We had a long weekend, with too much time on the road, but I was thrilled when I found myself home just in time for the running of the Preakness, stage two of the annual race for the elusive Triple Crown.
Watching California Chrome from start to finish, I got so excited I actually scared our nervous cat, who ran away into the next room. Bandit, our greyhound, was happy to bounce and dance beside me, though he wasn’t sure what had propelled me from my zero-gravity recliner with such force.
“It was the win, baby!” When the Derby winner takes the Preakness so convincingly, you can’t help but believe in the Triple Crown dream!
And not just the win, but the way he won. I’ve been around animals who love to race for over twenty-four years. All of them love the pursuit, but a rare and precious few love the win.
California Chrome looked that way to me from the starting gate. He’s having a good time out there showing everyone what he’s capable of.
The broadcasters must be dancing on air to have California Chrome win the Derby and the Preakness. The national buzz will boost ratings. Because people who don’t follow racing are following this team’s dream.
Every year I tune in for the seasonal quest, but this year is a little different. I tuned in on Derby day thinking the race started closer to 4:30 and for two hours I listened to the interviews and pundits about the horses involved.
California Chrome’s story is an American dream kind of story. A couple of guys made an unpopular decision and stuck with it despite the criticism.
They embraced it, believed in what they had, and became the DumbAss Partners.
That appeals to me on a gut level. DAP are down to earth folks from the ‘wrong’ side of the country when it comes to Triple Crown horses, but they’re boldly making their dream come true. They’ve shown class, humility, and humor through the process.
They’ve kept their perpsective. They’ve kept their focus. And they are making it happen.
Whether or not he takes the Triple Crown, California Chrome and his DAP team are an inspiration to anyone who’s ever felt like the underdog. We can all learn from their example: Know the purpose in your heart, trust your instincts as you educate yourself, and make your dream come true!
Live the adventure!
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