Kentucky Derby
By Tasha Langley

Since the day you were born, three years ago,
They've trained you and hoped you'd be able to go.
The "Kentucky Derby", it finally is time,
For you to stretch your legs down to the line.
If you win this race they'll have fortune and fame,
If you lose they'll have embarrassment and shame.
Their dreams have ridden on you for three grueling years,
Through patience and frustration, joy and tears.
Your sire was a true champion at heart,
Your dam had a bright fire from the start.
They bred you and hoped you'd get to this place,
Now you are here, for the ultimate race.
You've never been beaten in 17 starts...
But you have never gone this far!
Six furlongs or a mile is a test of speed,
But a mile and a quarter tests the heart of the steed.
You'll have to keep up no matter how fast they go,
And keep the lead when you get there, though far from home.
Your legs will be tired and your will almost gone,
Though you'll try keep on going, no matter how long.
Your time has come; you look at the stands.
BANG! The gates open, it's all in your hands.
You race round the turn with dirt in your face.
You throw up your head; this is quite a disgrace!
The jock pulls you back and you're 10 lengths off the lead,
Your trainer and owner are worried: No need.
Nearing the final turn you're tired and weak,
But you near the leaders still on your feet.
With a rush you gain, fourth and then third.
You fly to the leader, unseen and unheard.
The crowd is cheering; it's your time at last,
You're 2 lengths in the lead, the leader's you've past.
Down the homestretch you try your best,
You're trying to prove you're better than the rest.
30-1, it's sure quite a surprise,
To see you ahead, with that look in your eyes.
Your legs ache and you're tired and weak,
But now is the time you must reach your peak.
From out of the mist, a long way behind you,
Comes the 3-5 favorite, trying to find you.
You must hold on another 100 yards,
It's so hard to go oh so far!
But still you hang on; you won't ever give up,
You reach for the wire and the jocks arm goes up.
You've done it; you've won the best race on the earth.
All over the world your name will be heard.
They drape the red roses over your neck,
A roar from the crowd, you finally get some respect.
Of all the creatures in sea and on land,
The horse is the most noble and grand.
You may be the best ever, yet that's a lot to say...
However, today, we can say it, today was your day!