Horse Racing

As we close the book on another scintillating Triple Crown season, let’s take our hats off one more time to the courageous little gelding Mine That Bird. He made fools of all who so easily dismissed his Kentucky Derby chances, and on that day and over the next five weeks he demonstrated what guts and determination really are. He gave us an overpowering reminder that nothing is guaranteed in racing, even with horses that (seemingly) can’t possibly win. Those of us who gave him absolutely no shot the second day in May were seriously humbled. The few who did have faith in Mine That Bird at the KentuckyDerby looked like geniuses that day, and should be commended.

The time span in which this horse was transformed in people’s minds from one that had no business running in the Derby, to the solid favorite for the Belmont Stakes Betting just five weeks later, has been astounding.

And as Mine That Bird lagged some thirty lengths behind the leader early in the Derby, not many could have been surprised. But suddenly, into the far turn, a dirt-spattered little horse was scurrying up the rail and inhaling runners so fast that they didn’t seem to even be on the same track with him. The enigma seemed to scoff at a hole barely the width of himself between the rail and another horse, and plowed through without hesitation to culminate his assault on the leaders. “Who is that?” everyone seemed to shout at once. As the pint-sized Pegasus continued skipping over the track, struck the front, and broke the hearts of horses battling on so bravely in his mighty wake, television viewers received no help. It seemed he traveled so quickly that NBC announcer Tom Durkin didn’t even catch the move, and when he did the great commentator scrambled and fumbled to discern who it was himself. When he finally did utter Mine That Bird’s name, some thought he must be mistaken. But as the bold number eight became visible on the winner’s saddlecloth, fans looked down at their programs and discovered to their shock that the name had not been miscalled. By some mischievous whim of the racing gods, the 50-1 throwout had not only won the Derby, but had demolished the field.



By the time the Belmont rolled around five weeks after the gelding made his presence known to the world, he was doing so well that Calvin Borel guaranteed a victory. And many people believed he was justified. But, win or lose, Mine That Bird had produced the most dramatic rise from perceived goat to highly respected racehorse in memory. Things didn’t quite work out at Belmont, but he put in another fantastic effort, and cemented his newfound reputation of outstanding competitor.

Mine That Bird and his team have been far and away the greatest story and characters of the 2009 Triple Crown season.