Moment of the Year? Mine That Bird winning the Kentucky Derby
December 11, 2009 by Ryan
The NTRA Moment of the Year has everyone reflecting on what a wonderful year 2009 has been. We got to see two magnificent females win many Grade 1 races, and a shocker on the First Saturday in May. This year was far and away more exciting than the one that preceded it. I’m already looking forward to 2010, but its always nice to take some time to reflect. What do you think was the best or most memorable moment of 2009? For me, it is an easy choice. Mine That Bird winning the Kentucky Derby.
As long as I live, I will never forget the utter shock I felt as Calvin Borel surged up the rail on Mine That Bird to win going away in the Kentucky Derby. I had no idea who the horse was at first glance, and I think the same can be said for the track announcer. I spent many hours of the following days trying to figure how it could’ve possibly happened. A horse that had lost his last race at Sunland had won the Kentucky Derby. I also recall trainer Benny Wooley hobbling to the winners circle, acting as if he wasn’t surprised a single bit. After that happened I can truly say that ANYTHING can happen in this game.
After Mine That Bird’s victory, three other races come to mind. The first would be Well Armed drawing off to a very easy victory in the Dubai World Cup under jockey Aarron Gryder. I felt he had a great chance to win at 10-1, but instead of betting the last $10 in my online wagering account on him to win, I wheeled him over the field. Unfortunately for me, one of the longest shots in the race ran second, and I didn’t have him. If I had just $4 more I would’ve hit the $1 exacta for $500. Needless to say, that was a tough one to miss.
Another moment that comes to mind this year is Rachel Alexandra countless awe inspiring races. She ran several strong races, but the two that impressed me the most were the Kentucky Oaks and the Woodward. True, the Oaks field wasn’t the greatest ever assembled, but she couldn’t have won any easier than she did. The margin of victory was simply incredible. I love the Woodward also. Rachel Alexandra set fast fractions, and it looked like she would be passed coming for home. I had a bad feeling in my stomach as I watched live, thinking the filly would finally lose. However, she re rallied and got the win. She is truly one of the greatest fillies to have ever raced.
Just as Rachel Alexandra brightened 2009, so did Zenyatta. While I opposed her in most of her races from a wagering standpoint, that doesn’t take away from her greatness. I simply couldn’t take her at short odds, and I didn’t think she could win the Classic. I couldn’t have been any more wrong as she stormed down the lane in the Breeders Cup Classic in what was a visually easy win. We were truly blessed this year to see a filly AND mare that will be counted among the all time greats.
What made 2009 special for you? What is your moment of the year? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!
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I’m amazed at all the people who were actually surprised at how easily Zenyatta won the BCC. The truth is that she is one of the greatest racehorses of all time, and she has some quirks that the sportswriters may still be unaware of. She loves to win, but only by exerting herself enough to put herself over the wire first. She is actually quite aggressive, according to Mike Smith, and has a tendency to bop other horses around if she’s in close company with them, No need to worry that big burly colts would push her around. Also, she finds the crowd very amusing and likes to entertain them with her antics prior to racing,
She is completely endearing and according to Ann Moss, she’s “sweet and very feminine (all ten stories of her!).”
So those qualities put her head and withers above the crowd of other horses, so far as I’m concerned. And watching her win the BCC was the happiest day of my life.
Oh, and my response to moment of the year does not go to Mine That Bird…
Of course it goes to Zenyatta for her spellbinding performance in the BCC. It was sort of like: “Gee, I guess I’m supposed to be racing. Better get going then..”
I have to agree, as the most incredible race of last year, and perhaps of the last 30 yrs, was Mine that Bird in the Derby. I have rewatched that race on the internet, many times, and am still incredulous as to how it happened. Only a courageous horse, with a brilliant jockey could display such a remarkable feat. We owe a lot to Mine that Bird. Even if he never runs again, he recharged the American public with an interest in horse racing. Many people I know, who hardly ever watch the races, were mesmerized by his performance. And, I also feel he has look not unlike Seabiscuit – small, very ordinary, etc. I do hope he can reemerge in 2010. I didn’t have a good feeling about him coming back so soon after surgery.
Rachel: I was surprised because it seemed that her form was declining and her BSFs were going down. She ran a career best to win, and I didn’t think she could do so. However, that’s what she is a great mare. She rose to the occasion and will be remembered forever. Her pre race antics are quite humorous. I can’t remember any other horse that does that!
Amy: I like the idea of Mine That Bird as a modern day Seabiscuit. I hope he runs well next year.