The Triple Crown

By Steve

The Kentucky Derby

May 1, 2004

Churchill Downs - 10th

Kentucky Derby (G1)

Distance: 1 1/4 Miles Surface: Dirt

Open. Age: 3 Year Olds Stakes

Purse $1,000,000.

PP - Horse - Jockey - Trainer - ML

1 - Limehouse - Santos J A - Pletcher Todd A 30-1

2 - Song of the Sword - Arroyo N Jr - Pedersen Jennifer 30-1

3 - Lion Heart - Smith M E - Biancone Patrick L 10-1

4 - Action This Day - Flores D R - Mandella Richard 30-1

5 - Wimbledon - Bailey J D - Baffert Bob 126 15-1

6 - Friends Lake - Migliore R - Kimmel John C 15-1

7 - Minister Eric - Day P - Mandella Richard 30-1

8 - Master David - Solis A - Frankel Robert 12-1

9 - St Averil - Baze T C - Becerra Rafael 30-1

*10 - Southern Oregon St - Taylor J - Kinney Brian 20-1

11 - Imperialism - Desormeaux K J - Mulhall Kristin 15-1

12 - The Cliff's Edge - Sellers S J - Zito Nicholas P 4-1

13 - Borrego - Espinoza V - Greely C Beau 20-1

14 - Birdstone - Prado E S - Zito Nicholas P 50-1

15 - Read the Footnotes - Albarado R J - Violette Richard A Jr 12-1

16 - Smarty Jones - Elliott S - Servis John C 9-1

17 - Castledale (IRE) - Valdivia J Jr - Mullins Jeff 15-1

18 - Pollard's Vision - Velazquez J R - Pletcher Todd A 20-1

19 - Tapit - Dominguez R A - Dickinson Michael W 8-1

20 - Pro Prado - McKee J - Holthus Robert E 30-1

21 - Quintons Gold Rush - Nakatani C S - Asmussen Steven M 20-1

Second Half Oaks-Derby Daily Double/Exacta/Trifecta/Superfecta

Pick 3 (Races 10-11-12)

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I wonder what it's like to go to work after sunrise like normal people you think to yourself as you pull onto the rainy
highway. But it's just like every other work day. Well almost.

It's the first Saturday in May. You're in Louisville and heading to Churchill Downs. It's Derby Day. Your name is
Brian Kinney and you train race horses for a living. One of the horses you train is running today. And not just in any
race. He's in the 130th running of the Kentucky Derby, the most famous horse race in the world.

Your ungodly start time and work schedule is something else you can blame on your father. Other fathers when they
wanted to spend time with their son would play catch or hoops or go to a ball game. Mine took me to the track. Said
it would be good for me to hang around with real men. Yeah right. It was mostly watching his busted out friends
who were trying to scrounge two bucks for a bet.

Since I was just sitting there most of the time I started to pick up on the math and systems of handicapping. After
awhile I became pretty popular with his buddies because I could pick winners. I was a real miniature Damon
Runyon character. But I knew how hard it was to win in the long run. That's how I got involved behind the scenes.
As a teenager I used to work for a trainer that was a friend of my dad’s. He took me under his wing and that's how
the city boy learned all about the care and training of race horses. It's how I became a trainer.

The track gave me a place of my own where I could be accepted for who I was. That's pretty good for a teenager
who's just coming out to himself. The track was mostly a male environment. It didn't take long to find other guys
like myself.

But over the last couple of years the best part of racing was a young apprentice rider I found. Or maybe he found
me. We met on the backstretch one foggy morning when he was working horses. Blond hair flying in the wind and
the bluest eyes I've ever seen. An ass most guys would die for. I've never told him but as he rode past me that day it
was love at first sight.

He turned out to be a pretty good rider. He got a few mounts from me on the track. Then he got a few mounts in my
bed. But he earned both. Justin was the best raw talent I ever saw, both in and out of bed. It sounds crazy but he had
a form of empathy that let him almost talk to horses. All the great riders have it. And Justin will be considered one
of the greats one day. Just have to hope his fearlessness doesn't get him killed one day.

I still have nightmares about that day. They were coming around the far turn and a lead horse went down. There was
no place to go and 4 horses went down including Justin's. I can still hear the sound of one of the following horses
stepping on his head. It was a miracle he lived. He didn't wake up for 2 weeks. After that some of the doctors didn't
expect him to walk again. But a year later in his first races back he came flying up the home stretch between horses
with his devil may care attitude and won. It was his way of yelling to the world, 'I'M BACK!".

The sky was just starting to barely lighten and show the morning rain as Justin and I arrived at the barn. Horses are
just like children but headstrong, temperamental children that weight over a thousand pounds. Our dog Sid Vicious
came out to investigate the noise as we pulled up. She was also looking for her breakfast. Horses are not solitary
animals but race horses are alone in their stalls a lot of the time. That's why we keep dogs, goats and other animals
around the barns. Sid was a black lab named by one of the grooms who was a punk rock fan. She hung around the
barn and had taken a liking to the reason we were all here.

His name was Southern Oregon State. We called him Southern for short and sometimes shit head when he
misbehaved. . He was named after the alma-mater of the owner. He was a big strong three year old chestnut colt but
with the temperament of a child going through the terrible twos. But when he set his mind to it boy could he run.

He never showed much promise as a two year old. That's how I got him. But something happened when he turned
three. He won a few races going away so we entered him into a couple of the Derby prep races. He held his own so
the owner decided to take the chance on the big race.

He knew we were there and was already trying to kick the walls of his stall down.

"Hey!" I yelled to get his attention. He meekly turned around and walked over like a child caught doing something
bad. I usually had an apple for him in the morning and he knew that. He chowed down as I gave him a little TLC
and some soft words. Like any spoiled child he just wanted a little attention

Since he was racing today we just wanted him to get a light workout to get the kinks out. Because of the rain
overnight the track had been sealed to protect it. No horses were allowed on the track that morning. So the grooms
just walked him around the barn area so he could work off a little energy.

After about 30 minutes we got him back to his stall. He was fed and cleaned up. Justin stopped by my office.

"Hey." He said softly to get my attention.

"Heading over?" He had to head over to the jocks room and get ready. First race was at 11 am. He was riding in one
other race today before the Derby.

"Yeah." I could see how nervous he was getting

"Look, you'll do fine. I'll see at the paddock."

"Later." He said with that nervous smile and left.

Now we wait and hope the rain stays away. About 9 am the monsoons hit. There goes a chance for a fast track. I
watched the early races but mostly we waited. Justin got a fourth in his race. But it did give him a good chance to
feel the track out for later.

The track had gradually dried out so by the eighth race the track was listed as fast. At about 4:30 we started getting
everything ready. It started to look like the Derby would get a fast track. That is till monsoon number 2 hit. Even
knocked the live remote ESPN was doing off the air. So much for a fast track.

The rain gradually tapered off and stopped so we got prepared. The saddle and some gear were sent over to the
saddling paddock. Here at Churchill from the barn area you have to walk onto the back stretch of the track, around
the turn and halfway down the home stretch. Then take a tunnel through the grandstand which takes you to the
paddock. And you have to do all this with a temperamental thoroughbred in front of 100,000 plus people. Piece of
cake.

We left the horse blanket behind and me and a couple of grooms headed off with Southern through the barn area to
the back stretch. Was kind of surprised how well he behaved.

I checked the track out as we walked. There was water on the surface but it was draining off. It did feel really solid
and neither us nor Southern sank in to much. The conditions were going to be ok.

As we walked down the home stretch we were greeted by the cheers. What a feeling that was walking in front of that
grandstand. But with the noise I figured if we were going to have problems this was where it was going to be. But he
just looked around and didn't let it bother him. It was almost as if he was saying "Big deal lets race."

We got him through the tunnel and to the paddock. Found our assigned stall and preceded to get him ready. There's
a thin cushion, then the saddle cloth with his name and post number that goes on his back first, then a small saddle
that's cinched on. That plus Justin should come out to exactly 126 pounds. The weight all horses in this race are
assigned to carry.

The call went for the jockeys and a few minutes later Justin arrived. He was wearing the green and gold colors of the
owner.

"How's he been acting?" Justin asks you.

"Like a champ. It's almost hard to believe."

Then you heard the call "Riders Up!"

This is it. I held out my hand for Justin and gave him a boost into the saddle. "Justin." I said to get his attention. He
bent down and I kissed him "For luck." I whispered in his ear. "Now go kick their asses." I then said loud enough for
everyone to hear.

"I'll see you in the winners’ circle." He said confidently with that big smile of his.

The horses headed out from the paddock in their post position order as the on track Bugler began to play "The Call
to Post". Each horse is assigned an outrider. It's another horse and rider who will escort you to the starting gate. He's
there to help with any problems that might occur and to stop any horses from getting lose and running free.

Justin had been calm most of the day but now the butterflies are really starting. You haven't entered the tunnel yet
but the lead horses are already reaching the track.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the management, staff and horsemen of Churchill Downs welcomes you to the 130th
running of the Kentucky Derby. Please rise and join with the University of Louisville marching band for the singing
of My Old Kentucky Home."

The tunnel amplifies the sound as 100,000+ people rise to their feet and begin to sing.

The sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home,

'Tis summer, the people are gay;

The corn top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom,

While the birds make music all the day.

The young folks roll on the little cabin floor,

All merry, all happy and bright;

By'n by hard times comes a-knockin' at the door,

Then my old Kentucky home, good-night!

Weep no more, my lady!

Oh weep no more today.

We will sing one song for my old Kentucky home,

For my old Kentucky home, far away.

There isn't anyone who's involved with this race that doesn't get a little misty eyed when they sing that song.

"Here are the horses for today's race. Post position #1 is Limehouse…."

You half listen to the announcer. It'll be a minute before he gets to us. You scratch Southern between his ears and
pet his neck to help calm him. "Well boy we going to kick some ass today?" you ask. You half believe he
understood you when he shakes his head up and down. He feels really calm but you also feel the huge power a
thoroughbred has that he's ready to unleash. For the first time you really start to believe we could win this thing.

"… Post position #10 is Southern Oregon State. The jockey, in his first Derby, is Justin Taylor. Southern Oregon
State is trained by Brian Kinney and owned by SC Farms. #11 is…"

You heard some cheers during your introduction. At least someone bet on us. "That's for you big guy." You tell him
petting his neck.

Brian had worked his up to the owner's seat. They would watch the race together from there.

"How is he?" the owner asked.

"Ready as he'll ever be."

You watch the horses as they approach the starting gate far to your left. You think about how the race should break
down. First off is the Kentucky "Demolition" Derby as 19 horses come flying out of the starting gate banging into
each and all with the same idea. Get to the rail and get to the front. Then they'll pass in front of us the first time
jockeying for position as they head into the first turn. By then things will have settled down and hopefully Justin will
have the horse near the front stalking the early leaders. On the back stretch the horses will relax a little trying to save
some energy for a big finish. As they enter the far turn the horses that can will begin their moves to the front and
when they get to the homestretch it's a 1,234.5 foot cavalry charge to the finish. Then hopefully we'll be making a
trip to the winners circle.

"The horses are approaching the starting gate."

As you approach the gate you pull down four sets of goggles over your eyes. Because of the wet conditions you're
going to get a face full of mud. You have four sets so as one set gets covered with mud you'll pull them down
around your neck leaving a clean pair to see through. Hopefully you can save the last pair for the home stretch.

"The horses are at the starting gate."

The outrider leaves you and one of the assistant starters grabs the harness of your horse and leads you into the
starting gate. Southern goes right in with no problem. He's always been good at loading. Because there are so many
horses they load two at a time. Post 1 and 10 then 2 and 11 and so on till all 19 are loaded. Southern is ready to go
but we have to wait. "Easy boy it'll happen soon enough.'

"…Quintons Gold Rush is the last to load. The flag is up! And they're off in the Kentucky Derby!"

The gates fly open and Southern takes off like a rocket. That's another good thing about him. I've never had to hustle
him out of a starting gate. Imperialism on your right cuts over a little and bumped you but it doesn't cause a problem.

"…Imperialism got a little bump from The Cliffs Edge at the start. Read the Footnotes comes away in good order
and there's Lion Heart flashing his early speed today. Minister Eric and Southern Oregon are up close to the pace.
Limehouse down toward the inside has been taken back. Quintons Gold Rush is on the far outside…"

You let Southern run the way he wants. The field gradually spreads out and that allows you to swing him left so
you're closer to the rail. The worst thing that can happen is being caught wide going into the first turn.

"…By us for the first time Lion Heart leads the way with a host of pursuers. Minister Eric is there. Read the
Footnotes is third. Smarty Jones is very eager. He's forth. Southern Oregon hustled up to fifth. Pollards Vision is
there on the outside and Quintons Gold Rush is next, six wide as they move into the club house turn…"

You pull down the first set of muddy goggles. They lasted longer then you expected. You got Southern sitting fifth
just off the rail. It will give you a chance to save some ground. But you're going to have to be careful you don't get
boxed in on the rail.


"…Farther back Master David is running along in eighth position. Borrego is ninth on the outside. Pro Prado moves
up into tenth. Birdstone is eleventh and in between horses. Limehouse is saving ground with Castledale in the clear.
He's now running in thirteenth. Friends Lake is now fourteenth. Song of the Sword fifteenth. Tapit is running
together sixteenth and seventeenth with The Cliffs Edge. And Imperialism is eighteenth. He has but one horse
beaten. And that is Action this Day…"

Ok you're on the backstretch. Let's try and get Southern to relax a little. We need to save something for the finish.
But by being close to the rail it's allowing you to save a ton of ground. That will pay dividends at the finish.

"…The opening half mile: forty six and three fifths seconds. And Lion Heart throws down the gauntlet and opens up
by three. Testing fractions for him with five furlongs to go…"

We're coming up to the far turn. Second set of goggles down. You've moved up to third. Horses are beginning to
move up on your right. You're going to have to do something or you're going to get boxed in.

"…Smarty Jones is a stalking second as they approach the far turn. Southern Oregon is third on the rail, saving
ground. Pollards Vision in the clear and he's right there fourth. Minister Eric down on the inside looking for fifth.
Read the Footnotes is handling the track well. He's sixth between horses…"

"…With a half mile to run they've run three quarters in one eleven and four. Borrego is beginning to pick it up on
the outside. Southern Oregon is moving on the rail. Pollards Vision fights his way through in between horses. And
there goes Tapit. Tapit is circling horses on the far outside. And The Cliffs edge is following him. And Imperialism
is risking his way through down toward the inside. Now to the outside and Master David follows him. They're
twelve lengths from the lead… "

It's now or never. You tap Southern with your whip and urge him on. All of a sudden you find he has a new set of
gears you've never seen before. Southern comes up rocketing off the turn and flying down the rail. You've got a
clear path to the finish. We're going to win this damn thing.

"…as Lion Heart turns for home an undefeated Smarty Jones comes flying off the turn. Southern Oregon is driving
on the inside. And these three hook up at the top of the stretch. Lion Heart is all heart. Smarty Jones is all out.
Southern Oregon is driving mightily. And those three are deadlocked at the eighth pole. And Smarty Jones is rode to
the lead by journeyman jockey Stuart Elliot. Southern Oregon goes with him. And they have taken the lead away
from Lion Heart. Farther back its Limehouse and Imperialism…"

"Come on Justin! Go baby!" Brian yells along with thousands of other people as they watch the two horses battle to
the finish line.

"Wire! Where's the farkuckta wire!" yells the owner.

"…Smarty Jones and Southern Oregon are neck and neck, nose to nose, driving to the finish. Neither one will give
way. And at the wire… PHOTO, TO CLOSE TO CALL!!! "

"Photo???" the panicked voice of the owner says.

Damn that was close. "Come on, we got to get down there." You grab the owners arm and try to weave your way
through the crowd.

You let the horse coast through the turn. Damn that was close. I have no idea who won. You make eye contact with
the other rider. He shrugs his shoulders. He has no idea who won either.

Brian and the owner stopped for a moment as they played the replay of the finish in super slow motion on the big
screen in the infield. You hear the crowds' reaction. No one can pick out who won.

You get the horse under control and turn him around and head back to the finish line. As you come around the turn
you look at the tote board. All it says is "Photo" You see Brian has made his way down to the track and you trot
Southern over to him. One of the grooms grabs his harness while you get off his back. It'll help him to get your
weight off of him as soon as possible. You already know what Brian's first question will be. You just shrug. You've
got no idea who won.

As a trainer your first priority is to your horse. The groom starts to walk him slowly in a circle. That will stop him
from stiffening up. You see he's catching his breath and he's walking with no distress. Good, that means he came
through the race ok.

Now comes the hard part. You wait for the Stewards to read the photo and see who won. It should only take a couple
of minutes. You've been through this before but this is the biggest race of your life. NBC has a couple cameras and
reporters down here already. But they keep their distance.

It's about 5 minutes and nothing. They keep showing the replay but it doesn't tell you anything new. You wait and
wait. 6, 7, 8 minutes and still nothing. Christ what are they looking at. Finally, Justin touches your arm and points.
The photo sign is gone. Here it comes.

DEADHEAT the tote board flashes.

You both won! It was a tie. It's the first time in Derby history it's happened. Numbers 10 and 16 are blinking. 3 and
11 finished third and fourth. Before you can react Justin jumps up and grabs you around the neck yelling "We won!"

You're absolutely in shock. I must be dreaming. But it's not a dream, it's real. You just hug Justin close to you. Not
many people get to share a moment like this with someone this close to them. You let him down because it's time for
all the ceremonies that go with winning this thing. Both horses are lead into the infield and since you have the lower
post number Southern will go first for the photos. Justin gets back on and a blanket of roses is draped over
Southerns' shoulders. The owner, his friends, you and all the guys from the barn gather in for the winner's photo
with Southern. Then it's the turn of connections of Smarty Jones to have the same photo taken.

Since there's only one trophy for now the owners are presented it together. Photos are taken. Then Justin and Stuart
Elliott pose together as joint winners with the trophy. Then you and your opposite, John Servis, pose for more
photos. Then you all get together for one big photo opportunity.

The hoopla finally starts to die down after you must have shaken a million hands and given a million interviews. But
now your priority is to get the horse back to the barn. Southern gets a bath and is put back in his stall to rest and eat.
You go back to your office to get some quiet time after the craziest day of your life. Then it hits you. You got to start
making plans for a trip to Baltimore. The Preakness Stakes is in two weeks and you got a shot at the Triple Crown.

The Preakness Stakes

May 15, 2004

12th (6:15 pm EST)

Preakness Stakes. (G1)

1 3/16 Miles Dirt Open 3 Year Olds

Stakes - Purse: $1,000,000

Post # Horse Jockey Wt Odds

1 Lion Heart Smith M E 126 3-1

2 Borrego Espinoza V 126 15-1

3 Little Matth Man Migliore R 126 50-1

4 The Cliff's Edge Sellers S J 126 8-1

5 Song of the Sword Chavez J F 126 30-1

6 Sir Shackleton Bejarano R 126 30-1

7 Smarty Jones Elliott S 126 8/5

8 Imperialism Desormeaux K J 126 5-1

9 Southern Oregon St Taylor J 126 4-1

10 Eddington Bailey J D 126 8-1

11 Rock Hard Ten Stevens G L 126 6-1

12 Water Cannon Fogelsonger R 126 30-1

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"The horses are approaching the starting gate."

Well, so that's what my 15 minutes of fame feels like you think as you watch the horses approach the starting gate
for the Preakness. The last two weeks have been the wildest ride I have ever been on. Well, maybe not the widest.
There once was this guy in the backroom but I'm not going there. Who would have thought I'd be a household name.
I'd better enjoy it while it lasts. Next year I could be a trivia question.

Two weeks ago Smarty Jones and your horse Southern Oregon State finished the Kentucky Derby in a dead heat for
first. The media thought that with the injuries, sickness and deaths Smarty's connections made a better story then us.
Hey we're just two queers from Pittsburgh. But we did manage to put the school and Ashland Oregon on the national
map. The owner said they haven't got that much national exposure since a student won a rock concert from MTV in

the mid 80's. But just like Philadelphia going nuts over Smarty, Ashland and the Rouge valley went nuts over their
name sake. The Mayor of Ashland and the President of the University announced they were going to Maryland for
the race. Great, no pressure on us right?

We did get our share of press coverage I have to admit. There were a few reporters following our every move. And
each one had to get a quote and a photo every day. ESPN and NBC did pieces on us to use during their Preakness
coverage. What do you know I'm an overnight sensation. And it only took me 12 years. A few reporters did get a
little to nosey for their own good and snuck around the barn area. That's when our barn dog Sid Vicious lived up to
her name. A few reporters got a little too close to Southern for her liking when we weren't around. She's pretty
protective of her "baby" and they soon learned you don't mess with the cub when the momma bear is around. But
hey the jerk sportswriter only needed 20 stitches. Good doggie.

We got everyone there a week early. It gave us all a chance to settle in. Justin arrived Wednesday. He had some
prior riding commitments he had to fulfill at other tracks. I sure missed him. This town doesn't even have a decent
bath house. And can someone explain to me what the big deal about crab cakes is.

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"The horses have reached the starting gate."

Your post position is #9. They'll load the other horses first so it'll be a minute before you load. You keep telling
yourself not to be nervous. But it's almost worse than the Derby. Before you were some unknown kid, now you're
expected to win. You had peeked at the tote board before and saw you were 3-1. Smarty and Lion Heart were getting
much of the action. At least someone has some confidence to bet on us.

We had spent a few days looking at the Racing Form trying to figure out the race. If everyone runs to form Lion
Heart will take the early lead with Smarty Jones stalking second. You'll just try to get behind them and let them fight
each other. If they run the half mile in 45 seconds or less that means they ran to fast and won't have anything left for
the end. You can just bide your time and catch them on the home stretch. If it's slower than 45 seconds then you're
going to have to move early and try and hold everyone off in the stretch. Then again something different could
happen and you'll have to figure it out as you go, but that's why they pay me to ride.

You look up as the assistant starter takes Southerns' harness and walks him into the starting gate. Right in as usual.
You've got Kent Desormeaux riding on your left and Jerry Bailey riding on your right. They're two of the best so
you shouldn't get into trouble coming out of the gate.

Looking over your shoulder you see Rock Hard Ten is being a head case and won't go into the starting gate. During
the delay you take a quick look at Smarty. He's just on the other side of Desormeaux in post #7. Your ass is mine
you think. There isn't going to be some damn 10 minute photo this time if I've got anything to say about it.

Rock Hard Ten finally gets shoved into the gate. Then Water Cannon is the last to load. This is it. Your body tenses.
Then the buzzer goes off and the gates fly open and your destiny awaits.

"And they're off. Smarty Jones gets off to a good beginning. Little Matth man was shuffled back. So to was Sir
Shackleton. Southern Oregon State is up near the front."

You just let Southern run the way he wants. Smarty Jones and Lion Heart move ahead of you, but down the center
of the track. That gives you a chance to sneak over to the rail before the turn.

"Lion Heart down toward the inside. Smarty Jones comes away with a narrow lead. But there goes Lion Heart with
his typical early tactic. And Mike Smith is angling him out as they head toward the club house turn forcing Smarty
Jones a little out into the track."

You watch Smith run wide and force Smarty Jones to run even wider going into the turn. That may have just made
them run an extra 4-5 lengths. Beautiful. You're running along the rail free and clear. You'll take any advantage they
give you.

"Southern Oregon is sitting along the rail third. Uncharacteristic speed from Imperialism who's right up on the pace
today, he's running forth. As they move into the club house turn but he's very wide, Smith really taking him out there
into the track. Song of the Sword saves ground all the way. He's running along in fifth. Sir Shackleton shuffled back
early is sixth. Eddington seventh in and among horses. Rock Hard Ten is under a hard hold early four wide around
the club house turn And down toward the inside it is Borrego Water Cannon at the back of the pack today with Little
Matth Man."

"Twenty three and three for the opening quarter. And Lion Heart is lose on the lead down the back stretch run. Forty
Seven and one over the deep track at Pimlico today for the opening half mile."

You hear 47 and 1. Ok slow to normal pace. Means you'll have to make a move early and fight for the lead.

"So it is Lion Heart in front. And Smarty Jones runs along in second, Southern Oregon bidding his time sitting third.
Jorge Chavez moving early with Song of the Sword with five furlongs to go. They're running along in forth.
Imperialism is in the clear in the far outside. He's a close fifth. Sir Shackleton is sixth. Jerry Bailey wants more from
Eddington. He's not getting it yet. And there goes Rock Hard Ten who rolls up on the outside. And around the far
turn Mike Smith is giving Smarty Jones the rail. He remains well off the rail with 3 furlongs to go. Lion Heart is
giving an inviting opening on the inside."

This is it. With Smarty and Lion Heart swinging wide they're leaving an opening for you to shoot down the rail. The
hole opens up like Moses parting the Red Sea. Ok big guy give me everything you got you think as you tap him with
the whip

"And Rock Hard Ten is uncoiling that massive stride of his. He's forth as they come to the top of the stretch. And as
they hit the top of the stretch Smarty Jones has taken the lead. But Southern Oregon gives chase down the rail. It is
Smarty Jones in front but not for long as here comes Southern Oregon State. Southern Oregon takes the lead and is
pulling away. Smarty Jones doing his best but he's second. Lion Heart is third. As they come into the final furlong of
the 129th Preakness and it's all Southern Oregon State.

Where the hell did he find that? Southern accelerated so fast he almost threw you off his back. You just manage to
hang on. You get your hands on his neck and using a rolling motion you urge him on. Nobody is going to catch us at
the wire this time.

"He's pulling away, he's pulling away to win impressively here. Smarty Jones second on the outside. He's going to
win by a colossal margin. Here is Southern Oregon State. He wins the Preakness by a dozen lengths. And it's on to
Belmont. The pride of Southern Oregon continues his magical way to the elusive Triple Crown. Smarty Jones was
second. It was Lion Heart for third. The final time was one minute fifty five and two fifths seconds."

As you cross the finish line you stand up in your irons and pump your fist wildly in the air. God, I love winning.
Then you hold to fingers in a "V", V for victory and two fingers meaning "Two down, one to go." We're going to
New York. We're going to the Belmont Stakes. We're going for history. And we're going to win.

The Belmont Stakes

BELMONT PARK

Saturday, June 5, 2004

11th (6:38)

Belmont S. (G1)

1 1/2 Miles Dirt Open 3 Year Olds

Stakes - Purse:$1,000,000

Post # Horse Jockey Weight odds

1 Master David Santos J A 126 20-1

2 Purge Velazquez J R 126 5-1

3 Caiman Dominguez R A 126 50-1

4 Birdstone Prado E S 126 15-1

5 Rock Hard Ten Solis A 126 8-1

6 Royal Assault Day P 126 20-1

7 Tap Dancer Castellano J J 126 50-1

8 Eddington Bailey J D 126 10-1

9 Smarty Jones Elliott S 126 2-1

10 Southern Oregon St Taylor J 126 3-5

Pimlico Race Course. Three weeks earlier.

"…He's pulling away, he's pulling away to win impressively here." yells track announcer Tom Durkin… "And here's
Southern Oregon State and Justin Taylor. He's going to win by a colossal margin. He wins the Preakness by a dozen
lengths. And it's on to Belmont. The pride of Southern Oregon continues his magical way to the elusive Triple
Crown…."

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"I'm scared."

Those were two words that I never thought would ever pass Justin's lips. It's the night before the Belmont Stakes and
he'd been tossing and turning all night, keeping us both awake. I rolled over and look at him. He was sitting up in the
darkness. His chin was resting on his knees. His arms wrapped around his legs.

It had been five long weeks since he rode to victory in the Kentucky Derby. Three weeks since he won the
Preakness Stakes. But it had also been five long weeks of incredible pressure and stress. It looks like it finally got to
him. Tomorrow there was only one horse on the entire planet that has a chance to win the Triple Crown of
thoroughbred horse racing. And Justin was going to ride that horse. Ride him to either victory or defeat.

"I know." You say as you sit up and put your arm around him in the dark.

"What if I lose? All those people are counting on me."

"Doesn't matter what they think. You do your best. That's all they can ask. Besides I think the horse may have a little
something to say about what happens tomorrow"

"You think?" Justin said with a small smirk.

I kissed him on the top of his head. "Yeah. Feel a little better?" I asked.

"A little." He said curling up tighter to me. And that's how we spent the rest of the night.

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We tried to make it just another drive in the dark to work. Justin was inside himself again in the passenger seat of
the jeep. I could see him flexing his right hand. It had bothered him ever since the crash a couple of years ago that
almost killed him.

"Hand again? I asked

"Yeah and what the stewards don't know won't hurt them." If the racing stewards knew he was still having problems
they might not let him ride. One day he'll have to stop racing. But it will have to be his decision. I for one would
never say anything that would take it away from him.

We pulled up to the barn area at Belmont Park. We could see Southern in his stall from where we parked. He was
standing there glaring at us as if to say "You're late." Sid Vicious, our barn dog, came out to greet us. Bet she'd been
guarding her baby all night. The reporters had finally learned to keep their distance. We figured the score was Sid 4,
Reporters 0. Hell the last reporter who didn't listen only needed 20 stitches.

Justin went off to get his workout gear. I walked up to the stall, talking gently. I gave him his morning apple with a
little TLC. It's amazing how he's matured these last five weeks. No more head games, no more tantrums. He's really
becoming a great horse.

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I watched Justin on the track jog Southern past me. There's nothing more beautiful then a race track as the sun just
comes up, except maybe Justin on a horse. It's my favorite time of the day with the morning mist rising into the
quiet. But this morning the silence was interrupted by the sound of photographers and reporters shouting out
questions. It's what happens when you're in charge of the most famous race horse in the world.

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We got Southern back to the barn. Cleaned him up, fed him and put him back in his stall to relax the rest of the day.
A little while later I checked on the stall. Southern and Sid were curled up in the corner snoring away. I just smiled
and shook my head. At least someone was relaxed about today.

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Einstein said time is relative. He must be right. Time has never traveled slower then it traveled this day. It felt like
three days till it was time to get ready. I lead the horse to the paddock area with our grooms and under guard.

The crowds were huge. We heard the constant clicking of cameras and got shouts of encouragement as we arrived at
out stall. We got the saddle and all his equipment on and check everything. Then I checked it again and once again.

Justin arrived in his colors to more camera clicks and shouts of good will. I know he had the butterflies but was
doing his best to hide it. I can just imagine him repeating to himself "It's just another race." over and over. It's not
but it doesn't hurt to try.

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"Riders up!"

It was time. Brian held out his hand and boasted me up into the saddle. We were the last horse so we had to hang
back for a few moments. But as we started to move the cheers started from the standing room only crowd. God did
that feel great. Cameras were clicking, people cheered and shouted encouragement. All of them, no matter who they
bet on, wanted to see us win and make history.

Today's parade was a little different. Brian had the bridle and was walking us to the track. I took the time to just
experience the moment. This may be my only chance. The cheers got louder as we approached the grandstand. We
had to go through a wide tunnel to get to the track.

As we cleared the tunnel the roar really began. They expected a 120,000 people at the track today. And it sounded
like everyone was cheering for the three of you. Brian got ready to hand us off to the outrider. We couldn't hear each
other clearly over the crowd but he just gave me a thumbs up. That said enough

It was hard not to look around and try and appreciate the moment while you warmed the horse up. The post parade
went up the homestretch for a bit and then turned around to return to the starting gate. The track announcer
announced every horse. He got to you last. That's when the roar really went up again. Those people were there to see
one thing. A Triple Crown.

The butterflies really hit at the starting gate. Because of the problems with Rock Hard Ten at Pimlico he was going
to load first. It was a good idea because psycho lived up to his reputation. All we could do is stand and wait. You
scratched Southern between his ears, rubbed his neck and just talked to him to keep him calm. But it's more like he's
keeping you calm.

Eventually Rock Hard Ten got shoved into the gate. Then the rest of the horses started loading. Since you're in post
position number 10 you have to wait a bit. Eventually it's your turn and the assistant starter leads you into the gate.

"Southern Oregon State takes his spot in post 10, moments away from the start. Will he take his place in racing
history, we'll see?" track announcer Tom Durkin says.

The gate slams shut behind you as the assistant starter climbs up and gets out of the way. He'll hold Southern steady
in the gate till it opens. Then he'll let go of the bridle and let Southern run free. You wait for what seems like an
eternity. Then the buzzer goes off, the gate flies open and your destiny awaits.

"They're off in the 136th Belmont!" yells the track announcer. "Southern Oregon got off to a good beginning today.
Smarty Jones goes with him. Eddington's not off particularly well. Rock Hard Ten is showing speed this afternoon.
He's right up there on the inside with the leaders. Purge comes through on the rail. And Eddington will be on the
outside of Southern Oregon and Smarty Jones as they move into the club house turn. And it's Caiman now who's
running 6th and angles over toward the inside. Birdstone, in between horses is 7th. Royal Assault is 8th. Master
David is reigned in to run back in 9th position. And long shot Tap Dancer trails the field."

Don't press him to hard you tell yourself. The race is a mile and half around. Just take it easy, don't force him and
just try and stay out of traffic you tell yourself.

"Purge is the leader. Rock Hard Ten's right up on the pace today. And Justin Taylor's trying to find a comfort zone
there with Southern Oregon. They're in the clear on the outside third. Smarty Jones is inside fourth. Not far behind,
Jerry Bailey and Eddington running along in 5th. Then they're followed by Royal Assault and Birdstone on the
outside. The opening quarter went in 24 and 1/5 seconds, the half 48 and 3/5 seconds. The pace is fairly soft."

"As they begin they're long journey down the Belmont backstretch Smarty Jones moves up and takes the lead.
Eddington goes with him. And Rock Hard Ten looms large just in behind the lead. He's only 2 lengths back.
Southern Oregon's just sitting behind the leaders fourth. There's a break of another 2 and a half to Purge down
toward the inside. He's working harder to be fifth. Birdstone's alongside him."

"The field's now moving toward the five furlong marker. Smarty Jones leads, with a challenge on the inside from
Rock Hard Ten. There's five furlongs to go. Just a minute from the wire. Can Southern make his move? He has one
more minute."

Ok baby it's now or never. You tap him with the whip and try to spur him on. You head for the lead through the far
turn.

"Rock Hard Ten is pressing from the inside. Eddington is working harder to stay within two lengths of the lead.
Birdstone commences a rally. He's six lengths from the front. Purge has nothing left. Then farther back its Royal
Assault, Master David and Tap Dancer. Around the far turn and here comes Southern Oregon State. He's let it out a
notch to take the lead by a length and a half. Birdstone is coming up on the outside. Smarty Jones is trying to rally.
Rock Hard Ten is toiling. He's now three lengths behind. They're coming to the top of the stretch."

You're on the lead at the top of the stretch when you literally hit a wall of sound as 120,000 people are on their feet
screaming for you to win. You can see the finish line and there's nothing between you and it.

"C'mon Sunshine!" yells Brian at the top of his lungs. "You can do it baby!" Every horse racing fan in the world is
screaming along with Brian. History is about to be made.

"Southern Oregon has a three length lead. Birdstone is moving to be second on the outside. Smarty Jones is back to
third but gaining. Southern Oregon enters the stretch to the roar of a 120,000. But Birdstone is going to make him
earn it today."

But it isn't like the last two races. Southern has the lead down the stretch but he's not pulling away. In fact his lead is
gradually shrinking.

"The whip is out on Southern Oregon. It's been 26 years. It's just one furlong away. Birdstone is an outside threat.
Smarty Jones gaining on the inside. They're coming down to the finish. Can Southern Oregon hold on?"

In the last furlong first one horse passes you, then another. You watch them pull away in front of you as the
realization hits you like a punch to the gut.

You lost.

"Here comes Birdstone. Birdstone surges past. Smarty Jones passes on the inside."

You can't think about that now. Too much can happen and you have to finish the race. You glance behind you and
see you're far enough ahead to hold third. You ease up a little on the horse. He doesn't have it in him and to force
him to try and find it would be abuse. You won't do that. You'd never do that to horse. You can just coast to the
finish line.

"Birdstone wins the Belmont Stakes. Smarty Jones's 2nd. Southern Oregon was valiant but vanquished finishing
3nd. And so this Triple Crown remains vacated for 26 long years And this magical Triple Crown trail of Southern
Oregon comes to a disheartening end in the final strides of this Belmont Stakes."

Southern runs the last furlong a little awkward but you pilot him to the finish line for a third place finish. Then all
hell breaks loose. It was an awkward step he took at the finish line that almost throws you from his back. You hang
on for dear life. The nightmare images of the crash that almost killed you a few years ago flood back into your mind.

As you manage to steady yourself you see Southern is trying to run but he's limping badly on his left front. You
realize he's hurt and he's hurting himself more with every step. You do the only thing you can. You stand up in the
irons and pull his reigns tight to brake him and get him to stop. As he finally slows you leap off his back and land
awkwardly, falling on your ass, but not losing your grip on the reigns. As you sit there you feel the breeze as the rest
of the field flies past you, only missing you by inches. You stand up as fast as you can and grab his injured leg and
lift it up. It will stop him from moving and hurting himself anymore till the equine ambulance can get to him.

Horses can go into shock real fast when they're hurt. You try and talk softly to him to keep him calm but you can
start to feel him shake. But in your mind you're yelling. "Don't die. Please don't die."

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You couldn't see the finish line from where you were sitting in the grandstand. All the cameras were blocking your
view. But you saw enough. There was going to be no Triple Crown this year. You and the owner look at each and
exchange glances. No words are necessary to describe each other’s disappointment.

"Hey somebody broke down at the wire." you hear someone say. Your view of the finish line is partially blocked so
you try and look around people to see who it is. You finally get a glance at who it is.

"Oh shit."

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You rush out of the grandstand and get to the horse just after the equine ambulance gets there. Justin is standing off
to the side holding his saddle. Then you watch him slowly walk away. He's got to be the loneliest man in the
universe right now. I hope he'll understand one day why I can't be there for him right now.

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I don't even remember the walk back to the jocks room. I was just so numb. The guys look at me then avoided me.
Some of them had been there before, losing this last race. But none of them crippled a horse like I just did. They
know the best thing is to just stay away.

I walk to the bath room and go into the farthest stall. There I just sit down and let the dam break. All the pent up
emotions of the last five weeks come out. I just sit and cry.

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It's not as bad as they first thought. There were two partial breaks in his left ankle. He's got a temporary cast now.
They've also sedated him and he's resting comfortably in his stall. Tomorrow they'll operate and insert a couple of
pins to help stabilize the fractures.

But no matter what happens with the surgery the decision has been made that his racing days are over. He's going to
be retired to stud on some nice farm somewhere. Learning to be a horse again and galloping around some grassy
meadow. All he has to look forward to now is a life of eating, sleeping and screwing. Wonder where I can get a job
like that?

You hear Justin come into the barn area and walk over to the stall. You peek around the corner and you see him
holding Southern's head cradled against his chest and just pets him softly. You walk up to him quietly, not wanting
to disturb the moment. Justin doesn't say anything for a while.

"It's my fault." He finally whispers softly

"No it's not. I watched the tape, you did nothing wrong." You try and say convincingly.

"I was so full of myself. I thought we were invincible."

There's nothing you can say as Justin turns and just grabs you and holds you tight. You tell him what the vets told
you. How the horse is going to be alright and how he was going to be retired. As he absorbs the news you feel him
relax and then you know he's going to be alright with time.

You both realize it's time to leave. Justin goes over and gives the horse one last hug and kiss. Almost as if he's trying
to get absolution for what happened. Then I put my arm around him as we walk out to the jeep.

"You know the owner has a couple of 2 year olds he wants me to train." I tell him.

"Hey that's good news."

"And he wants you to ride them."

"Even after what happened?."

"Especially after what happened. You saved that horses life."

"But…"

"No buts. You did good today." I think it's finally starting to sink in because I finally got a little bit of a smile back.
That's the beauty of horse racing. It's why a 99 year old trainer can buy yearlings for a Derby two years in the future.

There's always a tomorrow.

END