For Whom the Belle Tolls

Jason and I watched the "most exciting two minutes in sports" -- the Kentucky Derby-- today. As Bob Costas was doing the introductions and showing us the trophy on television, Jason and I picked our favorites for the race.

His horse won.
Mine died.

Poor Eight Belles, the first filly to run in the Derby since 1999. I picked her for being a girl running with the boys, and for the film they had of her big chocolately brown eyes, and forelock swaying across her forehead in the gentle breeze.

She had to be euthanized just after coming in second place too, beating all but one of the boys. (I was not the only one disappointed. And of course some people are reading more into it than necessary. For the record, Barack had his money on another male horse entirely. I hope this doesn't mean McCain wins in November.)
I hope there are lots of carrots, apples and big open fields in horsey heaven for her to enjoy.