The Race to the Post

The Kentucky Derby involves a great amount of excitement before "the greatest two minutes in sports," much like the race to the green flag in NASCAR (my home state has an allegiance to motor sports much like Kentucky does to horse racing). Farms bring horses to Churchill Downs opening week of the Kentucky Derby to workout on the most legendary racetrack in the world. Upon the arrival of these Derby horses, the media await to take pictures, catch a glimpse of the potential winner, and to interview the horse's trainer and/or owner. What most spectators do not realize is the process involved in transporting the contenders from point A to point B (point A being the farm and point B being Churchill Downs).

First of all, let me give you a more information about "point A." The farms training Derby horses are operated much like a corporation. There are many departments with a collaborative effort in making the product reach its greatest potential. The product obviously being the Derby contender. These "departments" at the farm include the barns, foaling complex, stallion complex, training barn, research lab, nutrition analysis, and not to mention, the support services or "project managers." Much like any operation, the support staff are the ones who make the process flow. These are the veterinarians, the barn maintenance, trainers, exercise riders, landscapers, and if I forget anyone, please forgive me. So, in my opinion of course, the equation of farm operations, pedigree of the horse + training are what make the "product" reach its Derby potential. ;)

Now, for those of who who have not caught on to me, "point B" is Churchill Downs. Upon arriving to the track, the farm staff bring a truck full of feed, buckets, blankets, towels, trunks of saddle pads, tack (saddles, bridles, bits, etc.), polo wraps, bell boots, nets to hold the hay, brooms, rakes, shovels, hoses, and the list goes on. Once setting the stable up to the farm's desire, the horses are ready to be groomed, washed, fed, watered, schooled, and then OFF TO THE RACES!!!

Next time you come to Louisville for the Derby, be sure to experience the full effect by visiting the Derby Museum, showcasing the process in a video called "The Greatest Race."