Race 12 at Churchill Downs is set to be a major event on Saturday, May 3rd, with over 150,000 attendees expected, marking it as the largest live sporting crowd in the United States.
There’s something about racehorses that resonates on a profound level. Whether you’re there to watch or to place a bet, the 151st Kentucky Derby offers an opportunity to celebrate this unique bond between humans and horses—animals that have played a critical role in our civilization.
The relationship dates back 4,200 years to the Bronze Age, when horses were domesticated and their influence spread across Eurasia. Research indicates that under human supervision, horses thrived. With these incredible creatures, humans managed to cultivate crops and craft significant moments throughout history. Just think about Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride on a brown mare back on April 18, 1775—without horses, it’d be hard to imagine the United States as we know it.
Now, all the colts participating in the Kentucky Derby, they are indeed distinguished thoroughbreds, with lineages traceable back to the 1700s. But here’s a little secret: these three-year-olds can display some rather mischievous behavior.
Watching their personalities unfold reveals the historical give and take that has defined human-horse partnerships. It’s intriguing, really.
Take, for instance, Burnham Square. It takes him a good half-mile to loosen up during morning workouts, often looking like he’s just lounging around. His exercise rider Mark Cutler describes him as “a little strong” and a bit of a comedian. “Yeah, he tries to nibble on the pony rider,” Cutler shares. “But he’s grown a lot over the last few months.”
The antics of some of these horses remind us just how lively they can be, even in the tranquil setting of a barn. For instance, Sandman, a grey stallion owned by Griffin Johnson, isn’t quite as wild as his dad, but he sure brings his own charm and playfulness. Now 24 years old, Sandman’s offspring have amassed over $216 million in earnings, a testament to his unique lineage. “He just knows how to have a good time,” Johnson remarks.
Yet not all horses are bouncing with energy. In contrast, there’s Coal Warfare from Louisiana, who prefers a more laid-back lifestyle, often found just chillin’ in his stall.
On race day, unpredictability reigns. While the best horses tend to have longevity in their favor, their competitive instincts drive them towards victory.
Speed, another impressive horse, has made waves in recent races. On April 5th at Santa Anita, he moved through the pack quietly, but when it was time to push, he managed to surge ahead. Jockey Umberto Rispoli shows great restraint, waiting for the right moment to unleash Speed’s full potential.
A significant crowd certainly adds to the pressure for these equine athletes. The Derby runners arrived days in advance to practice loading into the gate and stretch their legs on the track. As Michael McCarthy, Speed’s trainer, notes, the process has evolved. “Now it’s a full event, with around 30 to 50 people per horse involved. I just want everyone to make it to the paddock in one piece,” he admits.
These young thoroughbreds serve as a reminder of the profound connection humans have with horses. Their exhilarating gallops can transport us to different realms, evoking feelings even reminiscent of childhood pony rides at County Fairs—an experience that fosters courage and empathy.
That’s why spectators don their finest hats and bow ties; it’s a nod to the special role horses play in our lives.
When the trumpet heralds the race, the bond becomes apparent. As Rispoli puts it, he doesn’t push for results. “When he’s ready to run, he’ll let me know,” he says.
