A.B. "Happy" Chandler, former governor of Kentucky, once said, "I have never met a Kentuckian who wasn't coming home." On days like today, those of us who are transplanted Kentuckians feel that overpowering pull of home more than usual. Today is the 130th running of the Kentucky Derby, the biggest day of the year in the Kentucky calendar. Unfortunately this is now the fifth year in a row that I haven't been home for it. I hope to make it back soon, because Kentucky Derby time is the best time to be in Louisville. For two weeks, the entire city sports its finest attire. Louisville is a perfect southern lady, attractive, well-kept, gentle, smart, fiery, and full of surprises. Around 6 o'clock tonight it will all culminate in the Run for the Roses, a two minute dash into history or obscurity. Two minutes of yelling, screaming, jumping up and down, hat waving, neighbor hugging excitement. It's not a phenomenon that can be understood if you have not seen it. It's a horse race, you think. But it's not just a horse race. It is the horse race. And it's a horse race surrounded by fan fare that has nothing to do with whether you like horses. It's about whether you know how to have a good time. It's about vice and virtue. It's about victory and defeat. It's about about culture, heritage, history, and pride. It's an event that brings the common man and Hollywood's biggest stars together for a few days of celebration. On the first Saturday in May, Louisville is the place to be. How it got to be this way is unknown to me, but it is that way and that doesn't seem to be changing. Steinbeck in writing about his first experience at the Derby made it clear that you haven't lived unti you've been. If you haven't made it to the Derby yet, you obviously haven't made it yet. So start planning for next year. You'll be sure to have a good time. Louisville will see to it.
And just to put it in writing, I'm pulling for Smarty Jones this year.
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