It is no secret that one of my favorite sporting events to cover is the Kentucky Derby. From the pageantry to the exhilarating race, the first Saturday in May is special. Today, Calvin Borel announced his retirement. A wonderful person and talented jockey, he was an entertainer on and off the track. Watching him ride the rail with Mine That Bird at Churchill Downs may have been one of the most exciting things I have ever witnessed in sports.
With 50-1 odds, Calvin Borel went down in the history books. In honor of his career, I invite you to take a look back to that race with a piece we did for Sports Illustrated.
Mine That Bird (8) crosses the finish line with jockey Calvin Borel aboard Horse Racing: 2009 Kentucky Derby Saturday Churchill Downs/Louisville, KY 02-MAY-2009 X82284 TK3 CREDIT: Bill Frakes