Love the Underdog Stories!

I'm sure millions tuned in on Saturday afternoon to watch the much-talked-about Kentucky Derby. After a morning scratch for the favorite, I Want Revenge, eyes were turned to some of the prestigious horses, such as Westside Bernie, Hold Me Back, Regal Ransom, and Desert Party, who already had millions of earnings under their belt (or girth!) New favorites were Dunkirk and Fresian Fire. I pulled up the Derby site to read Bios on the trainers and horses. I really couldn't try to guess who I thought it would be. Although I did enjoy the sentimental story about the 75-year-old man who's dream it was to have a horse run in the Derby. It took him around 50 years but he got there with his beautiful horse General Quarters. Also a heart-tugging story about the owner of the late Eight Belles who tragically was fatally injured in last year's race and his Derby contender Fresian Fire. He announced his retirement and vowed this to be his last race.

But then, out of nowhere comes Mine That Bird, shooting up between the group. This gelding was purchased as a yearling for only $9,500. To some that may seem like a lot, but I know of many equestrians who pay much more than that for Arabians to show for hobby alone. I'd say that horse has more than earned that back!

News article by the BBC Sport:
Long-odds win in Kentucky Derby

Borel celebrates his second Derby win in three years
Mine That Bird pulled off the second-biggest upset in Kentucky Derby history with a 50-1 triumph at Churchill Downs.
Calvin Borel, who won on Street Sense in 2007, drove the outsider to victory by six-and-three-quarter lengths ahead of Pioneer of the Nile.
It was the biggest winning margin since Assault won in 1946, and the longest-odds winner since Donerail in 1913.
"It was like he was born to run here in the dry - in the wet he looked even better," said trainer Chip Woolley.
Mine That Bird flew past 12 horses in a late surge up the rail, the same tactics Borel used to win two years ago.
"I learnt by Street Sense, being so patient with these three-year-olds," he said.
"They can only go so fast and so far. So I sat back and had a good trip and when I hollered at him he just went on."
Pre-race favourite Friesan Fire, finished 18th in the 19-horse field, with second-favourite Dunkirk coming 11th.

So congratulations to the good old underdog Mine That Bird and his whole crew!!