Derby Day -- Done

The whirlwind of activity that is the West Virginia Derby is over, and I've recovered sufficiently to post this picture of the highlight of the day -- Lady Grace bounding off from the starting gate. Ridden by Rex Stokes (the jockey in red), she led wire-to-wire to win the West Virginia Senate President's Breeders' Cup Stakes. You go, girl!

The highlight of the day for most folks was the actual West Virginia Derby, broadcast by ESPN. This led to lots of space being taken up by the broadcasting equipment, and the lovely tents used to shade the illustrious broadcasters succeeded in blocking my view of the finish line (unless I stood on the picnic table, which I confess I did -- occasionally.) The Grade III Derby was won by Real Dandy, who went off at 7-1 odds. The highly-touted Dover Dere finished fifth, right behind Shamoan, while the favorite, Devilment, finished ninth. Read more about it at Bloodhorse.com or the Daily Racing Form.

Tomorrow -- back to the books!