Being from Winchester Kentucky just outside of Lexington which is just outside of Paris Kentucky this tragic ending of a great event in Louisville was very upsetting and still is to me. I guess I am writing this for therapeutical purposes.
Lexington is where Calumet Farms is located. I remember a few years back when the Queen of England was going to visit Calumet and my mothers best friend Lucinda Miller (all still living in Winchester) was in charge of doing all of the flower arrangements for the entire spread. Lucinda told my mother that while she was delivering her arrangements on the last day before the Queens' arrival which was a frantic time Im sure. She reported to my mother seeing crew vacuuming the lawn, shrubs and the entire outside. Calumet Farms is the huge farm that you see when you fly or drive into Lex and you see an ocean of beautiful black fences. Black fences are the most beautiful against a green lawn and I shudder when I see the stark white fences that people put up today that just do not hold a candle to the other combination.
Paris, KY is where the infamous Clayborn Farm is located. Secretariat, Riva Ridge any many other famous horses from the US and Europe all retired at Clayborn to stud. Each horse had it's own four acre coral. 18K gold name plate on each stall door were cleaned everyday. I only mention Secretariat and Riva Ridge because I personally visited them on two different occassions at the Farm. Remind me to tell you the story while sipping an adult beverage some day.
So, as you can imagine Derby Day is a big day in my family. Even my cousin Rod Cardwell from Tolland, CT has a suite at the Derby every year. He spends the entire week in Louisville. Quite the scene to be seen as you can imagine. Rod I believe is also a Kentucky Colonel as I am. It is a membership that is appointed and signed by the Governor of Ky. the same year of your acceptance. Louie B Nunn was the Govenor when I was appointed my Colonel'ship - that let's you know maybe how far back we are talking.
Eight Belle's you were a beautiful horse, you had determination beyond comprehension and hopefully we will meet at the better Clayborn Farm in the sky one day.
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