by Steve Byk
first published on May 8, 2005
LOUISVILLE, KY — Mike Smith is excited.
The veteran jockey is excited about bringing his tack to Churchill for this year’s spring meet. He is excited about being back among friends he hasn’t seen regularly in years, and he is excited about yet another new challenge at this stage of his long career.
by Steve Byk
first published on May 2, 2005
In the sporting world, there are a host of expressions that evoke instant recognition and comprehension. “Super Sunday” immediately conjures images of American professional football’s ultimate gridiron spectacle, while “Opening Day” conveys the eagerly anticipated “right of spring”heralding baseball?s return. For avid and casual fans of thoroughbred horse racing in the U.S. and around the world, there are no five words more reverentially uttered or gleefully heard than “the first Saturday in May.” It is on the afternoon of that day that the Kentucky Derby, the most exciting two minutes in sports and the start of racing’s Triple Crown series, is contested.
