About an hour ago I watched "I'll Have Another" win the Kentucky Derby on TV.
I'm no big horse racing fan (though some years back a friend and I did enjoy an occasional Friday-night drive from Kansas City to Ak-Sar-Ben track in Omaha, where we found that we could usually cover the costs of our trip and win a little bit besides). Nor did I really care which entrant in the crowded field of 20 would win. (I rooted for Creative Cause. I like grays.)
But there is a terrific, magical quality about the Derby. The long tradition, the excitement, the anticipation, the pageantry, the crowds ... all for an event that lasts only about three minutes. They do it year after year (and perhaps part of the secret is that unlike an NFL game, it's only once a year) but they bring it off, and it works.
That said, I would vote against having a dialog balloon saying "Yum" plastered over everything in sight. To me it suggests they're planning to eat some of the horses. OK, so it's the logo of "Yum Brands," the fast-food chain that includes Kentucky Fried Chicken (get the connection?), Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. They're taking over the world, but really, you Derby managers, you stepped over the line on commercialism this time, and it will destroy what you've got, it you let it.
The bet *should* become a No Action Wager , and the money *should* be rednfued.Depends on who you bet with, probably. Most reputable books would refund your bet. Vinny at the bodega might not be so forgiving.
Posted by: Victor | June 05, 2012 at 02:28 AM