Christmas is a time of memories….

Memories of our childhood, of family gatherings, of times spent with those that sadly are no longer with us, memories of times with our own children and happiness all around. Christmas is a time to make memories, wrapping presents for the grandchildren and putting up decorations for them to enjoy, that is how they will remember us when we are long gone. Christmas is a time to enjoy the season, we must be in the present and share these moments with our loved ones, for after all that is what memories are made of.

Memories of the First Saturday of May… Yes, the Kentucky Derby

It was May of 1975, I had joined the US Army and was training at Fort Knox Kentucky, not far from Louisville. My brothers Hector and Edwin came to visit for my weekend pass, and it just so happened that Ed was working with Leroy Jolley and they had Foolish Pleasure entered in the Derby that first Saturday in May 1975.  Foolish Pleasure was unbeaten and the Champion Two-year-old colt of 1974, the favorite to win the Derby, and that he certainly did, impressively coming from behind to take the lead in the stretch and win the race. The Derby is one of America’s premier sporting events and is also known as the Run for the Roses, due to the tradition of covering the winner with a blanket of roses in the winner’s circle. Guess who got to take the Roses home that day…our brother Ed… it was a day to remember…

The fun times continue at Botero Family Racing. This afternoon Carrothers runs at Aqueduct and later this month both Vow and Tap the Gavel will make their second start at Fair Grounds in NOLA and Gulfstream Park respectively.  Stay tuned and don’t forget to make memories this Christmas season!