It's quick, two minutes long, and we are a nation in a hurry. It draws more than 100,000 people. Women wear silly hats, and we are fascinated by silly hats. It's a place to be, and we are all about being in places to be. Horses run fast.
Horses are brave.
They were gallant in wars. Why, the horse is so American, Secretariat was named one of the top 50 athletes of the 20th century. My favorite racehorse of all time, Buckpasser, was so smart he gave himself the perfect American name. You've got to love the cause. The Derby always will be the Derby because it matters.