NOTE – Mark Post will visit with Sea Bass & Corey Currie at 4 p.m., today – ‘Everybody Talks’ NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM – WNWS.COM
Jackson’s Mark Post hopes he doesn’t wake up from a dream.
It hasn’t set in yet, but Post, who co-owns Mage, the thoroughbred that won the 149th Running of the Kentucky Derby, remains on an unbelievable high.
“Needless to say, it has a crazy past few days,” Post said, “It really is just incredible. The morning of race day, I was both excited and nervous for a number of reasons.
“I had so much nervous energy and was dressed and ready to go long before the gates even opened.”
Post also said he was more than apprehensive, considering the death toll of thoroughbreds at Churchill Downs continued to climb – even on the First Saturday in May.
“I was hoping there wouldn’t be any medical issues with Mage that would prevent him from racing,” Post said, “The State of Kentucky veterinarians closely monitor all the horses even up to the point they are ready to go in the gate, so really anything can happen.
“Mage was in great shape all week and had good workouts so that was very reassuring. But anything can happen considering all the tragic issues during the week and even after an earlier race that same day.”
Post said he arrived at Churchill Downs late Saturday morning.
“There weren’t that many people there yet,” Post said, “But that changed rather quickly. Over 150,000 people were at (Churchill). It soon became crazy.”
Post said he met with other owners of Mage – people he has gotten to know from previous races.
“It’s so much fun talking with them and enjoying the friendships formed over time,” Post said, “Watching the races was exciting but the big race (Derby) couldn’t get here soon enough.
“Our seats were on the rail at the first turn. Finally, they had the walk over with the horses and everyone sang ‘My Old Kentucky Home,’ and it was race time.”
Post said Mage was very calm considering all the noise of the crowd.
“A crowd so large it can really scare a horse,” Post said, “They started to put them in the gates and it was so nerve wracking. After Mage went in, we all just got very quiet and waited.
“When the gates opened, I got goose bumps just from the crowd going crazy and watching them coming toward us. What a sight.
“Mage broke better than normal but was far back in the first turn.”
Post said he thought this could be trouble.
“He was running wide and wasting energy,” Post said, “In fact, (jockey) brought him closer to the rail which was good and he didn’t get the “kick back” from the other horses, but that has never bothered him. It can bother horses a lot, and then they fight the jockey.”
With the horses out of sight, Post and friends watched the on a Jumbotron.
“After the first turn he continued way back in the field along with the favorite Tapit Trice,” Post said, “This is the farthest he’s ever raced so I just thought we will find out what’s he’s made of shortly.”
Post said when the field came around the far turn, he saw his number changing position on the Jumbotron.
“I screamed “kick it in Mage!,” and he started to go wide to get clear of the horses for a better route,” Post said, “His number (moved) to third position, and (then) I knew we had a chance.
“He went to the two position and we were going crazy.””
When Mage took the lead, Post was hoping the order of finish was in place.
“He got stronger the closer he got to the finish line, and when I heard the announcer say “Mage is the 149th Derby winner,” we went totally crazy.””
The next stop was the Winner’s Circle.
“The trainer, Mr. (Gustavo) Delgado walked by me and shook my hand,” Post said, “He recognized me from being at all the races Mage ran in Florida, and he is a perfect gentleman.
“The other owners were so nice and gracious. We watched the ceremony, and I even got a rose that fell off the rose blanket.”
Post said a group photograph was taken.
“We need to purchase that from the official photographer,” Post said, “I finally got back to my room about 10 p.m., and was just so worked up about it all, it was 1 a.m. until I went to bed.
“It was almost like a dream – but it actually came true. It really started to sink in the next morning that I own a piece of the Kentucky Derby winner.”
Post said he’s watched the race numerous times.
“I’ve watched it on YouTube over and over,” Post said, “On the way home, I heard a replay of the race on radio – and I got goose bumps again.
“It’s just a dream come true that I never, ever expected in my lifetime. Who would have ever thought?
“But, I’m still enjoying the moment. WOW!”
(PHOTO: Mage, winner of the 149th Kentucky Derby – courtesy of Mark Post)
