Derby Blogs

So I passed a metal detector and went up to the sixth floor balcony next to the press box, above the Twin Spires, to watch the eighth race.

I waited for the fillies and mares to enter the paddock -- and then, at 3:30 p.m., I saw it -- a police-escorted motorcade of black SUV's cruising down Central Avenue.
I turned to the gentleman next to me who was impeccably dressed in a navy blue suit and tie. I should have known he wasn't a member of the press.

"That must be The Queen," I said, pointing.

"It is her," he said in a stern voice.

I looked down and saw the man's credential dangling from his neck. It simply said "Secret Service." Then I noticed his earpiece.

"Oh. You would know," I said.

He smiled. "Sorry to be so short with you," he said before turning and walking toward the door.

Then I looked down at the balcony below me. There he was. Anna Nicole Smith's baby daddy -- Larry Birkhead. Escorting an attractive blonde, he stopped and posed for pictures with several fans before heading inside.

I've just seen two of the biggest celebrities on the planet. If Curlin can win the Derby in a few hours, my day will be complete.