The Ky Derby Post Position Drawing 2012 at Churchill Downs

Hello everyone! This post is long overdue, as I have been getting so busy lately that it has been hard to keep up! But I will try harder, I promise... and better late than never right?!


 A huge highlight from last month was having huge honor of participating in the 2012 KY Derby Post Position Drawing at Churchill Downs. This is the moment when the number of each horse is randomly drawn from a cup and the horses are giving their starting gate for the big race on Derby Day! If you don't know much about horse racing, all gates aren't created equal, and some horses do better in different areas, so it can be an intense event! After the number is drawn, a replica of the horses silks is hung (traditionally, by the owners) on a wall under the gate number that was chosen. The event is national and is broadcast on NBC Sports as well as other news stations everywhere! 






This year, I had the fantastic job of hanging the silks for the drawing. It was my first experience with national television, and when I arrived to get ready I was completely blinded by all the lights! I could hardly contain my excitement as I saw every incredible news anchors and esteemed horse trainers that I had ever wanted to meet - all right there in one place! It was such fun learning how live television works on a national level. 


 While I was somewhat anxious about what to expect before we went live, once we went on air I fell extremely calm and had so much fun! I would look out at the thousands of people and see the many familiar faces of people I knew looking back at me. Even though I may have been a stranger to them, they were no strangers to me. I grew up watching them on television and listening to all the latest news. It made smile and feel very comfortable to be surrounded by individuals who have made such an impact throughout all of our lives, and a lot of them have made history throughout the years!


Kentucky is an wonderful state. We have so much pride for our horse industry. It is a part of all of us and is in our blood from the time we are children. It was an honor to have such amazing roles in this year's Derby events. Modeling for the 2012 Derby Ad campaign and hanging the Silks during the Post Position Drawing has been a dream for this proud KY girl, and I hope that the future holds more. Thank you so much to Churchill Downs, I love you guys!

Photos courtesy of Allie Filley for Andrew Kung Photography