The Greatest Two Minutes in sports.... and I've Never Been

The Greatest Two Minutes in sports..

And I've never been!

So there you have it. The Greatest Two Minutes in sports and I've never had the chance to make it to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May for the Kentucky Derby. Maybe I can ask someone if a rookie Arlington blogger can get a spot on press row next to one of the best Gary West? I didn't think so!

But I still want to go one day. One first Saturday in May!

Okay, so maybe I should backtrack just to explain this glaring omission from my life "things to do list." 

Since I graduated college in New York, it has been right into the thoroughbred racing work force. From a summer at Monmouth Park to the New York Racing Association to Thistledown, Lone Star Park and Arlington Park (is this really my ninth season?), it's been non-stop work every first Saturday in May since 1987.

So during my entire racing career which started as an intern in the Publicity Department at the Meadowlands in 1986 (I still have my autographed Bill Shoemaker photo), it's been non-stop work every Kentucky Derby Day!  And, as an announcer, not all of us have back-ups. Which makes it kind of hard to ask for Derby Day off to go sing "My Old Kentucky Home."

Of course, I've had plenty of friends who made their way to Louisville for the Run for the Roses. Well, to be honest, they usually run toward the infield to find a great spot to party all day long. And who can blame them this year since Churchill Downs is advertising for a "Chief Party Officer." How cool! Have you applied yet? 

So I've been to Dubai, England, the Breeders' Cup and even Panama to see the Gran Classico Presidente de la Republica. I've worked the Belmont Stakes, but have never been to the Kentucky Derby.

All the more reason I plan (and you should too) to go see the new movie "The First Saturday in May." It opened this weekend past (April 18). And can be seen here in Chicago!

For those who have ever wanted to go to the Derby or just haven't had a chance to attend for whatever reason (like me), go check out this film from brothers Brad and John Hennegan (who's from Brooklyn, New York, just over the VZ bridge from my hometown of Staten Island). And I remember their dad from my NYRA days!

The film, released in conjunction with Churchill Downs, Inc., covers several trainers (including Michael Matz, Bob Holthus and Dan Hendricks) and the trail toward Louisville and the 2006 Kentucky Derby. A percentage of opening weekend profits are slated to go the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. The film has been well received and you can even check out some reviews and more information at thefirstsaturdayinmay.com.

So time for me to find a movie date with a girl who likes horses, mint julips (I'll buy her popcorn too) and has a big heart to cheer for a champion. And root for a movie that makes our favorite sport a winner! 

Thanks Brad and John, "The First Saturday in May" is the closest I've come to going to the Derby. For now!

And Arlington fans don't forget, we will be hosting the "World's Largest Kentucky Derby Party" on Saturday, May 3 as part of our Opening weekend, Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4. See you in just less than a fortnight from now!