by Steve Byk
first published on May 9, 2007

Leaving Louisville Monday, with all the Derby hoopla having subsided and the Churchill backstretch returned to normal, one couldn’t help feel the overwhelming satisfaction delivered by the 133rd Run for the Roses. After a Derby Trail season that prompted endless debate fueled by a glut of unconventional prep approaches, it was the horse that was the first and most obvious candidate that wore the rose blanket in a performance that instantly becomes part of Kentucky Derby lore.

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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.

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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.

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by Steve Byk
first published on May 8, 2003

We arrived back in Saratoga Wednesday afternoon after an overnight drive from Chicago, still exhilarated from an incredible Derby week in Louisville. While drained from an emotionally wrenching six days of frenetic and implausable activity and outcomes, we are anxious to relate some of the most memorable moments and images of Derby 129 to you…

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by Steve Byk
first published on May 1, 2003 

I have a short time available to get this to you, but here’s a quick view as we move to within 48 hours of the 129th Running of the Kentucky Derby..

From the rail..

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