Stories of Triumph

Last Saturday, as my friend Steve and I watched the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby, I was reminded of how much I love stories of triumph. Of course, I realize that I’m in the masses on that. Did I understand that millions of people who don’t even follow horse racing traditionally turn on the television for the annual pageant at Churchill Downs? I hadn’t kept up with the news leading up to the Derby, so I had no inkling of the projected winner. Even at this point, I’m unclear about the hoopla leading up to the race, although I now realize that the “favorite” was withdrawn just hours before the race due to illness. As the interviews and film footage about the various horses, their owners and trainers wound up and then down toward the race, I was only partially focused on the story and hype. Frankly, I don’t know where my attention was otherwise directed, although I do know that my laptop was in fact in my lap.

The race—hailed as “the most exciting two minutes in sports”—brought to mind books and movies about horse racing that I’ve enjoyed—most recently, “Secretariat”, indeed a story of triumph. And being reminded of that, we rented the movie on the spot. For two hours I was totally engaged, even though I had seen the film on the big screen when it came out. As the story unfolded and when it was once again completed, I wrapped my heart and mind around the people and the horse. After taking both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, Secretariat won the 1-1/2 mile Belmont Stakes, the last leg of the Triple Crown, and in a time of 2 minutes, 24 seconds. As portrayed in the film story, the crowd of 70,000 was stunned as Secretariat took the lead and widened the gap between him and his closest competitor, more and more and more, to 31 lengths. We hear about the heart of a champion, and truly, Secretariat loved to run. Only after his death and when he was autopsied was it revealed that physically he had a bigger than average heart.

To get to the American thoroughbred racing’s most coveted event in 1973, a lot had to happen, starting even before his birth. And Secretariat’s story is also the story of one woman’s triumph over the odds—those who bet against her and worked against her, including her own brother and husband. She did the work, she had the faith, and she made the sacrifices. And we love the way the story turns out. We love the way truth unfolds to remind us of how capable we are when we believe and when our beliefs are worthy and honorable.

I’m not a big sports fan. I like to hear that the University of Texas has won a conference or national title. I like to watch the races for the Triple Crown, but especially the Kentucky Derby.

While still living in Houston, I went with friends to the racetrack on a summer Thursday afternoon in 2000. It was thoroughbred racing that day. As I stood with many others watching as the horses walked from the paddock to the track, I was moved by the grace and beauty of the horses, and the form of the jockeys who sat astride them. I can only imagine what it must be like to be in a similar place when the horses vying for the Triple Crown make their way to the track for each of these races. There is a winner every time. And I know that who wins does matter, but only sometimes to me. What matters most is that we connect with the story of the people, and in the matter of thoroughbred racing, of course, the horses.

Stories of Triumph—Albuquerque, New Mexico (May 10, 2011)

R. Harold Hollis