The 15th Running of the Indiana Derby

October 3rd, 2009
It is the first Saturday in October, not May, and Hoosier Park just hosted the 15th running of the Indiana Derby, a Grade II stakes race worth $500,000.

The weather wasn't as cooperative as it could have been in early October, nor was it as bad either.  The day started out partly cloudy with a brisk wind from the northwest which pretty much stayed with us all day.  Temperatures were in the low 60s for most of the afternoon.  Post time for the Derby was 5:17pm and by that time it was pretty much all clouds and getting very chilly.  Of course the horses didn't mind the cooler weather.  They get very hot when they run and I do believe the cooler weather is easier on them.

John and I were celebrating our 18th Wedding Aniversary so we splurged by getting a table in the clubhouse.  Another couple joined us and we had a grand time.  The buffet was delicious and very nicely presented. 

Look at that pile of shrimpies!  And the ice sculpture was gorgeous......

Calvin Borel had a mount in the "big" race and was signing autographs early in the day.  For those of you that don't follow horse racing, Calvin is the jockey that rode Mine That Bird in the Kentucky Derby and also is the regular rider of Rachel Alexandra (the filly that is beating all the boys in the big races this year).  I did get my program signed (thanks to my friend Sherry) and will add it to my collection of mementos.

Below are the track outriders patiently waiting on the horses to be saddled.  The crowd was too large for me to get pictures of the paddock.  Sorry......

Misremembered, the 3-year-old chestnut ridgling by Candy Ride (ARG) out of the Quack mare, Beyond Perfection, won this year's contest in record setting time going a mile and a sixteenth in 1:40:80.  Misremembered is trained by Bob Baffert whom is very well known in the racing industry.  Congratulations to all of Misremembered's connections on a job well done.

MISREMEBERED

Above is the winner on his way to the track.  He is a big, good looking rascal, that's for sure!

Hoosier Park has grown so much and it is a lovely place to spend the day, especially if you enjoy looking at beautiful horses.  So....  We had a wonderful day at the track (even though we didn't cash many winning tickets).  Good food and good company...... it doesn't get much better!