2006 Derby Memories
I had a great time covering both the Oaks and Derby on WSZ 1570, 1600 and 1250.
We gave reports from all over the track all day. I really enjoyed my time in the paddock and the Winners Circle. As you probably know, the broadcast rights for the Derby are owned by Westwood One (Radio) and NBC (TV) so all other media outlets have to stop about an hour before the race and not go back until after its over.
After the race, the winners circle photo, and the trophy presentation, Barbaro was being walked to the backside by his groom. The saddle and the Roses were off his back, and Barbero was gazing into the stands and jumping around a little. I commmented off the air to the WSZ crowd that
Scott found the comment compelling, but we could not figure out how to edit it to use on air. Everything we tried, really stole its thunder. Eventually we agreed that to edit the statement would be like listening to the Walmart edited version of Rap music. So we saved it for this forum.
Other Derby Highlights:
(1) Mike Peagram in Paddock and Winners Circle
Before Race 8, I was in the paddock when Mike Peagram came in to watch his filly Pussycat Doll (I think) saddled for the race. As soon as people realized who he was, they start screaming his name and waving him over. Peagram is the guy who owned Real Quiet and is known for partying before, during, and after the Derby each year. He is exactly what is right about Horse Racing.
I had been in the paddock for a while by then and knew what the crowd wanted. There was a group of people who were trying to get famous people to hold a concrete Gnome (like the one in those annoying travelocity commercials) and get their picture taken. As Mike walked towards me, I got his attention and motioned towards the group. I said, "your fans are welcoming you to Louisville." His response was classic. He said, "I love it that my fans are always the drunkest and loudest in the building." He slapped me on the back and went straight to the rail and got his picture taken.
Then, his filly (a Real Quiet sired horse bred by Peagram himself) goes out and wins the race. In the winner's circle he cracks open a Coors Light tallboy and kills it in a few gulps. He is my kind of guy.
(2) Watching the Gentleman yell at his waitress because all the $1,000 mint juleps were sold out.
Right next to the Media center (6th floor at the Finish Line) was the Turf Club or GOld Club room (some private party for really BIG bettors). The two rooms shared a bar/concession stand the whole weekend. On Derby Day, this guy was irate because he didn't get the chance to pay 1,000 large for a drink. I felt bad for the waitress for several reasons. First, its not her fault. She didn't make the drinks and choose who could buy it. Second, even a cheapskate is going to tip atleast 10% on that purchase which equals $100 for the waitress.
(3) Dude screaming at the top of his lungs minutes after the Derby.
Again inside the BIG bettors' party, this dude was running around and screaming with joy. I finally found someone who knew him and asked what was the deal. Apparently, he had just won 70 large on the Derby. I don't know how much he had down on the race but regardless, he was making some profit.
When I get more time I will share more stories.
Oh yeah, I don't want to get anyone in trouble but lets just say that the Concession stand served free beer and soft drinks for media members. By the end of Saturday, I realized that it must be easier to WRITE stories after drinking then it is to TELL stories after drinking. The print media was hitting the brew early and often.
We gave reports from all over the track all day. I really enjoyed my time in the paddock and the Winners Circle. As you probably know, the broadcast rights for the Derby are owned by Westwood One (Radio) and NBC (TV) so all other media outlets have to stop about an hour before the race and not go back until after its over.
After the race, the winners circle photo, and the trophy presentation, Barbaro was being walked to the backside by his groom. The saddle and the Roses were off his back, and Barbero was gazing into the stands and jumping around a little. I commmented off the air to the WSZ crowd that
"Barbaro has no idea what he just did. He doesn't realize that he is going to be knee deep in horse "pu***" for the rest of his life."
Scott found the comment compelling, but we could not figure out how to edit it to use on air. Everything we tried, really stole its thunder. Eventually we agreed that to edit the statement would be like listening to the Walmart edited version of Rap music. So we saved it for this forum.
Other Derby Highlights:
(1) Mike Peagram in Paddock and Winners Circle
Before Race 8, I was in the paddock when Mike Peagram came in to watch his filly Pussycat Doll (I think) saddled for the race. As soon as people realized who he was, they start screaming his name and waving him over. Peagram is the guy who owned Real Quiet and is known for partying before, during, and after the Derby each year. He is exactly what is right about Horse Racing.
I had been in the paddock for a while by then and knew what the crowd wanted. There was a group of people who were trying to get famous people to hold a concrete Gnome (like the one in those annoying travelocity commercials) and get their picture taken. As Mike walked towards me, I got his attention and motioned towards the group. I said, "your fans are welcoming you to Louisville." His response was classic. He said, "I love it that my fans are always the drunkest and loudest in the building." He slapped me on the back and went straight to the rail and got his picture taken.
Then, his filly (a Real Quiet sired horse bred by Peagram himself) goes out and wins the race. In the winner's circle he cracks open a Coors Light tallboy and kills it in a few gulps. He is my kind of guy.
(2) Watching the Gentleman yell at his waitress because all the $1,000 mint juleps were sold out.
Right next to the Media center (6th floor at the Finish Line) was the Turf Club or GOld Club room (some private party for really BIG bettors). The two rooms shared a bar/concession stand the whole weekend. On Derby Day, this guy was irate because he didn't get the chance to pay 1,000 large for a drink. I felt bad for the waitress for several reasons. First, its not her fault. She didn't make the drinks and choose who could buy it. Second, even a cheapskate is going to tip atleast 10% on that purchase which equals $100 for the waitress.
(3) Dude screaming at the top of his lungs minutes after the Derby.
Again inside the BIG bettors' party, this dude was running around and screaming with joy. I finally found someone who knew him and asked what was the deal. Apparently, he had just won 70 large on the Derby. I don't know how much he had down on the race but regardless, he was making some profit.
When I get more time I will share more stories.
Oh yeah, I don't want to get anyone in trouble but lets just say that the Concession stand served free beer and soft drinks for media members. By the end of Saturday, I realized that it must be easier to WRITE stories after drinking then it is to TELL stories after drinking. The print media was hitting the brew early and often.
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