Welcome to Derby week. This is the week we've been prepping for since the new year at work but for me, last weekend (well technically still this weekend I guess) was more exciting.
Due to the nature of being the assistant editor, I don't get out much when it comes to work. I'm usually the one putting up the stories from the people that do get to go out so when I heard of a local event benefiting Thoroughbred aftercare, I packed up my notebook, camera, and recorder and headed out.
While I expected it to be a pretty straight forward have fun and cover the event type of situation, it ended up being more than that.
Both Chris McCarron and Phillip Dutton were presenters and they are huge celebrities in two of my favorite horse sports. McCarron is a Hall of Fame Jockey and Phillip Dutton is an Olympic gold medalist and one of the top eventers running.
To make a long story short, they were extremely inspirational without even meaning to be. Watching McCarron work with an extremely nervous thoroughbred in an arena full of 500 people was something to behold. There are certain people that horses just listen to and he is one of them. From the whole event, the picture below of him working with Bilan is my favorite.
And of course, any time you listen to an Olympian speak, it's inspirational. Especially when they basically give a mini-clinic in front of you that includes someone else that is riding at Rolex.
The whole night was amazing and has me scheming on how I can get an OTTB some day in the near future. Of course the first order of business is to bum rides on friends' horses before I get Vegas here so I can get back into a semblance of riding shape. Going to the event also reminded me how much happier I am when I'm out and about covering events. I'll have to start pushing for that more often.
And because I got to get out of the office twice this week (the other time was Tuesday) to visit a Kentucky Derby winner, I'll leave you with this picture of Giacomo "smiling" for the camera.
I have my three week post-surgery doctor appointment tomorrow so depending on how that goes you may get another blog tomorrow.
But until next time,
Mel
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