Kentucky Derby

As a young boy, I have fond memories of visiting the racetrack with my late dad Antonio and his youngest brother and my Godfather, Osvaldo. These two giants were men who I looked up to in more ways that one. They were also sports fans and racing aficionados.

On my birthday, I was absolutely floored when I received my own horse as the very best birthday present this horse lover has ever had. I rode Cuca around El Bosque de la Habana and took good care of my newfound best friend until my family decided to leave everything behind and leave communist Cuba. Needless to say, my horse and I were both heartbroken.

Today is the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby. The folks in the know are saying that this year's race is wide open. The track may be muddy and so is a clear vision for the winner this time around.

TRIPLE CROWN https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Crown_of_Thoroughbred_Racing

The sights are expected to be the same as whimsically hatted ladies, and mint julep-sipping multitudes gather at Churchill Downs to watch the run for the roses. Post time is a little after 6:30 p.m. ET and streamed on NBC Sports Live. http://www.nbcsports.com/live

Get to know each horse in the Kentucky Derby https://apnews.com/e780c03d576a47829f4213e77cf70aa3

Kentucky Derby lacks dominant runner, chance of early rain https://sports.yahoo.com/news/no-clear-favorite-rain-unpredictable-derb… via @YahooSports

Kentucky Derby 2017: Money-making strategies for a wide-open horse race - SportsWatch http://on.mktw.net/2pkj3Xm via @MarketWatch

Kentucky Derby 2017: Update Saturday Morning Odds and Last-Minute Betting Tips via @forbes http://www.forbes.com/sites/guymartin/2017/05/06/kentucky-derby-2017-sa…

Made in Louisville: Flavors only found in Derby City http://usat.ly/2qyEdSs via @usatoday

Kentucky Derby 2017: The Experts Make Their Picks https://nyti.ms/2pNZDx0

Kentucky Derby 2017: Post time, horses, lineup, TV schedule https://usat.ly/2pQxl59 via @usatoday