A Day at the Races, a Lifetime of Memories

Before I had the privilege of attending a horse race, the phrase “A day at the races” was not something I took literally.

So, when my cousin Andrea and I entered the majestic Churchill Downs Friday for the Kentucky Oaks, we were treated to excellent weather, thrilling races and a lot of waiting around.

It is during the downtime spent in the wagering, drink and bathroom lines in the grandstands or the infield where the social nature of horseracing reveals perhaps the best quality of the sport.

During a given Derby weekend you are likely to encounter attendees from all walks of life. 

As with anywhere, some you will like, some you will not, some you will remember and others well, maybe you’re better off to not remember everything you see and hear.

On Friday, during the lengthy breaks between races, I conversed with a great many fantastic people, I learned much and while I don’t expect to remember everything, I will remember at least one dude.

Thirsty for information (helpful or not) I often queried neighboring spectators who studiously perused their racing literature.

“Sir, do you have the late scratches for the upcoming race?” I asked a middle-aged man with sunglasses in front and to my left.

“I do,” he said sternly. “I’m not a sir though. I’m just a dude, like you,” Jim Camp said with a smile.

Camp of Atlanta, Georgia and his friend Frank Scarborough of Louisville have been attending the Derby for the last dozen years.

Friends from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, the two stay in touch during the year and meet up come Derby week.

I asked the two middle-aged men when they begin to have Derby Fever and Camp responded quickly, “Right after the last one finished. We can’t wait for it to come around.” Scarborough nodded in agreement.

As a veteran of the Derby experience, Camp explained vividly not only his excitement for the upcoming races, but eagerly and with excitement what a treat us newbie derby-goers were in for.

“Tomorrow afternoon at about 5:45 when they start singing ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ there is nothing, nothing…I cannot explain what it’s like. I get chills just talking about it, you’ll see.”

So after what seemed like an eternity between race 10 and the Run for the Roses, the grandstands became increasingly more crowded.

A palpable anticipation grew ever stronger as the words to “My Old Kentucky Home” were scribed on the main board and the massive crowd sang.

As each verse disappeared from the screen, I felt IT. While it’s chills for Camp, a furious wringing of his hands from the stranger next to me or my goose bumps, they are one and the same, an experience better felt than described.

I expect to remember at least four things many years from now: that we were lucky with the weather, Animal Kingdom was the winner, I won money (the amount will vary depending upon inflation), and whether you’re fighting to get a glimpse from the infield or in the grandstands at “Millionaire’s Row,” we’re all just dudes.