Back Porch FanHouse

Radiohead to Run Breeders' Cup

Will Brinson — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

No, don't freak out -- Thom Yorke won't be doing any left-turned sprints around a dirt track as a jockey whips his hide this weekend (at least not that I can confirm and/or report anyway), and his band doesn't actually doesn't even horse in the race either, as it might seem easy to insinuate.

Instead, it's just a horse named Radiohead, which is still pretty awesome from a pop culture perspective (and certainly better than being stuck in the desert on a horse with no name anyway).

Pitchfork first found this and made it interesting -- turns out there was a horse named Wilko who won recently and *gasp!* Radiohead reminds some people of Wilko -- as well as confusing; for a while I actually thought there was a horse owned by the band. And then I remembered how to read.

But really, it's a strong indication of just how important the authors of "Kid-A" (among many others, of course) are to the musical culture when they can inspire some really rich dude to name his horse after them. Commence song title jokes in the comments.

Radiohead to Run Breeders' Cup originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even the Losers Get Lucky Sometimes

Ryan Wilson — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

It's the hope that keeps them coming back. That's part of the allure of being a degenerate gambler. Or maybe that's just the debilitating addiction showing through. Either way, some down-on-their-luck sad sacks received a gift from the heavens Thursday at Belmont Park.

UPDATE, 2:40 PM ET: A source tells FanHouse that the New York Racing Association (NYRA) is paying off on both tickets (both the winning and losing superfecta), which will cost the track roughly $82,000.

Via the New York Daily News:

Placing judges at Belmont Park posted the incorrect order of finish for yesterday's ninth race, and the stewards declared the wrong result official.

The confusion occurred during the last race superfecta wager - during which gamblers attempt to pick the top four finishers in the race. ... The incorrect order of 8-14-5-10 was made official and returned $1,073 for a $2 wager.

It took almost three minutes after the race was made official before the mistake was realized. And following a 25-minute suspension, the NYRA paid off the correct winners (8-14-5-13), which worked out to $800 for a $2 payoff.

But there's potentially good news for the Eddie Mushes, too:

Those holding the incorrect payoff of 8-14-5-10 may still have a chance to cash, according to the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

"Chairman (John) Sabini will review all the circumstances that led to this," said NYSRWB spokesman Joe Mahoney. "We encourage the betting public to hold on to any tickets that they think qualify as winners until this gets resolved."

The lesson: don't ever give up. Because eventually, even losers get lucky.

Even the Losers Get Lucky Sometimes originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Horse Dumps Jockey, Finishes First

Michael David Smith — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

Saturday's fifth race at Belmont Park got off to an odd start when a horse named Phone Jazz threw off her jockey, Jean-Luc Samyn, while coming out of the gate. But that didn't matter to her.

No, Phone Jazz made a statement that the jockeys aren't really necessary in horse racing, and she just kept on going, crossing the finish line first, seven lengths ahead of the pack.

That didn't make her the winner, though, because the rules of horse racing say the horse and the jockey have to cross the finish line together. So Hold the Cruiser, who finished second, got the win, followed up by Favorite Colors and Properlyintroduced. Phone Jazz is technically considered not to have finished the race.

Samyn got up after falling off Phone Jazz and was not hurt.

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Horse Racing Photos

In this photo provided by Benoit Photo, Grazen with jockey Rafael Bejarano take victory in the Grade III, $100,000 Affirmed Handicap horse race on Saturday, June 20, 2009, at Hollywood Park, Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Benoit Photo) ** NO SALES **

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Icon Project, ridden by Jose Valdivia, Jr. captures The New York stakes at Belmont Park, on Saturday, June 20, 2009, in New York (AP Photo/New York Racing Association) ** NO SALES **

In this photo provided by Churchill Downs, an aerial view of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Friday, June 19, 2009. The day marked the first time racing had taken place at night in the 135-year history of the track. (AP Photo/Churchill Downs, Reed Palmer Photography) ** NO SALES **

In this photo provided by Churchill Downs, The field of horses race down the stretch under the lights in the eighth race in front of the famed twin spires of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Friday, June 19, 2009. The day marked the first time racing had taken place at night in the 135-year history of the track. (AP Photo/Churchill Downs, Reed Palmer Photography) ** NO SALES **

The field of horses charge down the stretch in the seventh race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Friday, June 19, 2009. The day marked the first night racing at the storied track in its 135-year history. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

The field of horses race down the stretch under the lights in the eighth race in front of the famed twin spires of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Friday, June 19, 2009. The day marked the first time racing had taken place at night in the 135-year history of the track. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

Lights flank the famed twin spires of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Friday, June 19, 2009. The day marked the first time night racing has taken place at the track in its 135-year history. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

The field of horses pass under the twin spires on the turf course in the sixth race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Friday, June 19, 2009. The day marked the first time racing has been conducted under the lights in the 135-year history of the storied track. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

A racegoer reads a newspaper before the fourth day of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting at Ascot near Windsor, England, on June 19.

Eddie Keogh, Reuters

Horse Dumps Jockey, Finishes First originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Different Kind of Bird Steals Show

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

NEW YORK (AP) -- This was a Belmont for the Birds.

It was Summer Bird, not Mine That Bird and jockey Calvin Borel, who came roaring down the long stretch and won the final jewel of the Triple Crown on Saturday.

More Coverage: Belmont Stakes Order of Finish

The upset ended Borel's bid to become the first jockey to win a personal Triple Crown, and he failed to deliver on a guarantee that he would capture the Belmont with the little gelding. Borel won the Kentucky Derby aboard Mine That Bird, then won the Preakness with the filly Rachel Alexandra.

Summer Bird, sent off at 11-1 odds, blew past Dunkirk and Mine That Bird to give jockey Kent Desormeaux a Belmont Stakes victory he desperately wanted.

With the crowd cheering on the leaders in the stretch, Mine That Bird made a huge move outside and took a brief lead over Dunkirk.

But it was Summer Bird who pulled away for a 2 3/4-length victory over Dunkirk. Mine That Bird was third in the field of 10 3-year-olds

Last year, he won the Derby and Preakness aboard Big Brown, only to have to pull up the colt in the Belmont. And in 1998, he brought Real Quiet into the Belmont for a Triple try only to get beat by Victory Gallop by a nose in a heartbreaking defeat.

"I hope from now on we'll talk about winning one," Desormeaux said.

There was an inquiry filed by Charitable Man's jockey Alan Garcia against Dunkirk for interference, but it was disallowed by the racing stewards.

Charitable Man was fourth, followed by Luv Gov, Flying Private, Brave Victory, Mr. Hot Stuff, Chocolate Candy and Miner's Escape.

The winning time for the 1 1/2 miles was 2:27.54.

Belmont Stakes Photos

From left, Summer Bird ridden by Kent Desormeaux, Mine That Bird ridden by Calvin Borel, Charitable Man ridden by Alan Garcia, and Dunkirk ridden by John R. Velazquez race towards the finish during the 141st running of the Belmont Stakes horse race at Belmont Park, Saturday, June 6, 2009, in Elmont, N.Y. Summer Bird won the race. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

ELMONT, NY - JUNE 06: Summer Bird riden by Kent J. Desormeaux crosses the line first during the 141st Running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Racetrack on June 6, 2009 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kent J. Desormeaux

Getty Images

ELMONT, NY - JUNE 06: Mine That Bird riden by Calvin Borel rides back to the mounting yard after finishing third during the 141st Running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Racetrack on June 6, 2009 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Calvin Borel

Getty Images

ELMONT, NY - JUNE 06: Kent J. Desormeaux removes his goggles atop Summer Bird after winning the 141st Running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Racetrack on June 6, 2009 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kent J. Desormeaux

Getty Images

ELMONT, NY - JUNE 06: Kent J. Desormeaux celebrates atop Summer Bird after winning the 141st Running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Racetrack on June 6, 2009 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kent J. Desormeaux

Getty Images

ELMONT, NY - JUNE 06: Summer Bird #4 ridden by jockey Kent Desormeaux wins the 141st Running of the Belmont Stakes as Dunkirk #2 ridden by John Velasquez and Mine That Bird #7 ridden by Calvin Borel finish second and third at Belmont Racetrack on June 6, 2009 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Velasquez;Kent Desormeaux;Calvin Borel

Getty Images

"I thought I was home free," Borel said, "but the other horses galloped by."

They sure did, and there wasn't any happier rider than Desormeaux.

Mine That Bird was sent off as the 6-5 favorite, but he seemed a bit more frisky than usual in the paddock and on the walk through the tunnel to the track. And he was a little too eager in the race, pulling Borel into contention sooner than anyone expected.

"He might have been a hair higher today coming in here, just a little more amped up," Mine That Bird trainer Chip Woolley said, "but overall he was the same horse I led up in the Derby. He ran a great race and just got beat, and you have to accept that and go on."

Summer Bird, meanwhile, looked almost regal before the start. The chestnut son of 2004 Belmont winner Birdstone - yes, the same sire as Mine That Bird - took the rail route usually the trademark of a Borel ride before breaking into the clear.

"The colt broke like a rocket," Desormeaux said. "He absolutely dragged me around the race track. I had an armchair ride until I found some room. I found room."

Summer Bird, trained by the recently licensed Tim Ice, returned $25.80. $9.30 and $4.70. Dunkirk paid $5.40 and $3.60, and Mine That Bird returned $2.60 to show.

Ice seemed stunned by his colt's accomplishment, which came on the trainer's 35th birthday. As he walked into the postrace news conference, he was serenaded with a rendition of "Happy Birthday."

"Right now it's just unexplainable," he said. "If my career goes nowhere from here, I've got a Belmont win."

He sure does. And once again, the "Test of the Champion," prevented a little Triple Crown history. While a Triple Crown wasn't on the line for a horse, Mine That Bird was attempting to become only the 12th horse to pull off a Derby-Belmont double.

But for now, the Belmont remains a race usually reserved for long shots. The favorite has won only six of the last 30 runnings of the longest and most grueling of the Triple Crown races.

Summer Bird won the Belmont in just his fifth career start. Owned by Drs. Kalarikkal and Vilasini Jayarana, the colt did not run as a 2-year-old. In his third start, he was a closing third in the Arkansas Derby and came back and was a closing sixth in the Derby - 13 lengths behind Mine That Bird.

By RICHARD ROSENBLATT

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Different Kind of Bird Steals Show originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Belmont Stakes Results

Tom Herrera — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 06:05:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

In a thrilling finish, a Bird won the 2009 Belmont Stakes, but it wasn't Mine That Bird.

Jockey Calvin Borel's historic bid to sweep the Triple Crown with two different horses was derailed, as Summer Bird upstaged the Kentucky Derby champ in the "Test of the Champion." Kent Desormeaux, the Hall of Fame jockey who was denied a victory at the 2008 Belmont Stakes, finds redemption in the end.

The complete order of finish is below:

1. Summer Bird -- Jockey: Kent Desormeaux -- Trainer: Tim Ice
2. Dunkirk -- Jockey: John Velazquez -- Trainer: Todd Pletcher
3. Mine That Bird -- Jockey: Calvin Borel -- Trainer: Bennie Woolley Jr.
4. Charitable Man -- Jockey: Alan Garcia -- Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin
5. Luv Gov -- Jockey: Miguel Mena -- Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
6. Flying Private -- Jockey: Julien Leparoux -- Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
7. Brave Victory -- Jockey: Rajiv Maragh -- Trainer: Nick Zito
8. Mr. Hot Stuff -- Jockey: Edgar Prado -- Trainer: Eoin Harty
9. Chocolate Candy -- Jockey: Garrett Gomez -- Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
10. Miner's Escape -- Jockey: Jose Lezcano -- Trainer: Nick Zito

Belmont Stakes Photos

Getty Images

2009 Belmont Stakes Results originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 06:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Horse Racing Is Great, I Think

Terence Moore — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

Suddenly, I'm into horse racing.

I find myself wondering how many cowboy hats Bennie "Chip" Woolley owns, and whether Mr. Ed was faster than Trigger. This all came out of nowhere, just like Mine That Bird during the Kentucky Derby.

Get the picture? I'm sure you do.

Courtesy of me (along with a whole bunch of other folks), the Kentucky Derby had its highest television ratings in 17 years. And, yes, I know. The crowd was significantly off at Pimlico for the Preakness, the second of the Triple Crown races. Only 78,000 spectators showed up compared to the usual number of more than 100,000. It's just that the weather was crummy in Baltimore that day, and track officials did their version of ripping the lips off the face of your average racing fan by instituting a ban against bringing your own booze to the place.

That said, NBC's ratings were up 27 percent for the Preakness.

As for the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, well, history says it will draw about half of its normal viewership since no Triple Crown is on the line.

I'll watch, though. I'm hooked. For one, Calvin Borel is galloping for his personal Triple Crown. He is trying to become the first jockey ever to capture all three races in the same year on different horses.

Come to think of it, I'm not hooked on horse racing. I'm hooked on the wonderfully cocky ways of Borel, the pint-sized Joe Namath who boldly predicted that he'll ride Mine That Bird to victory on Saturday. He pushed that same gelding from last to first during their 50-1 run for the roses at the Kentucky Derby. In between, Borel took the horse that he normally rides to a Pimlico victory. I'm talking about Rachel Alexandra, the first filly to win the Preakness in 85 years.

No wonder I'm hooked.

How can anybody not be?

"Yeah, no question," said John Asher, 53, a Kentucky native, which means he automatically is into hoops and horses. Not only that, since Asher attended his first Kentucky Derby in 1967, he has been up close and personal with the sport as everything from a fan to a journalist. He currently is entering his second decade in charge of communications at Churchill Downs.

Said Asher, "The personalities are always a big factor in thoroughbred racing, and there always are a lot of charming stories and a lot of real characters, but I do think that this year in particular, with Calvin Borel as the center piece and with two remarkable horses in Mine That Bird, the longshot who got it done on Derby Day, and the filly Rachel Alexandra who may prove to be the best horse in the world by the end of the year, it keeps everybody interested in what's happening tomorrow at Belmont Park."

You know what isn't happening. Rachel Alexandra isn't racing, because she already has sprinted out of her mind for the past month. In addition to Rachel Alexandra barely holding off (who else?) Mine that Bird in the Preakness, she smoked her filly competition in the Kentucky Oaks by 20 ¼ lengths.

With no Rachel Alexandra in the Belmont, Borel was free to return to Mine That Bird, which was great for us. The same goes for the story of Woolley, the trainer who joined exercise rider Charlie Figueroa in dragging Mine That Bird behind them in a trailer from New Mexico to Kentucky to participate in their first Derby.

The same goes for all of the owners of Rachel Alexandra and Mine that Bird who allowed Borel to switch back and forth between their horses during this Triple Crown season without ugly drama.

The same goes for Borel, period.

"It's the personality and the enthusiasm that he shows, and people really connect to that, and maybe they envy it a little, that somebody can love their job that much and work all those years and see their dreams come true," said Asher, referring to Borel, a 42-year-old bundle of joy before, during and after rides. He comes from an impoverished background in Louisiana. Although he first rode out of necessity at age 8, he was considered only a good jockey -- until recently. Now Borel is THE jockey after taking Street Sense to a Kentucky Derby title two years ago before this year's success. He was scheduled to appear on David Letterman's show Friday night after guest shots in recent weeks with Jay Leno and on Good Morning America.

This is fun. Horsing racing is fun.

Whether this feeling for me lasts beyond Borel, Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexander, only the ghost of Silver knows.

Terence Moore is a national columnist and commentator for FanHouse. He is a frequent panelist on "Rome Is Burning," an ESPN show hosted by Jim Rome, that is seen Monday through Friday at 4:30 PM ET. Moore spent more than three decades working for major newspapers, including 26 years as an award-winning sports columnist for the San Francisco Examiner and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He resides in Atlanta.

Horse Racing Is Great, I Think originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Week in Review: You Go, Girl

David Whitley — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: PEDs, Horse Racing, Featured Stories

On behalf of David Feherty, I'd like to apologize for the following column. It again takes shots at House Mis-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, not to mention her fellow victims of CIA subterfuge, Roger Clemens, Tim Floyd and Mine That Bird.

Who knew the CIA was plotting to overthrow the Preakness? You will after reading the latest installment of Week in Review.

Last Sunday -- Former Vice President Dick Cheney goes on "Face the Nation" and warns that the Obama Administration's policies are making it easier for Brett Favre to "never just retire and leave us the hell alone."

Critics call for Feherty's head after he says U.S. troops would rather shoot Pelosi than Osama bin Laden. Pelosi says the CIA assured her that U.S. does not have any troops.

Jockey Calvin Borel says he is leaving Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird for another woman.

Monday -- As a new book detailing his steroid use goes on sale, Roger Clemens reiterates that he never, ever used banned substances. And if he did it was only because the CIA hid Human Growth Hormone in his rosin bag.

After Dallas beats Denver in Game 4, a TV cameraman calls Mark Cuban a thug and shoves the Mavs owner out of the way. The NBA rewards the cameraman $25,000

In the next-to-last episode of "24," Jack Bauer tries to save the world from a Nuggets-Magic championship final.

Tuesday -- Pelosi refuses to accept Feherty's apology until he admits he lied to her about CBS' plans to waterboard anyone suspected of beating Tiger Woods.

Pope Benedict goes to the Western Wall and sticks in a note praying that college football will junk the BCS for a playoff.

After Dwight Howard gets zero shots in a Game 5 loss to Boston, Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy climbs to the top of Space Mountain and threatens to jump unless people stop calling him the Master of Panic.

Wednesday -- Yahoo! Sports reports that USC coach Tim Floyd gave $1,000 to one of O.J. Mayo's flunkies. Floyd said he can prove his innocence and produces a receipt showing the money actually went to Reggie Bush.

Washington's Ryan Zimmerman's hitting streak ends at 30 games. Pelosi blames George W. Bush.

After reviewing semi-nude photos of Miss California, Donald Trump says Carrie Prejean can keep her crown because "she's really hot."

Thursday -- The Obama Administration announces the closing of 400 failing Chrysler dealers and 18 Major League Soccer franchises.

Favre visits famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who threatens to suture his mouth shut if Favre doesn't announce his retirement soon.

Astronauts repair the Hubble Space Telescope, which then locates Manny Ramirez hiding in his condo on Pluto.

Friday -- Hundreds of Notre Dame students say they will boycott graduation ceremonies unless commencement speaker President Barack Obama says he will no longer support Charlie Weis.

CIA Director Leon Panetta says the agency was only being truthful when it told Pelosi she needed a facelift.

Assistant coach Pat Ewing guarantees Orlando will beat Boston in Game 7. Van Gundy immediately starts taking hostages and threatening to shoot them if Ewing can't teach Howard how to shoot a turnaround jumper in the next 36 hours.

Saturday -- With Borel doing the whipping, Rachel Alexandra becomes the first filly to win the Preakness in 85 years. Mine That Bird's owners vow revenge and sign Tony Stewart to ride the horse in the Belmont.

Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison says he will not attend the White House reception next week because he'll be too tempted to steal the silverware.

Us Weekly reports that "Jon & Kate Plus 8" mom Kate Gosselin told her husband that at least three of their sextuplets belong to Travis Henry.

Can't-miss predictions for the upcoming week:

-- Favre again announces his irrevocable retirement, unless he decides he feels good enough to run in the Belmont.

-- The Obama Administration makes Feherty apologize to bin Laden for calling him a "terrorist."

-- Pelosi will swear under oath that Brian McNamee never injected her with Botox.

Week in Review: You Go, Girl originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sun, 17 May 2009 16:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rachel Alexandra Wins Preakness

Michael David Smith — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:18:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

The incredible filly Rachel Alexandra won the 134th running of the Preakness Stakes Saturday at Pimlico, becoming the first female horse to win the Preakness since 1924.

Rachel Alexandra, who didn't enter the Kentucky Derby but won the Kentucky Oaks, entered the Preakness as the betting favorite and delivered just the way everyone thought she would. Jockey Calvin Borel, who rode Mine That Bird to victory at the Derby, was aboard Rachel Alexandra.

"She's the greatest horse I've ever been on in my life," Borel said afterward.

Mine That Bird came in second and nearly caught Rachel Alexandra from behind, coming just short in the end of a close, exciting race. Musket Man came in third.

Big Drama provided some drama before the start by bucking his rider off and having to come out of the gate before getting back in and starting fast, actually leading the field early on before falling back.

Rachel Alexandra's victory means that for the 31st straight year, there will not be a Triple Crown winner. This is the longest drought in Triple Crown history; the last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978.

Rachel Alexandra Wins Preakness originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sat, 16 May 2009 18:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preakness Infield No Longer BYOB

Michael David Smith — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:50:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

What you see above -- beer cans flying all over the place -- was, for years, a common sight in the Preakness infield. But race organizers say that won't be the case this year.

Responding to the general craziness of the infield in years past, and to the way that craziness was depicted on YouTube, the folks in charge of the race have decided that those in attendance will not be allowed to bring alcoholic beverages in. The New York Times reports:

"I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said those videos didn't have some impact," said Tom Chuckas, president and chief operating officer of the Maryland Jockey Club, which operates Pimlico. "But we believed it was time for a change and to provide entertainment and activities for our guests. And as a sidebar issue about safety, some of the shenanigans had to stop."

The policy isn't making everyone happy, though. The Times reports that a Facebook group called Boycott Preakness Until They Bring B.Y.O.B. Back to the Infield has more than 1,750 members. It's tough to see sports traditions disappear, and debauchery in the Preakness infield is a tradition unlike any other.

Preakness Infield No Longer BYOB originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mine That Bird Shocked Everyone, Including Announcer Tom Durkin

Michael David Smith — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:49:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

Above is the full broadcast of Saturday's Kentucky Derby as it appeared on NBC, with Tom Durkin calling the race. It was not one of Durkin's better days.

Mine That Bird came out of nowhere to win the Derby as a 50-1 shot, and Durkin just plain missed it. Early in the race he said, "Well behind the rest of them is Mine That Bird," and by the next time Durkin mentioned Mine That Bird's name, the horse had surged into a big lead.

Even after Mine That Bird blew away the field down the stretch, Durkin seemed unsure of himself and stumbled over his words, and he chuckled as he finally said, "Mine That Bird has won the Kentucky Derby! An impossible result here!"

Durkin's job is an unforgiving one: He's not like a play-by-play man who does his job for three hours and gets the chance to redeem himself if he screws up. He does his job for three minutes, and if he screws up, that's all anyone will remember about him. As a result, Durkin's mistake has been mentioned all over the place in the last couple of days, from the FanHouse podcast to USA Today to Deadspin, just to name a few.

Still, as Bob Goetz of the New York Times notes, Durkin is one of the best in the business. Durkin missed this call, but that just goes to show that everyone missed Mine That Bird.

Mine That Bird Shocked Everyone, Including Announcer Tom Durkin originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Tue, 05 May 2009 09:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HausCast 17: Spencer Hall Talks About His Trip to the Kentucky Derby

Will Brinson — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Blogs, Horse Racing, Sports Media, Current Events, FanHouse Exclusive, Podcast

The FanHouse Podcast: Because bloggers are much sexier on the phone.

The Kentucky Derby came and went. And all in approximately two minutes. Shocking, I know. Fortunately, Spencer Hall, of The Sporting Blog and Every Day Should Be Saturday fame, was kind enough to join Ryan and I on the podcast machine to talk about all the wonderful debauchery that the Derby presents. I highly recommend checking out Spencer's photo gallery, unless you're the type of person who doesn't like fake Barack Obama and Bill Clinton's pogo-sticking across mudpits. In which case, may God have mercy on your soul.

HausCast 17: Spencer Hall Talks About His Trip to the Kentucky Derby originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Tue, 05 May 2009 09:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mine That Bird to Run Preakness

Michael David Smith — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:37:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, the 50-1 long shot who flew away from the field down the stretch, will attempt to take the next step toward the Triple Crown.

Ordinarily, the news that Mine That Bird is running the Preakness wouldn't really be "news" at all: The Kentucky Derby winner almost always runs the Preakness, unless he's injured. But Mine That Bird went into the Derby as such an also-ran that the horse's owners said Sunday that returning for the Preakness hadn't even crossed their minds.

On Monday, however, the owners confirmed that they will take their horse to Pimlico. The last Derby winner to miss the Preakness was Grindstone, who pulled out with an injury in 1996, and the last healthy Derby winner to miss the Preakness was Spend A Buck in 1985.

No horse has won the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.

Mine That Bird to Run Preakness originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Mon, 04 May 2009 11:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Full Kentucky Derby on YouTube

Michael David Smith — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

At a time when many sports leagues are spending big money attempting to crack down on fans who violate copyright laws by posting highlights on YouTube, the Kentucky Derby has decided to go in the opposite direction: Saturday's entire race is available on the Derby's official YouTube channel.

The sport of kings typically appeals to older fans, but the folks at Churchill Downs are using an aggressive strategy to court younger fans online. The Derby launched its YouTube channel in 2006, back when most sports leagues were terrified at the prospect of online video siphoning viewers away from its TV partners, and the Derby is also on Facebook and Twitter.

I'm a little surprised that the Derby, which started in the 19th Century, has been so enthusiastic about embracing 21st Century technology (and I'm a little surprised that the Derby's contract with NBC allows it), but I think it's great: If you missed the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports on Saturday, watching it today is as easy as the click of a mouse.

Kentucky Derby Photos

Jockey Calvin Borel smiles as he grabs the halter of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the stable area at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 3, 2009. Borel came from last to first to win his second Kentucky Derby aboard the colt. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)

Trainer Bennie Woolley Jr., center, miles as he stands in his barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 3, 2009. Wooley trains Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

Trainer Bennie Woolley Jr., talks with reporters outside his barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 3, 2009. Woolley trains Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is held outside his stable by exercise rider Charlie Figueroa at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird peers from his stall before dawn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, May 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 02: Velerie Bertinelli arrives the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Velerie Bertinelli

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LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 02: Eli Manning arrives the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Eli Manning

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LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 02: A fan's hat near the red carpet at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** A fan's hat near the red carpet at

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LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 02: DMC arrives the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** DMC

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LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 02: Lynn Whitfield arrives the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lynn Whitfield

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Full Kentucky Derby on YouTube originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sun, 03 May 2009 18:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mine That Bird Wins Kentucky Derby

Michael David Smith — Sat, 02 May 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

Mine That Bird won the 135th Kentucky Derby Saturday in a shocking upset on a sloppy track at Churchill Downs.

Mine That Bird went off at 50-1 odds and was the second-biggest underdog ever to win the Derby. It was purchased for just $9,500 and beat a field that had several horses worth millions. With jockey Calvin Borel aboard, Mine That Bird pulled away from the pack on a stunningly fast stretch run, winning by almost seven lengths.

A Derby Victory for the Ages

Calvin Borel does it again. Just two years after riding Street Sense to a win in the 2007 Kentucky Derby, the heralded jockey leads 50-1 long shot Mine That Bird to a stunning victory at Churchill Downs. The second-biggest upset in Derby history resulted in a payout of $103.20 to win. Click through to see more photos from the classic race.

Al Behrman, AP

Amazingly, Mine That Bird won after beginning in last place out of the starting gate. But Borel skillfully maneuvered his colt to the rail for a comeback. "I had enough room," Borel said. "He's a small horse."

John Sommers, Reuters

Once along the rail with three-sixteenths to go, Mine That Bird turned on the speed and took control. "It was a Street Sense move," Borel said. "They can only go so fast, so far. When I hollered at him, he just went on."

Al Behrman, AP

Despite racing on a sloppy dirt track, Mine That Bird pulled off a 6 3/4-length victory -- the largest margin since Assault won by eight lengths in 1946. "It just shows you how special this race is. Anything can happen," said losing trainer Todd Pletcher.

John Gress, Reuters

Borel, who also won the Kentucky Oaks a day earlier, choked back tears and paid tribute to his parents by pointing his whip to the sky. "If they could only be here to see what I accomplish in my life," said Borel after he crossed the finish line.

Jamie Squire, Getty Images

Borel became the first jockey since 1993 to complete the Oaks-Derby double. "All I asked him was to lay the horse back and be patient, and he did that magically," said Mine That Ride trainer Bennie Woolley Jr.

Darron Cummings, AP

Woolley, who spent time on the rodeo circuit as a bareback rider, hobbled on crutches to the winner's circle. The 45-year-old from New Mexico broke his right leg in a motorcycle accident two months ago. "I'm feeling like I never have before," he said. "I was just blown away."

Brent Smith, Reuters

Pioneerof the Nile finished second and Musket Man finished third. The early favorite, I Want Revenge, was scratched from the field Saturday morning with an ankle injury. Friesan Fire went off as the favorite but finished out of the money.

Here's the order of finish:
1. Mine That Bird
2. Pioneerof the Nile
3. Musket Man
4. Papa Clem
5. Chocolate Candy
6. Summer Bird
7. Join in the Dance
8. Regal Ransom
9. West Side Bernie
10. General Quarters
11. Dunkirk
12. Hold Me Back
13. Advice
14. Desert Party
15. Mr. Hot Stuff
16. Atomic Rain
17. Nowhere to Hide
18. Friesan Fire
19. Flying Private

Mine That Bird Wins Kentucky Derby originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sat, 02 May 2009 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Early Favorite I Want Revenge Scratched From Kentucky Derby

Michael David Smith — Sat, 02 May 2009 10:18:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

The morning of the Kentucky Derby, the favorite was scratched from the race.

I Want Revenge, the Wood Memorial winner, was pulled out of the race as a precautionary measure when his trainer, Jeff Mullins, discovered what has been described as a spot on the horse's left front ankle.

Although X-rays were negative, the horse's owners decided they didn't want to take any chances with their multimillion-dollar animal, and so I Want Revenge is now out of the field.

More Coverage: Kentucky Derby Field, Odds

The veterinarian, Dr. Larry Bramlage, was reportedly examining I Want Revenge in Mullins' barn Saturday morning. Early indications are that the injury is not career-threatening, but this is still a major disappointment. I Want Revenge was thought to be the kind of horse that could make a run at the Triple Crown.

The favorites in the 135th Run for the Roses will now be Dunkirk and Pioneer of the Nile, both of whom were listed at 4-1 odds Saturday morning.

UPDATE: As bets continue to come in, Friesan Fire is now listed as the favorite.

Kentucky Derby Photos

Natalie Palzrmic, of Chicago, wears a fancy hat at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Lacie Minchew of Baton Rouge, La., wears a fancy hat at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

A vendor holds a tray of mint juleps, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 2009. REUTERS/John Sommers (UNITED STATES ANIMALS SPORT HORSE RACING)

Reuters

Jack Abby of Louisville, Ky., smokes a cigar in the paddock before the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

A race fan buys a mint julep, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 2009. REUTERS/Matt Sullivan (UNITED STATES ANIMALS SPORT HORSE RACING)

Reuters

A race fan holds a mint julep, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 2009. REUTERS/Matt Sullivan (UNITED STATES ANIMALS SPORT HORSE RACING)

Reuters

Race fans walk past a mint julep vendor ahead of the 135th running of the Kenticky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 2009. REUTERS/Matt Sullivan (UNITED STATES ANIMALS SPORT HORSE RACING)

Reuters

I Want Revenge Trainer co-owner David Lanzman with his wife, Desirae, attend a news conference before the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. The early favorite was scratched from the race because of ankle injury.(AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Donavan Barnett of Warwick, RI, wears a spires hat in the paddock before the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Kelly Leonareli of Louisville, Ky., wears a fancy hat at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Brian Bohannon)

Early Favorite I Want Revenge Scratched From Kentucky Derby originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sat, 02 May 2009 10:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Kentucky Derby Field Raring to Go

Tom Herrera — Sat, 02 May 2009 04:00:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

The 2009 Kentucky Derby field is set, so get your mint juleps ready and put on your fancy hat. Alright, so it's more like a cigar and a Daily Racing Form for most of us, but it's going to be a momentous day regardless. Often called the "most exciting two minutes in sports," the 135th running of the Derby will have one of the most competitive fields in years.

You can check out the odds for all 19 horses in Saturday's $2 million race at Churchill Downs below:
Updated as of 11:20 AM ET, * denotes favorite

1. West Side Bernie -- Morning Odds: 40/1
2. Musket Man -- Morning Odds: 25/1
3. Mr. Hot Stuff -- Morning Odds: 30/1
4. Advice -- Morning Odds: 25/1
5. Hold Me Back -- Morning Odds: 12/1
6. Friesan Fire* -- Morning Odds: 4/1
7. Papa Clem -- Morning Odds: 12/1
8. Mine That Bind -- Morning Odds: 50/1
9. Join in the Dance -- Morning Odds: 50/1
10. Regal Ransom -- Morning Odds: 15/1
11. Chocolate Candy -- Morning Odds: 8/1
12. General Quarters -- Morning Odds: 5/1
~~13. I Want Revenge -- Morning Odds: 3/1~~
(I Want Revenge has been scratched from the race)
14. Atomic Rain -- Morning Odds: 50/1
15. Dunkirk* -- Morning Odds: 4/1
16. Pioneerof the Nile -- Morning Odds: 9/2
17. Summer Bird -- Morning Odds: 30/1
18. Nowhere to Hide -- Morning Odds: 50/1
19. Desert Party -- Morning Odds: 10/1
20. Flying Private -- Morning Odds: 50/1

Kentucky Derby Photos

LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 01: Grace Frances Penner and Gretchen Wilson attend the Barnstable Brown Party Celebrating The 135th Kentucky Derby at Barnstable Brown House on May 1, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Grace Frances Penner;Gretchen Wilson

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LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 01: Larry Birkhead attends the Barnstable Brown Party Celebrating The 135th Kentucky Derby at Barnstable Brown House on May 1, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Larry Birkhead

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LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 01: Terry O'Quinn attends the Barnstable Brown Party Celebrating The 135th Kentucky Derby at Barnstable Brown House on May 1, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terry O'Quinn

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The Southern Belles of Louisville, from left, Kellie Frey, Hadley Hartz, Emily Gimmel, Shea Johnson and Julie Smith arrive at the Barnstable Brown Derby party in Louisville, Ky., Friday, May 1, 2009. The 135th Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 2. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 01: Lori Fieri and Guy Fieri attend the Barnstable Brown Party Celebrating The 135th Kentucky Derby at Barnstable Brown House on May 1, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lori Fieri;Guy Fieri

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LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 01: Guy Fieri attends the Barnstable Brown Party Celebrating The 135th Kentucky Derby at Barnstable Brown House on May 1, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Guy Fieri

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2009 Kentucky Derby Field Raring to Go originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sat, 02 May 2009 04:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HausCast 16: Kentucky Derby Talk With Dick Jerardi

Will Brinson — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:18:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing, Sports Media, Current Events, FanHouse Exclusive, Podcast

The FanHouse Podcast: Because bloggers are much sexier on the phone.

The Kentucky Derby is upon us, and the folks at Xpressbet.com (the legal, licensed, no-fee way to play the races when you can't make it to the track!) were kind enough to lend us the expertise of Dick Jerardi, Philadelphia Daily News writer and winner of the 2006 Eclipse Award for his work on Barbaro. Dick's got 25 years experience covering horses so, naturally, ~~I begged him for gambling advice~~ Wilson and I picked his brain about Saturday's festivities, the history of horse racing and the state of steroids. Which conveniently segues into the topic of Alex Rodriguez, followed by Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning and Josh Smith. Listen after the jump.

HausCast 16: Kentucky Derby Talk With Dick Jerardi originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Fri, 01 May 2009 10:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Horses Collide at Churchill Downs, Raspberry Miss Dies

Michael David Smith — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

A collision of two horses Tuesday at Churchill Downs killed one of them, a 2-year-old named Rasberry Miss.

The collision took place with Raspberry Miss standing on the track after a training session. A 3-year-old colt named Doctor Rap, which had dumped its jockey and took off down the track, ran into Raspberry Miss, knocking both horses and the jockey aboard Raspberry Miss onto the track.

The veterinarian on the scene, Larry Bramlage, said that Raspberry Miss had multiple fractures and would have had to be euthanized, but she died of shock before veterinarians could put her to sleep.

"The fractures were caused from the fall and the other horse landing on top of her," Bramlage told the Associated Press. "She just fell awkwardly."

Video via NBCChicago.com.

Horses Collide at Churchill Downs, Raspberry Miss Dies originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturday's Santa Anita Derby Results

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:10:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) - Pioneerof the Nile is still learning how to run, and it showed halfway down the backstretch of the Santa Anita Derby.

That's where the colt tugged his way to the lead, gave it up and then went to the front in the stretch, holding on for a 1-length victory Saturday.

Now, it's on to the Kentucky Derby for trainer Bob Baffert, a three-time Derby winner who hasn't had a starter since 2006.

"I'm glad to be back in the show," he said after claiming his record fifth Santa Anita Derby.

Pioneerof the Nile ran 1 1-8 miles on the artificial surface in 1:49.17. He was sent off as the 4-5 wagering favorite after main rival The Pamplemousse was scratched hours before because of a soft tissue injury in one of his legs.

Chocolate Candy was second, followed by Mr. Hot Stuff and Take the Points. Feisty Suances was fifth, Unbridled Roman sixth and Gallant Son last.

Chocolate Candy, owned by diet maven Jenny Craig, may be moving on to the Kentucky Derby too.

Ridden by Garrett Gomez, Pioneerof the Nile paid $3.60, $2.40 and $2.10. Chocolate Candy returned $3.20 and $2.60, while Mr. Hot Stuff was another length back in third and paid $3.40 to show in front of an announced crowd of 50,915.

Winning owner Ahmed Zayat scratched his other horse, Z Day, who was entered to serve as a rabbit for The Pamplemousse, who has a front-running style. Cape Truth also was scratched from the $750,000 race.

Alex Solis II, one of The Pamplemousse's co-owners, said his colt was scratched because there was concern about the soft tissue in one leg. He did not say which one.

"The tendon had a little heat and as a result, (trainer) Julio (Canani) decided to scratch him," Solis said. "We'll scan the tendon and evaluate it and go from there. We're not going to take any chances with him."

Both Baffert and Zayat expressed regret that The Pamplemousse, who has won three in a row, wasn't able to take on their colt.

"Bob and I were looking forward to the match race everyone believed it to be, but unfortunately, we didn't have The Pamplemousse," Zayat said.

Based on Baffert's confidence level, it might not have mattered.

The trainer, who is nominated for racing's Hall of Fame this spring, was so sure Pioneerof the Nile was going to win that he had the superstitious Zayat worried.

"Bob called my 16-year-old son at 11:30 at night and said, 'He's not going to get beat,"' Zayat said. "Bob was super-confident. I've never seen him like that."

Pioneerof the Nile earned his fourth consecutive victory Saturday, but his stock had fallen in some quarters because he hasn't won his preps in eye-catching fashion.

"We wanted an honest pace," Baffert said. "This horse has been taken out of his game the last two races."

Pioneerof the Nile, whose name is a nod to Zayat's Egyptian roots, was fourth in the early going before charging to the front on the backside. Gomez took a strong hold and the colt dropped back to second before regaining the advantage into the stretch.

"With all the scratches, it just jeopardized the pace for us," Gomez said. "I tried to get in behind and settle early on. He was OK for a while, but then as they kept slowing down in front of him, I tried to take hold and get him back a couple times."

Gomez wanted Pioneerof the Nile to run more like he did in winning the Robert Lewis Stakes on Feb. 7, when the colt was sixth most of the way before coming with his patented late charge.

Instead, he ran like he did in his last start, the San Felipe Stakes on March 14, when Pioneerof the Nile was fifth before moving up to second and then going on to win.

"I wouldn't say it's a missed opportunity; I was just a little disappointed I wasn't able to get it done the way we wanted to," said Gomez, who won the race for the first time. "You're always happy to win the Santa Anita Derby, but just knowing the next step for him, I was trying to get a little more preparation for the next step."

But Pioneerof the Nile is still learning.

He was a May foal, so he isn't yet 3 years old, although racing rules dictate that all thoroughbreds' birthdays are Jan. 1. He ran Saturday with two teeth dangling after they came loose Saturday night.

"I'm going to sell them on eBay," Baffert cracked.

The white-haired trainer didn't announce when Pioneerof the Nile will ship to Louisville for the May 2 Run for the Roses.

And Zayat did his best to resist catching that fabled Derby fever.

"Let's take it one day at a time," he said.

Tell that to Baffert's 4-year-old son Bode, who clearly has his father's confidence.

"Pioneerof the Nile," he said when his daddy asked him who will win the Kentucky Derby.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Saturday's Santa Anita Derby Results originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luke Kruytbosch, Voice of the Kentucky Derby, Dies at 47

Michael David Smith — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:08:00 EST

Filed under: Horse Racing

Luke Kruytbosch, the track announcer at Churchill Downs the last 10 years, was found dead yesterday morning in his home. You might not know Kruytbosch's name, but if you watched the Kentucky Derby, you'll recognize his voice in this video:

Friends said Kruytbosch hadn't been feeling well, and his death is believed to be heart-related. He was 47.

Luke Kruytbosch, Voice of the Kentucky Derby, Dies at 47 originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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