In the lead up to the Kentucky Derby, the sentimental favorite was General Quarters, owned by a 75-year old Louisville man, a former biology teacher/school principal. The announcers were impressed that Tom McCarthy was owner, trainer, and groom. In days leading up to the race, people came from every corner of Louisville to see the horse. They snapped endless photos with Tom, and the whole home town was rooting for him to win. General Quarters came in 12th, but in anybody’s book, Tom McCarthy is a winner.

The race itself was the stuff of dreams, with an amazing come-from-behind win by a 50-to-1-odds horse. But my favorite memory is of what happened after the race, the amazing ride to the winner’s circle. Jockey Calvin Borel was euphoric. You want to see what unbridled emotion is like? Nothing phony about his reaction to the win.

What I thought most memorable was the moment he kissed a rose and tossed it toward heaven, in recognition of his parents who have passed away. I’m sure there’s a story behind his comment, “I just wish they could have seen what I've accomplished in my life.” I thought, “Isn’t that what we all want, recognition that we have amounted to something?” Few of us are brave enough to say it.

I’ve watched the video of Calvin’s ride to the winner’s circle a number of times, and each time, I see something else I love about it. One of the most amazing things is to realize that he’s bouncing around, screaming in delight, and waving his arms while sitting on a three-year-old Thoroughbred. (Had he been riding my 15-year-old Thoroughbred, he’d have been off to the races again!) That young horse had just run the Kentucky Derby, and here he went along like a seasoned trail horse. His trainer did a good job prepping him for the race, but whoever did the basic training did a great job, too.

The horse who most impressed me didn’t race that day. He was the “pony horse” who came alongside the winner. Talk about good emotional control! That horse never made a wrong move, no matter the people or horses in his path, the noise and commotion, his rider busy with another horse and interacting with Calvin. Impressive.

It’s been a number of years since I watched the Derby, but I’m glad I didn’t miss this one. I want to be more like Calvin Borel, more free to express what I’m thinking (though unless I win the Kentucky Derby, don’t expect me to be as animated), and I also want to be more like the pony horse, calm, cool, and right there, ready to be the steady for someone who needs me.