what these were, but soon discovered I did not like them. Mint Juleps are the "Drink" of the Derby. It is straight burbon with a hint of mint!! I did have to get one during the Derby race to fit in....it really was not too bad when it was watered down ;) I have been to many major sporting events....World Series games, Basketball Playoffs, Football games, but there was just something about the Kentucky Derby that will always stand out on top for me. We will be going again next year so it is something I can look forward to next May. Until then I will have to settle for the Sam Houston race tracks and making my own Mint Juleps. I guess it is a good thing it is only once a year.....we were not so lucky with picking the horses to win....we LOST :) The number 7 horse won ALL weekend!! Good thing we picked up on that and bet that Street Sense (the #7 horse)would win the Derby and HE DID!! That was about the only race we won!! On a sad note, we did not get to see the Queen or any stars. Darn :( Maybe next year :) Here are a few pics of the eventfull weekend.
The ooohhhh soooo yummy Mint Juleps :)
