Ran this past Saturday, the Kentucky Derby holds a unique place in the sports world at the intersections of horse racing, gambling and pageantry. Ladies show up in gigantic hats and sun dresses, men in seersucker suits, sip mint juleps and expensive whiskey. It̢۪s a scene from long ago that only partially counts as a sporting event.
To outsiders it may seem like an attempt to spice up a desperately boring part of the sports calendar. The event’s tag line, “The most exciting two minutes in sportsâ€Â belies its purpose further: How exciting can anything be if it lasts only two minutes?
But like many great sports, the athletic contest is a very small part of the attraction, an excuse to engage in questionable and reckless behavior that would otherwise be improper. The Kentucky Derby itself is actually the culmination of the two-week long Kentucky Derby Festival.
The festival includes the largest fireworks show in the United States, concerts, fashion shows and private parties. Waiters carry glasses of wine through an obstacle course in something called the Run for the Rosé. In terms of pageantry, The Derby makes college football look like a courthouse wedding.
Hunter S. Thompson, of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas fame, got his big break by writing about the Kentucky Derby. He slammed it as overtly racist and sexist, a place where a myriad of real-life ‘Colonel Sanders’ “make an 18th century ass of themselves.â€Â
Charles Bertram / McClatchy Tribune
This year̢۪s winning horse was owned by the son of a mob figure who played a key role in the corruption trial of U.S. Senator Ted Stevens. He̢۪s a self-described cowboy, who beat, among other horse owners, Sheikh Mohammad, the emir of Dubai. Kid Rock, Gretchen Wilson, Travis Tritt and Aaron Rodgers were in attendance.
The concept of equality and social welfare is a joke to the men who spend millions on the acquisition and training of horses. Wastefulness is a way of life. Millionaire̢۪s row is what they call the luxury suites where the affluent and famous patrons watch the race, basking in the glow of their own good fortune.
Adding to the craziness is lack of evidence that spending money will win the race. Mine That Bird, this year̢۪s winning horse, cost 9,500 bucks. Some of the losing horses cost more than two million.
The poor man̢۪s equivalent of Millionaire̢۪s Row is the infield of the track. Infield ticket holders have almost no shot or intention of actually seeing the race. Instead, it̢۪s where ordinary patrons go to drink themselves silly and party with abandon.
As the horses are paraded around the track before the race, the University of Louisville band plays the state song, “My Old Kentucky Home.â€Â Written in 1853, it describes life on a slave plantation. Luckily, in 1986 the Kentucky General Assembly changed some of the lyrics from “darkiesâ€Â to “people.â€Â
Too old-world for liberals, too sinful for conservatives and too rich to be shut down, the Kentucky Derby is one of the last bastions of overtly bigoted and politically incorrect behavior left in America. And the millions spent by Mohammad and the mob will keep it going for decades.
I would never defend the going̢۪s on in Louisville, but it may be best to just accept it for what it is. Mix up that mint julep, put on your sundress and enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports.
BulldogTrue • May 7, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Gary,
I am not condoning what Mr. Willis said about “bigotism,” “racism,” or being “politically incorrect.” I’m just saying the comments have turned more about attacking the CSU system and Mr. Willis personally than having an engaged commentary on sports. What he said can and rightfully should be argued about, but commenting on his ability to write and his character is a bit much, when he’s just offering an opinion on something. You seem like an understandable person Gary, so this isn’t directed at you personally, this refers to everyone who has been taking these comments to an unhealthy and uncalled for level. Gary, I welcome friendly sports banter anytime, and thank you for bringing the discussion back to where it needs to be.
BulldogTrue • May 7, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Gary,
I am not condoning what Mr. Willis said about “bigotism,” “racism,” or being “politically incorrect.” I’m just saying the comments have turned more about attacking the CSU system and Mr. Willis personally than having an engaged commentary on sports. What he said can and rightfully should be argued about, but commenting on his ability to write and his character is a bit much, when he’s just offering an opinion on something. You seem like an understandable person Gary, so this isn’t directed at you personally, this refers to everyone who has been taking these comments to an unhealthy and uncalled for level. Gary, I welcome friendly sports banter anytime, and thank you for bringing the discussion back to where it needs to be.
Gary • May 7, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Bulldog True:
If you’re argument is that the Super Bowl is more popular than the Kentucky Derby, congratulations. You’re right. By about a billion viewers. No news-flash there.
The Derby is a very popular event by any measure and has a long and storied history. That should be investigated and understood before using words like “bigoted” “racist” and “politically incorrect” (as the author did). It’s great to have an opinion, but back it up with more than what Hunter Thompson said 40 years ago or what was in the original song 100 years ago. That’s what’s got all us loser horse-lovers a little upset. It’s cheap, don’t you think?
Gary • May 7, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Bulldog True:
If you’re argument is that the Super Bowl is more popular than the Kentucky Derby, congratulations. You’re right. By about a billion viewers. No news-flash there.
The Derby is a very popular event by any measure and has a long and storied history. That should be investigated and understood before using words like “bigoted” “racist” and “politically incorrect” (as the author did). It’s great to have an opinion, but back it up with more than what Hunter Thompson said 40 years ago or what was in the original song 100 years ago. That’s what’s got all us loser horse-lovers a little upset. It’s cheap, don’t you think?
BulldogTrue • May 7, 2009 at 2:25 pm
gc and Gary,
How does picking the Super Bowl not cut it? The Derby and Super Bowl are both one-day events. Of course the Derby gets higher ratings than the NHL, NBA and MLB, it’s a 2 MINUTE RACE. How can you compare a seven-game series with a two-minute horse race that happens once a year? It’s really easy to have high ratings when people only have to tune in for less than five minutes. How about the ratings for a race that’s not a part of the Triple Crown, show me the those numbers, then maybe we can talk.
BulldogTrue • May 7, 2009 at 9:25 pm
gc and Gary,
How does picking the Super Bowl not cut it? The Derby and Super Bowl are both one-day events. Of course the Derby gets higher ratings than the NHL, NBA and MLB, it’s a 2 MINUTE RACE. How can you compare a seven-game series with a two-minute horse race that happens once a year? It’s really easy to have high ratings when people only have to tune in for less than five minutes. How about the ratings for a race that’s not a part of the Triple Crown, show me the those numbers, then maybe we can talk.
gc • May 7, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Bulldog True:
At least be intellectually honest with your argument. Picking an aberration like the Super Bowl doesn’t cut it.
How about the 2008 World Series? Highest rating of five games, 9.6
Or the 2008 NBA Championship series? 9.3
And I always find it amusing when someone commenting on the internet takes potshots at people for commenting on the internet (“…since apparently none of you work…”), all while claiming, “that I could care less…”
gc • May 7, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Bulldog True:
At least be intellectually honest with your argument. Picking an aberration like the Super Bowl doesn’t cut it.
How about the 2008 World Series? Highest rating of five games, 9.6
Or the 2008 NBA Championship series? 9.3
And I always find it amusing when someone commenting on the internet takes potshots at people for commenting on the internet (“…since apparently none of you work…”), all while claiming, “that I could care less…”
Gary • May 7, 2009 at 2:11 pm
More people watched the Kentucky Derby (11 million viewers) than watched Game 7 of the Celtics-Bulls NBA Playoff series (about 6.9 million).
Last year’s NBA Finals got a rating of 9.2. The Derby did 10.3 this year. The Derby also out-rates the World Series and NHL Finals. It’s a popular event.
If you had to go look up the rating for the Super Bowl to put down the rating for the Kentucky Derby, that puts the Kentucky Derby in a good light.
Gary • May 7, 2009 at 9:11 pm
More people watched the Kentucky Derby (11 million viewers) than watched Game 7 of the Celtics-Bulls NBA Playoff series (about 6.9 million).
Last year’s NBA Finals got a rating of 9.2. The Derby did 10.3 this year. The Derby also out-rates the World Series and NHL Finals. It’s a popular event.
If you had to go look up the rating for the Super Bowl to put down the rating for the Kentucky Derby, that puts the Kentucky Derby in a good light.
BulldogTrue • May 7, 2009 at 1:26 pm
2009 Super Bowl Nielsen Rating: 42
2009 Derby Nielsen Rating: 9.8 (The highest its been in 17 years)
Yeah, I guess Horse Racing is the most popular sport in America. Oh, and just to stir up some more controversy and 20 more comments from you horse lovers (since apparently none of you work) ESPN’s top stories today: Manny Roiding, NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, and ONE blip about Mine That Bird. And yes, I do believe ESPN is the god of all sports, so go ahead and bash me for it I could care less, but it’s the truth. By the way, is a jockey considered an athlete? How do you guys feel about euthanasia? and what are the odds for Mine that Bird in The Preakness? Thanks for the info and I’m looking forward to 100 more comments that I could care less about!
BulldogTrue • May 7, 2009 at 8:26 pm
2009 Super Bowl Nielsen Rating: 42
2009 Derby Nielsen Rating: 9.8 (The highest its been in 17 years)
Yeah, I guess Horse Racing is the most popular sport in America. Oh, and just to stir up some more controversy and 20 more comments from you horse lovers (since apparently none of you work) ESPN’s top stories today: Manny Roiding, NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, and ONE blip about Mine That Bird. And yes, I do believe ESPN is the god of all sports, so go ahead and bash me for it I could care less, but it’s the truth. By the way, is a jockey considered an athlete? How do you guys feel about euthanasia? and what are the odds for Mine that Bird in The Preakness? Thanks for the info and I’m looking forward to 100 more comments that I could care less about!
TurfRuler • May 7, 2009 at 10:55 am
As an alumni member of California State University I say Shsss, don̢۪t wake Jesse Jackson up from his slumber. About twenty years ago Jesse came to Southern California to find out about the condition of the backstretch workers who he felt were being given substandard housing, pay and medical care. As he toured the racing grounds he happened to stop and talk to two of the workers he saw dressed in overalls, carrying shovels and wearing rubber boots. He is reported to have told the two that something needed to be done for the backstretch workers never knowing that the two men he spoke to that day were two of the leading trainers in Southern California.
You’ve had your 15 minutes. I imagine that your journalism professor wanted you to write something different about the Kentucky Derby instead of the usual hype. Although you failed miserably in your attempt to describe the atmosphere and experience of Kentucky Derby Day, you also did a disservice to all of the proponents of the fight against what you declare is the problem with the Derby. My Public Relations professor at Dominguez Hills nearly failed me when I wrote a proposal that racetracks needed to do more to help the players win at the races and stop treating the players like scum bags. Your article also shows that you believe that the sport and its followers are racist and that it “holds a unique place in the sports world at the intersections of horse racing, gambling and pageantry.â€Â
TurfRuler • May 7, 2009 at 5:55 pm
As an alumni member of California State University I say Shsss, don’t wake Jesse Jackson up from his slumber. About twenty years ago Jesse came to Southern California to find out about the condition of the backstretch workers who he felt were being given substandard housing, pay and medical care. As he toured the racing grounds he happened to stop and talk to two of the workers he saw dressed in overalls, carrying shovels and wearing rubber boots. He is reported to have told the two that something needed to be done for the backstretch workers never knowing that the two men he spoke to that day were two of the leading trainers in Southern California.
You’ve had your 15 minutes. I imagine that your journalism professor wanted you to write something different about the Kentucky Derby instead of the usual hype. Although you failed miserably in your attempt to describe the atmosphere and experience of Kentucky Derby Day, you also did a disservice to all of the proponents of the fight against what you declare is the problem with the Derby. My Public Relations professor at Dominguez Hills nearly failed me when I wrote a proposal that racetracks needed to do more to help the players win at the races and stop treating the players like scum bags. Your article also shows that you believe that the sport and its followers are racist and that it “holds a unique place in the sports world at the intersections of horse racing, gambling and pageantry.”
kyle • May 7, 2009 at 10:52 am
Elwood Blues,
While I’ll grant you some of the critical posts have been personal and unseemly to suggest this kid’s “opinion” should go unchallenged is wrong and even condescending to the kid. He’s a college student writing in a taxpayer subsidized school newspaper disseminated over the internet. The problem isn’t primarily with his ignorance, although in the future he might want to stick with topics with which he has some knowledge. The problem is that he called an American institution, and by association the millions who love it, bigoted. And as far as I can tell his only evidence of that is that “My Old Kentucky Home” has the word darkie in it. Did he expect Stephen Foster to write in 1850 that “the African-Americans are on the porch?” And if that makes the Kentucky Derby bigoted, even though they’ve changed the lyric, what does that say about The Grateful Dead and the countless other musicians through the years who have been influenced and/or paid homage to Stephen Foster? The fact is, the Kentucky Derby is probably the most egalitarian of all major sporting events in this country, open and within the budget of anyone, including thousands of college students, who want to attend. Can that be said of the Super Bowl, World Series, or NBA finals? I don’t know how the author formed his opinion but he seems rather devoted in an obstinate and intolerant way to it. Which according to my dictionary would make him the bigot. Oh, and it’s a shame no one from the Cal Fresno community called him on it.
kyle • May 7, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Elwood Blues,
While I’ll grant you some of the critical posts have been personal and unseemly to suggest this kid’s “opinion” should go unchallenged is wrong and even condescending to the kid. He’s a college student writing in a taxpayer subsidized school newspaper disseminated over the internet. The problem isn’t primarily with his ignorance, although in the future he might want to stick with topics with which he has some knowledge. The problem is that he called an American institution, and by association the millions who love it, bigoted. And as far as I can tell his only evidence of that is that “My Old Kentucky Home” has the word darkie in it. Did he expect Stephen Foster to write in 1850 that “the African-Americans are on the porch?” And if that makes the Kentucky Derby bigoted, even though they’ve changed the lyric, what does that say about The Grateful Dead and the countless other musicians through the years who have been influenced and/or paid homage to Stephen Foster? The fact is, the Kentucky Derby is probably the most egalitarian of all major sporting events in this country, open and within the budget of anyone, including thousands of college students, who want to attend. Can that be said of the Super Bowl, World Series, or NBA finals? I don’t know how the author formed his opinion but he seems rather devoted in an obstinate and intolerant way to it. Which according to my dictionary would make him the bigot. Oh, and it’s a shame no one from the Cal Fresno community called him on it.
Dear Losers • May 6, 2009 at 11:09 pm
All of you need to get a life. I have a nephew with colic that cries less than you people. You all seem so much above us, “Cal State” students. It’s actually California State University FRESNO. If you dont like what you read, BEAT IT. You’re taking up room for comments from STUDENTS who go to the COLLEGE that write this paper. No one cares what old, bald and probably broke men (because of gambling on horse racing) think. You want to call a FSU Bulldog names? Well, theres a few for all of you. I bet you losers feel cool all sitting together in a dark basement taking turns on a dial up computer, harassing COLLEGE students. It’s an opinion piece. Get over yourselves.
Go back to your wives and their big lame hats and keep your comments to yourselves.
I’m embarassed for you….
Love,
Someone with a LIFE.
Dear Losers • May 7, 2009 at 6:09 am
All of you need to get a life. I have a nephew with colic that cries less than you people. You all seem so much above us, “Cal State” students. It’s actually California State University FRESNO. If you dont like what you read, BEAT IT. You’re taking up room for comments from STUDENTS who go to the COLLEGE that write this paper. No one cares what old, bald and probably broke men (because of gambling on horse racing) think. You want to call a FSU Bulldog names? Well, theres a few for all of you. I bet you losers feel cool all sitting together in a dark basement taking turns on a dial up computer, harassing COLLEGE students. It’s an opinion piece. Get over yourselves.
Go back to your wives and their big lame hats and keep your comments to yourselves.
I’m embarassed for you….
Love,
Someone with a LIFE.
junior • May 6, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Wow. So much controversy over horseracing.
I’m sure the Kentucky Derby appears different to those with an interest than those on the outside. Kind of like how rich people don’t know they’re annoying when they’re telling everyone how great their stock is doing.
I thought it was a well written article. I mean, how can you not love this sentence: “Too old-world for liberals, too sinful for conservatives and too rich to be shut down, the Kentucky Derby is one of the last bastions of overtly bigoted and politically incorrect behavior left in America.”
I don’t care if you agree, that’s gold.
junior • May 7, 2009 at 12:06 am
Wow. So much controversy over horseracing.
I’m sure the Kentucky Derby appears different to those with an interest than those on the outside. Kind of like how rich people don’t know they’re annoying when they’re telling everyone how great their stock is doing.
I thought it was a well written article. I mean, how can you not love this sentence: “Too old-world for liberals, too sinful for conservatives and too rich to be shut down, the Kentucky Derby is one of the last bastions of overtly bigoted and politically incorrect behavior left in America.”
I don’t care if you agree, that’s gold.
An Omniscient Being • May 6, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Obviously the writer did not research The Derby what so ever before writing this article. The accusations of racism and bigotry are ridiculous, and Thompson wrote his book almost forty years ago. I am aware of this article being an opinion column, but when an author makes unsubstantiated claims he is going to catch some heat no matter what the topic is.
Also to the people sniping at the CSU system, don’t be ignorant. Some of us actually do research before writing on a topic. Heck, we’re probably more educated than you’ll ever be.
An Omniscient Being • May 6, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Obviously the writer did not research The Derby what so ever before writing this article. The accusations of racism and bigotry are ridiculous, and Thompson wrote his book almost forty years ago. I am aware of this article being an opinion column, but when an author makes unsubstantiated claims he is going to catch some heat no matter what the topic is.
Also to the people sniping at the CSU system, don’t be ignorant. Some of us actually do research before writing on a topic. Heck, we’re probably more educated than you’ll ever be.
whatever • May 6, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Hey everybody, someone has an opinion! That means it’s OK to say something stupid! Welcome to 9th grade!
whatever • May 6, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Hey everybody, someone has an opinion! That means it’s OK to say something stupid! Welcome to 9th grade!
Elwood Blues • May 6, 2009 at 3:57 pm
These comments alone are starting to make me quite angry. It may be true that Haisten could have done more research about a few points in his article, but the whole point of the piece was that it was an opinion. It wasn’t meant to present a perfect assesment of what the derby is. It is simply a view of the derby from one person’s eyes.
To those of you bashing the Cal State system, what are you achieving by bashing an entire student body? Does it make you feel better about yourself and your education? If that’s the case, I feel very sorry your your insecurity.
If you have nothing better to do than pick apart an opinion piece from a small campus newspaper, I have to wonder about your priorities in life.
Elwood Blues • May 6, 2009 at 10:57 pm
These comments alone are starting to make me quite angry. It may be true that Haisten could have done more research about a few points in his article, but the whole point of the piece was that it was an opinion. It wasn’t meant to present a perfect assesment of what the derby is. It is simply a view of the derby from one person’s eyes.
To those of you bashing the Cal State system, what are you achieving by bashing an entire student body? Does it make you feel better about yourself and your education? If that’s the case, I feel very sorry your your insecurity.
If you have nothing better to do than pick apart an opinion piece from a small campus newspaper, I have to wonder about your priorities in life.
glenn • May 6, 2009 at 3:48 pm
You’re a complete complete jackass.
Did you think you would get extra credit for typing the word “racism”? No context……..just the inane babbling of a daft child who pretends to be a grownup by making a non sequitur distasteful remark at the end of the column.
Get tossed
glenn • May 6, 2009 at 10:48 pm
You’re a complete complete jackass.
Did you think you would get extra credit for typing the word “racism”? No context……..just the inane babbling of a daft child who pretends to be a grownup by making a non sequitur distasteful remark at the end of the column.
Get tossed
mike • May 6, 2009 at 3:19 pm
ig·no·rant (Äg’nÉ™r-É™nt)
adj.
Lacking education or knowledge.
Showing or arising from a lack of education or knowledge: an ignorant mistake.
Unaware or uninformed.
mike • May 6, 2009 at 10:19 pm
ig·no·rant (Äg’nÉ™r-É™nt)
adj.
Lacking education or knowledge.
Showing or arising from a lack of education or knowledge: an ignorant mistake.
Unaware or uninformed.
IM Watchingu • May 6, 2009 at 3:18 pm
How exciting can anything be if it lasts only two minutes? i’m sure your boyfriend asks the same question regularly.
IM Watchingu • May 6, 2009 at 10:18 pm
How exciting can anything be if it lasts only two minutes? i’m sure your boyfriend asks the same question regularly.
ben p • May 6, 2009 at 2:44 pm
mr willis
when i was a 19 yr old college student i attended the derby. I lost 20 bucks in a shell game, drank about 10 beers and saw “nitro the snake lady” suck a golf ball thru a garden hose. It was also the year that saw Genuine Risk become the first filly to win in over 60 years. I’ve been to a Super Bowl, world series games, and a stanley cup clinching game and nothing was as exciting as that day. I suggest you try it.
ben p • May 6, 2009 at 9:44 pm
mr willis
when i was a 19 yr old college student i attended the derby. I lost 20 bucks in a shell game, drank about 10 beers and saw “nitro the snake lady” suck a golf ball thru a garden hose. It was also the year that saw Genuine Risk become the first filly to win in over 60 years. I’ve been to a Super Bowl, world series games, and a stanley cup clinching game and nothing was as exciting as that day. I suggest you try it.
Carl • May 6, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Some $14 billion dollars were bet on horse racing last year. No one cares about it, clearly. Please, if this is the future of journalism, this is a sad day for American journalists. This guy can;t be serious…….
Carl • May 6, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Some $14 billion dollars were bet on horse racing last year. No one cares about it, clearly. Please, if this is the future of journalism, this is a sad day for American journalists. This guy can;t be serious…….
Roger Schwenk • May 6, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Good idea – “Go put on YOUR Sundress”.
Roger Schwenk • May 6, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Good idea – “Go put on YOUR Sundress”.
Mark • May 6, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Truly the most ridiculous article I have ever read. If you have any credibility, you should lose it with this article
Mark • May 6, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Truly the most ridiculous article I have ever read. If you have any credibility, you should lose it with this article
Dave Hughes [email protected] fort wayne • May 6, 2009 at 12:47 pm
dear Mr. Willis (not Haisen, his daddy) aka Bullpup True
Nice that you come to your son’s defense. I am not a journalist so how about I simply echo Nick’s comments verbatim? Now instead of defending your kid (I’ll presume that’s who you are – why else get involved with them?) you can make off topic comments about me. I went to Wayne State University and the University of Detroit – knock yourself out!
Outside of the Triple Crown no one cares about horse racing, including harness and thoroughbred? More people will attend live horse racing events this year than will attend MLB AND NFL GAMES COMBINED!! Try that on for size and lack of caring. Research it all you like.
ESPN spends 10 weekends a year showing live racing. Try the Derby preps (FL Derby, Wood Memorial, Arkansas Derby, BLue Grass Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, etc), than the Breeder’s Cup preps (Belmont BC Prep Days, KY Cup Day, etc) and the Breeder’s Cup 2 day event itself – WHICH REPLACES college football that Saturday afternoon in late October or early November. Of course there are events that are unrelated to either, like The Travers Stakes from Saratoga NY (NEAR TROY!) in late August, the Haskell in early August from NJ, the Arlington Million from Chicago, Hollywood Gold Cup from Hollywood Park etc etc. So why you would like to think that no one cares about racing outside the Triple Crown and there is no coverage outside of the same, you couldn’t be MORE WRONG.
Haisten (as in, hasten to judgement): Equidaily.com is proably the best single source of daily racing articles that there is and your article appeared there today. 1000s of people within the industry read it DAILY. And when we (fans of racing) see negative writing, we respond if needed. I appreciate your generations hatred of old money, old music, old traditions and old institutions (like Chyrsler, Led Zeppelin and Kodak) just as much as I did (US Steel, the Beatles and American Motors, etc). Grab your Mac, your iPod filled with TV on the Radio, Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend and attend the Derby in the next few years. I suggest the infield – filled with college kids JUST LIKE YOU having as much fun as they would at Outside Lands festival (held at Golden Gate Park – another good purpose for racetracks!)
Dave Hughes davidhhughes@yahoo • May 6, 2009 at 7:47 pm
dear Mr. Willis (not Haisen, his daddy) aka Bullpup True
Nice that you come to your son’s defense. I am not a journalist so how about I simply echo Nick’s comments verbatim? Now instead of defending your kid (I’ll presume that’s who you are – why else get involved with them?) you can make off topic comments about me. I went to Wayne State University and the University of Detroit – knock yourself out!
Outside of the Triple Crown no one cares about horse racing, including harness and thoroughbred? More people will attend live horse racing events this year than will attend MLB AND NFL GAMES COMBINED!! Try that on for size and lack of caring. Research it all you like.
ESPN spends 10 weekends a year showing live racing. Try the Derby preps (FL Derby, Wood Memorial, Arkansas Derby, BLue Grass Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, etc), than the Breeder’s Cup preps (Belmont BC Prep Days, KY Cup Day, etc) and the Breeder’s Cup 2 day event itself – WHICH REPLACES college football that Saturday afternoon in late October or early November. Of course there are events that are unrelated to either, like The Travers Stakes from Saratoga NY (NEAR TROY!) in late August, the Haskell in early August from NJ, the Arlington Million from Chicago, Hollywood Gold Cup from Hollywood Park etc etc. So why you would like to think that no one cares about racing outside the Triple Crown and there is no coverage outside of the same, you couldn’t be MORE WRONG.
Haisten (as in, hasten to judgement): Equidaily.com is proably the best single source of daily racing articles that there is and your article appeared there today. 1000s of people within the industry read it DAILY. And when we (fans of racing) see negative writing, we respond if needed. I appreciate your generations hatred of old money, old music, old traditions and old institutions (like Chyrsler, Led Zeppelin and Kodak) just as much as I did (US Steel, the Beatles and American Motors, etc). Grab your Mac, your iPod filled with TV on the Radio, Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend and attend the Derby in the next few years. I suggest the infield – filled with college kids JUST LIKE YOU having as much fun as they would at Outside Lands festival (held at Golden Gate Park – another good purpose for racetracks!)
Mike • May 6, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Bulldog– Nice post. Just showed you are about as intelligent as the author!! Do you go to Cal State also? Figures…….
Mike • May 6, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Bulldog– Nice post. Just showed you are about as intelligent as the author!! Do you go to Cal State also? Figures…….
Tread • May 6, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Hey Bulldog,
Not surprisingly, you’ve completely missed the point. Forming an opinion on something you know absolutely nothing about is downright ridiculous, and publicly sharing it, even more so. If you want to form an opinion on something you are clueless about, you’d better be ready for some backlash from those who actually have a clue.
Last I checked, more money is wagered on horse racing than is spent on the entire box office for all movies combined in a year, so while you, all your friends, and maybe even all your classmates don’t follow or care about horse racing, it does not mean there aren’t plenty of people out there who do. The numbers speak for themselves.
You also have your facts completely wrong (again not surprisingly) about ESPN. ESPN does SEVERAL horse racing telecasts from Jan-May of KY Derby prep races and discusses the KY Derby prospects of the horses that run in them. In fact, there would be no reason whatsoever to telecast the races were it not for the fact that they are Triple Crown prep races. After the Triple Crown is over, 40k people will be at each opening day of both the Del Mar and Saratoga meets in July and 30k people will attend Keeneland every Saturday in October.
Sorry but you are just completely wrong. People DO care about horse racing, and just because you and your friends don’t, it doesn’t make the rest of us wrong and it is beyond ridiculous for you to think it is OK to talk down to those of us who enjoy it just becuase you don’t. Grow up, both of you.
Tread • May 6, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Hey Bulldog,
Not surprisingly, you’ve completely missed the point. Forming an opinion on something you know absolutely nothing about is downright ridiculous, and publicly sharing it, even more so. If you want to form an opinion on something you are clueless about, you’d better be ready for some backlash from those who actually have a clue.
Last I checked, more money is wagered on horse racing than is spent on the entire box office for all movies combined in a year, so while you, all your friends, and maybe even all your classmates don’t follow or care about horse racing, it does not mean there aren’t plenty of people out there who do. The numbers speak for themselves.
You also have your facts completely wrong (again not surprisingly) about ESPN. ESPN does SEVERAL horse racing telecasts from Jan-May of KY Derby prep races and discusses the KY Derby prospects of the horses that run in them. In fact, there would be no reason whatsoever to telecast the races were it not for the fact that they are Triple Crown prep races. After the Triple Crown is over, 40k people will be at each opening day of both the Del Mar and Saratoga meets in July and 30k people will attend Keeneland every Saturday in October.
Sorry but you are just completely wrong. People DO care about horse racing, and just because you and your friends don’t, it doesn’t make the rest of us wrong and it is beyond ridiculous for you to think it is OK to talk down to those of us who enjoy it just becuase you don’t. Grow up, both of you.
ESPN • May 6, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I am the say so of all sports. If I don’t cover a sport, it is meaningless. All hail my power, because I am ESPN. Please bow down to me, the almighty ESPN. I even use correct grammar sometimes!
ESPN • May 6, 2009 at 7:12 pm
I am the say so of all sports. If I don’t cover a sport, it is meaningless. All hail my power, because I am ESPN. Please bow down to me, the almighty ESPN. I even use correct grammar sometimes!
BulldogTrue • May 6, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Hey Nick,
So if you’re a professional journalist, then why are you spending time commenting on a college newspaper’s Web site? Shouldn’t you be doing something like you job? Oh, that’s right, you cover horse racing. After the Triple Crown no one outside of Troy, New York is going to give a crap about horses. Have you noticed that ESPN spends one week out of the year for the derby and that’s it? If the Derby winner doesn’t win at The Preakness there’s no more coverage. That’s because people just want to know if there’s going to be a Triple Crown winner and that’s it. They could care less about anything else. So before you start bashing on a poor college student who is trying to deliver an OPINION (not fact) check yourself at the door. Oh, by the way, nice name-drop on Cornell. You sound like Andy Bernard from The Office. Bulldog Pride!!!
BulldogTrue • May 6, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Hey Nick,
So if you’re a professional journalist, then why are you spending time commenting on a college newspaper’s Web site? Shouldn’t you be doing something like you job? Oh, that’s right, you cover horse racing. After the Triple Crown no one outside of Troy, New York is going to give a crap about horses. Have you noticed that ESPN spends one week out of the year for the derby and that’s it? If the Derby winner doesn’t win at The Preakness there’s no more coverage. That’s because people just want to know if there’s going to be a Triple Crown winner and that’s it. They could care less about anything else. So before you start bashing on a poor college student who is trying to deliver an OPINION (not fact) check yourself at the door. Oh, by the way, nice name-drop on Cornell. You sound like Andy Bernard from The Office. Bulldog Pride!!!
Chris • May 6, 2009 at 10:20 am
Do they have English professors at Cal State? Did you take journalism classes along with English classes? Did your journalism professors teach you to research topics before you talk about them and get facts right? Sure sounds like it…..the future of journalism right here. A previous poster was right…..this paper should be ashamed of this so called ‘journalism’
Chris • May 6, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Do they have English professors at Cal State? Did you take journalism classes along with English classes? Did your journalism professors teach you to research topics before you talk about them and get facts right? Sure sounds like it…..the future of journalism right here. A previous poster was right…..this paper should be ashamed of this so called ‘journalism’
David C. Brander • May 6, 2009 at 9:43 am
Dear Sir:
Mine That Bird was sold to his current owners for $400,000. He originally sold for $9,500.
When writing editorials, it’s usually a good idea to double-check the facts.
David C. Brander • May 6, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Dear Sir:
Mine That Bird was sold to his current owners for $400,000. He originally sold for $9,500.
When writing editorials, it’s usually a good idea to double-check the facts.
Gary • May 6, 2009 at 9:17 am
“Too old world for liberals, too sinful for conservatives…”
Do you have a poll I can check on this? From what I can gather, 150,000 people attended the race and over 10 million watched on television. Over $150 million was bet. This is a helluva a political constituency. Who bought the ad-time for NBC? The KKK? Can you just link me to the polling data where you found that it was “too old world” for liberals and “too sinful” for conservatives? I want to confirm your poll results.
Other than that, it looks like you’ve successfully uncovered that rich people like horses, Kentucky used to have slaves, and people in Louisville like to attend Pre-Derby concerts, fashion shows, and private parties. Where should we send your Pulitzer?
Gary • May 6, 2009 at 4:17 pm
“Too old world for liberals, too sinful for conservatives…”
Do you have a poll I can check on this? From what I can gather, 150,000 people attended the race and over 10 million watched on television. Over $150 million was bet. This is a helluva a political constituency. Who bought the ad-time for NBC? The KKK? Can you just link me to the polling data where you found that it was “too old world” for liberals and “too sinful” for conservatives? I want to confirm your poll results.
Other than that, it looks like you’ve successfully uncovered that rich people like horses, Kentucky used to have slaves, and people in Louisville like to attend Pre-Derby concerts, fashion shows, and private parties. Where should we send your Pulitzer?
Ben • May 6, 2009 at 8:06 am
Wow. Another article come Derby time written by a 19 year old know it all college student. You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. You should research your topics before you publicly write about them. This newspaper should be embarrassed to have you as a ‘journalist’. Even simple grammar errors are displayed. You have no credibility writing about this sport. I guess your solution was to play the race card. Please, take Mr. Kling up on his request. And wipe that smile off your face……..try again…….
Ben • May 6, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Wow. Another article come Derby time written by a 19 year old know it all college student. You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. You should research your topics before you publicly write about them. This newspaper should be embarrassed to have you as a ‘journalist’. Even simple grammar errors are displayed. You have no credibility writing about this sport. I guess your solution was to play the race card. Please, take Mr. Kling up on his request. And wipe that smile off your face……..try again…….
Nick Kling • May 6, 2009 at 5:30 am
My professors would also have deducted points for using “that” instead of “than” in sentence four. I apologize for the error.
Nick Kling • May 6, 2009 at 12:30 pm
My professors would also have deducted points for using “that” instead of “than” in sentence four. I apologize for the error.
Nick Kling • May 6, 2009 at 5:26 am
Mr. Willis,
I appreciate you took the time to observe this year’s Kentucky Derby. It is one of America’s unique spectacles.
Now, will you take some time to research your subject a bit more before trashing it with inaccuracies?
Thoroughbred racing is no more or less racist or politically incorrect that any other major sport or business enterprise in America.
As you correctly point out, the winning Derby horse was a $9,500 purchase. Racing is the one sport where the common woman or man can get involved and beat those people on “Millionaire’s row.” Remember Funny Cide from 2003 — purchased by seven small town buddies for only a little more than Mine That Bird?
Speaking of being politically incorrect, would I be out of bounds pointing out the English professors I had at William & Mary and Cornell would have rejected any of my papers which contained the sentence “Ran this past Saturday, the Kentucky Derby holds a unique place in the sports world at the intersections of horse racing, gambling and pageantry?”
I assume you have English professors, so perhaps you would take them your sentence and the corrected version — Run this past Saturday, the Kentucky Derby holds a unique place in the sports world at the intersection of horse racing, gambling and pageantry — and see which is grammatically correct.
Please feel free to contact me if you want any information about Thoroughbred racing. I’d be glad to help.
Nick Kling
Racing columnist and handicapper
The Record
Troy, NY
Nick Kling • May 6, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Mr. Willis,
I appreciate you took the time to observe this year’s Kentucky Derby. It is one of America’s unique spectacles.
Now, will you take some time to research your subject a bit more before trashing it with inaccuracies?
Thoroughbred racing is no more or less racist or politically incorrect that any other major sport or business enterprise in America.
As you correctly point out, the winning Derby horse was a $9,500 purchase. Racing is the one sport where the common woman or man can get involved and beat those people on “Millionaire’s row.” Remember Funny Cide from 2003 — purchased by seven small town buddies for only a little more than Mine That Bird?
Speaking of being politically incorrect, would I be out of bounds pointing out the English professors I had at William & Mary and Cornell would have rejected any of my papers which contained the sentence “Ran this past Saturday, the Kentucky Derby holds a unique place in the sports world at the intersections of horse racing, gambling and pageantry?”
I assume you have English professors, so perhaps you would take them your sentence and the corrected version — Run this past Saturday, the Kentucky Derby holds a unique place in the sports world at the intersection of horse racing, gambling and pageantry — and see which is grammatically correct.
Please feel free to contact me if you want any information about Thoroughbred racing. I’d be glad to help.
Nick Kling
Racing columnist and handicapper
The Record
Troy, NY