May 10, 2011

My Good Luck at the Kentucky Oaks

Last Friday, I traveled to Kentucky with my friend, Kathy Sloan.  It happened to be the weekend of the Kentucky Derby, the Grade I stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses held at Churchill Downs in Louisville.  Since we arrived on Friday, we were also able to attend the very popular Kentucky Oaks, the Grade I stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred fillies.  Like the Derby, the Oaks course is one and a quarter mile and where the geldings carry 126 pounds, the fillies weight limit is 121 pounds.

Perhaps you read last March’s issue of Living where we featured Dede McGehee’s fabulous garden, located just outside of Louisville.  Dede is a veterinarian and also raises thoroughbred horses.  She was there wearing a very fine bonnet and she told me that her filly, St. John’s River was running the race, although she was doubtful that she would place very well.  I decided to wager a bet on her horse and to Dede’s astonishment, after a really riveting contest, St. Johns River came in second behind Plum Pretty.  What an exciting Kentucky Oaks!

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