You guessed it. We visited Churchill Downs.
I've always wanted to attend the Kentucky Derby, which takes place in May every year at Churchill Downs. On Derby Day I like to sit in front of the television and watch some of the most beautiful horses in the world as they participate in the pre-race parade. The haunting and bittersweet song, "My Old Kentucky Home" is sung while the horses prance on the track in nervous anticipation. It's as though they know this isn't an ordinary race. I think it's one of the most beautiful moments in sports.
On our visit, we didn't see a race take place. No such activities occur at Churchill Downs over the hot summer months. But the next best thing is checking out the Kentucky Derby Museum. It's open year round.
The above image is a statue of Barbaro, the valiant bay colt that came to the Derby in 2006. Barbaro had won every race he ever ran prior to the Derby. A heavy favorite, he went on to win the Derby, too, and not by a small margin. Hopes were high for him to become the next Triple Crown winner. But at the Preakness, Barbaro suffered a catastrophic injury, breaking his fetlock in 3 places. Months later, after multiple surgeries to save his life, Barbaro had to be euthanized. His remains lie at the base of this bronze statue which is placed at the entrance to Churchill Downs. His owners wanted the public to see his monument without requiring the price of admission to the museum. The piece captures Barbaro in action, flying with all four hooves above the ground.
But that's not all. Next time I'll share more about what we found inside the museum.
