Tom Pedulla is interviewing prominent owners, trainers, and jockeys as they travel the Road to the 148th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
In recent years, Louisville has gone from having the reputation as a “hidden gem” on the dining and entertainment scene to being duly recognized as one of the best cities in the U.S. for unique restaurants and bars. And of course, the spotlight shines brightest on Kentucky’s biggest (some would say only) city during Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve week.
Whenever a horse crosses the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, the first person you’ll see and hear a reaction from is the person on their back.
The jockey usually gets much of the credit — and sometimes the blame — for a horse’s finish on the racetrack. They are also the ones who decide where to position their horses in a race, when to make their move for the lead, and what path to take in doing it.
A new sound will ring from the Oaklawn winner’s circle this weekend: the peal from a bell emblazoned with, “This bell rings for the love and respect of the horse.” Recently installed, a winning connection who dedicates a portion of the purse to aftercare is invited to ring it.
The 148th edition of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be held May 7 under the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs, and when the starting gates open shortly before 7 p.m. ET as many as 20 Thoroughbreds will be all business as they run the most important race of their lives.
But have you ever wondered what are these horses like when they’re not on the track?
