Women, Street Sense and Racing Savvy

Well, well, well. I won't even get into it, about my beloved Curlin showing in the Derby. (Next time, boy!) So I'll lick my wounds and move on.

It occurs to me that Street Sense--his jockey, actually--gives us a great example of our roles as horsewomen, fans and new fans in the sport. Jockey Calvin Borel did not give Street Sense his head, and let him blast to the front of the pack at the beginning of the race.

A mile-and-a-quarter race is long (by today's American standards; another topic for another blog!)--and many jocks, wanting to make a good show for their owners, trainers and audience--too often give in to the pressure to "look good out there," and take the horse to the lead from the get-go.

But Borel knew that the horse who leads the pack at the first quarter in the Derby is probably not going to win. The horse will lose steam, and crap out by the homestretch.

And it's the homestretch that counts.


Photo of Street Sense at the Finish Line
in the Kentucky Derby © 2007 Joe Gleason

Women in Thoroughbred racing. That's us. There have been some spectacular women standing in the winner's circle over the years, but a disproportionately low number, indeed. But that's OK, because, like Street Sense...we've been riding the back of the pack, waiting for our chance to shift into fifth gear, and MOVE. We are now poised to move, to see that golden opportunity to capitalize on the relative exhaustion of the rest of the pack--and move to the front for the win.

Street Sense is a great name: it bespeaks a savvy that can't be taught at a university. It's savvy, a knowledge of what's happening at the most-basic, fundamental level. If we women take our...street sense...and apply it to Thoroughbred racing...the winner's circle will be ours.

Run fast, turn left. Run to the front of the pack, and take your rightful place at the finish line--first, fresh and dancing toward the roses that await you.