18 May 2006

What to wear at the Preakness?

No talking books today -- the King & I leave for Baltimore tomorrow morning, and I've been busy packing. This takes awhile, as it's unclear to me what sort of hat is appropriate for the Preakness. Generally, I would just wear the Quinella Crown, but for some reason, the King is prohibiting all sparkly stuff.

Still, I know what I want to be sporting on my wrist: a "golden" Preakness 131 wristband. Even if people mistake it for one of those yellow Lance Armstrong wristbands, I'll feel good about it since proceeds from my purchase will go to the newly formed Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The fund will be managed by representatives from a number of racing associations, National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the Jockeys' Guild. Thoroughbred Times quotes John Velazquez, Jockeys' Guild chairman:

"It was very important for the Jockeys' Guild to be united with the industry for this great cause," Velazquez said. "A lot of these guys get hurt when they're young -- in their 20s and 30s -- —and they don't have a safety net. It's more than just taking care of jockeys; it's about their families too."
Magna is promoting the fund heavily on its website, which includes and FAQ about the fund. The wristbands will be on sale at the Preakness; folks who won't be at Pimlico can order them by mail from NTRA Charities.

Here's hoping the wristbands accessorize well with my favorite cap, as it looks like that's all that will fit in the suitcase.

2 comments:

Joe Danaher said...

I really don't believe in intuition, especially my own (probably a reason why I cash so few tickets) but I found your link to the Ruffian hat and before the race Saturday I did notice Edgar Prado looking at the horses back legs and noticed him bucking a bit in the post parade but I saw a big yellow school bus in the background and I shrugged it off but when Barbaro broke prematurely, I was really thinking it was a bad omen, I just wonder if the horse was trying to tell someone he had a problem? No blame here, but just really weird. Anyway, I loved your post otherwise and I really like the idea of the bracelets. Hope you and the king has a good day before the Preakness.

Ice Cream Recipes said...

Greatt post thank you