I’m going to give you a tip for the Kentucky Derby…

 

 

Master of the Hounds.  Image: Irish Racing

 

 

It goes without saying that I place my bets based on a horse’s name, the Jockey’s silk design or other scientific methods for selecting a winner.

 

 

But, really…how could a Dog lover NOT bet on Master of the Hounds?

 

 

 

Vintage Master of the Hounds, Fotolibra.

 

 

Oh sure, there are other horses in the hunt:

 

 

Animal Kingdom & Derby Kitten, to name a few.

 

 

 

But Master of the Hounds not only has a perfect name, the globe-trotting, Kentucky bred horse has style and an international pedigree.

 

 

Master of the Hounds, has raced in Ireland, England and Dubai and is owned by Sue Mangier of Coolmore. 

 

 

 

 Susan Magnier at Ascot.  Image: Life Magazine

 

 

Sue Magnier, the daughter of legendary Irish trainer Vincent O’Brien, is married to John Magnier of Coolmore.

  

 

The Mangier’s have been raising horses since the mid-19^th century and have thoroughbred farms in Tipperary Ireland, Australia, and Kentucky.

 

 

The American base for the international equestrian operation is the Ashford Stud Farm near Versailles, Kentucky.

 

 

 Image: Ashford Stud, Coolmore

 

 

 

You can’t miss the entrance gates to Ashford Stud Farm in the heart of the Bluegrass.

 

 

 

Image: Ashford Stud, Coolmore

 

 

When you see the beautiful thoroughbred farms in Kentucky, you’ll wish you were raised in a barn…

 

 

just like Master of the Hounds.

  

  

  

 

 

You’ll notice the grass is actually very GREEN in the bluegrass… especially with the record breaking rain that we’ve been having.

 

 

 

Master of the Hounds drew the 11^th post position for the Kentucky Derby.

 

 

 

Image: Louisville Courier Journal

 

 

That’s not a bad position to be in actually, because the horse will be one of the last to be loaded in the starting gate.

 

  

So grab your hat, a mint julep, enjoy the race and remember you heard it here first:

 

 

Master of the Hounds is the horse to watch in the Kentucky Derby.

 

 

Master of the Hounds. Image: KY Derby

 

 

 

Whichever horse crosses the finish line first for the Kentucky Derby this Saturday…

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can bet it will be a good day for…

 

My Old Kentucky Home.

 

 

Later, I’ve got to let the Dog out,