Page 109 - July2021

A New Track Record
by Tommy Davenport
To enter the Ruidoso Derby trials
Required a $30k supplemental fee.
To race with some of America’s best
K-Bob is thinkin, “You gotta be kiddin me!”
Jeff’s eyes have started to cross
As sweat pops out of his head.
Steve is thinkin, “What if things go wrong?” “My wife is gonna shoot me dead.”
Heath Taylor says, “Relax boys. No problem! Empressum is settin on go.”
Steve is thinkin false break, wind change, The sun pops out and the track is slow.
Speed indexes of 99s and 103, The heats are very, very quick. The boys are getting nervous. Jeff is thinkin I’m gonna be sick.
But Empressum is all business.
He’s as cool as Steve McQueen.
Rodrigo Vallejo is ready, the gates open, Empressum is a rocket machine.
The crowd lets out a roar,
They can’t believe their eyes!
:19.149 a New Track Record for Empressum 110 speed index. Surprise, surprise, surprise!
The 2021 Ruidoso Derby is history. So, I can say this with a grin. Jimmy the Greek was right, “Scared money don’t win.”
If Empressum could talk,
I’m sure he would say,
“Thank you, Ruidoso Downs, Thank you! For a very special day!”
SPEEDHORSE
July 2021 107