The Derby reminds me, by GJ

Tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby and I’m reminded of the time we happened to be in Louisville and visited Churchill Downs.

We were RV-ing at the time (1985-86) and camped close to town. We unhitched the “fifth wheel” and drove the truck out to the track. There was no “big” race running at the time, probably on a week day, and a normal one all around. Except…it had rained, and rained hard. The track was almost a giant pond, with puddles everywhere.

We decided to watch a couple of races, maybe make a small ($2) bet on one, and then give up on the wet track. As we scanned the program, we were both amused by a horse whose name was “Spooky Tooth.” We laughed at the name and placed the minimum bet, “to win.”

When the horses came out on the track for the walk to starting gate, we didn’t see number three (ST) anywhere. Finally, about fifty yards behind the last horse, here came ST; head down, looking like he was depressed, and a pretty, light gray coat. He slowly followed all the other thoroughbreds out to the gate and eventually took his place.

We are, by now, convinced that we had wasted two dollars.

The familiar shout of “They’re off!” came from the P.A. system, and ST broke in front. He led at the first turn, drew away in the backstretch, and romped home ten lengths ahead of the field.

As ST drew up to the area where they honor the winner, we saw why he had won. He was the only horse whose color, or jockey, or owner colors could be seen! (All others were covered in mud.) He just didn’t want all that mud in his face from trailing behind the others! As I recall, we got about $22 back for our $2 wager. Good old Spooky Tooth paid for our dinner that night. Never had a doubt.