In this video, the host for ABC’s Wide World of Sports is the one of the most elegant and eloquent sportscasters to ever grace a microphone….Jim McKay….as he provides a most enjoyable prelude to the 1986 Kentucky Derby….which was the 112th running of the famous race taking place on May 3, 1986 at Churchill Downs, Kentucky…..plus coverage of the Kentucky Oaks race that was run the day before the Derby.
The Kentucky Derby was eventually won by Ferdinand with Willie Shoemaker in the saddle. Ferdinand was trained by the legendary Charles F Whittingham…..and owned by Mrs. Elizabeth A. Keck. Bold Arrangement ….with Chris McCarron aboard took 2nd plac for trainer Clive Brittain and owners, Anthony and Raymond Richards…..while 3rd place was won by Broad Brush….with Vincent Bracciale Jr. in the saddle for trainer Richard W. Small and owner Robert E. Meyerhoff.
This was an interesting Derby field which provided opportunity for insightful analysis and fairly accurate projections by McKay.
The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies staged annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. The race currently covers 11⁄8 miles (1,800 m) at Churchill Downs….as the horses carry 121 pounds (55 kg). The Kentucky Oaks is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby each year. The winner gets $600,000 of the $1M purse and a large garland of lilies….which are affectionately called the “Lillies for the Fillies.” A silver Kentucky Oaks Trophy is presented to the winner. The 1986 Kentucky Oaks was won by Lucky Lucky Lucky….who was trained by legendary trainer D Wayne and ridden by Angel Cordera Jr..
