Sunday, May 1, 2011

The 137th Kentucky Derby - May 7th

Congratulations to Joelene Coleman. You are the winner of All Bets Are On!, a $10 Amazon.com gift card and a set of commemorative 137th Kentucky Derby glassware.

Wow! What a week. The release of All Bets Are On! has been exciting and I've had a lot of fun with the Kentucky Derby Party. There is still plenty of time to enter the drawing - winner will be posted Saturday morning. 

Check out the drink recipes by clicking on the page link to the right, under the Kentucky Derby Party. I might have to try a few of these drinks, the Minted Strawberry and the Orange Julep.

For details and to purchase All Bets Are On!: http://www.turquoisemorningpress.com/
Coming this week, Wednesday, May 4th
http://www.turquoisemorningpress.com/

Enter to Win
In the upper right sidebar you’ll see “Kentucky Derby Party” and underneath a page or list of pages. I will add new pages as the week progresses, so check back and leave a comment. For each page you visit and comment on, I will enter your name in the drawing to win a copy of All Bets Are On, an anthology of short stories about the Kentucky Derby which includes my first published story, As Luck Would Have It, a $10 Amazon.com gift card and a set of commemorative 137th Kentucky Derby glassware.

Also, become a follower to my blog and get your name entered again – increasing your chances to win.

Be sure to check back on Saturday, May 6th for the winner or leave your e-mail address with your comments and I will contact you directly.

(Excerpt from As Luck Would Have It below)




What pages you’ll see posted this week:

1. Sunday - Kentucky Derby (KD) schedule of events

2. Monday – Meet the horses and vote

3. Tuesday – Run for the Roses

4. Thursday – Hat’s, It's all about the hats.

5. Friday – KD Drink recipes

As Luck Would Have It (Excerpt)
Jack Warsaw was a mean son-of-a-bitch. There wasn’t a horse in the stable that liked being owned by him, but many were. He had a quick temper and a heavy hand with a whip. He didn’t look upon his high-priced thoroughbreds as prized possessions requiring care and appreciation, but as possessions to bring him glory and money.

Money spoke volumes in the racing industry and let a man get away with things most couldn’t. Jack had plenty of money and people tolerated him because of it, but they didn’t like him.

So it didn’t come as any great surprise, to those of us paying attention anyway, when Jack turned up dead the morning of the biggest thoroughbred race known to man – the Kentucky Derby. The surprise will come if anyone is smart enough to figure out the events that led to his death. They won’t think to look to me for answers, although I saw the whole thing go down.

While I’m sure it all started years ago with a festering anger over Jack’s success in rigging races, the actual events that would rid the racing industry and the world of Jack Warsaw began two weeks ago.

It was late on the night of the opening ceremonies for the Kentucky Derby Festival. The Thunder over Louisville, the largest fireworks display around, kicked off the two week long celebration in downtown Louisville.

From where we were at Churchill Downs, we couldn’t see the spectacular light show, but there were enough locals setting of fireworks that we saw quiet a colorful display. A few of the horses on shed row didn’t much care for the noise while others stood like bomb proofed soldiers.

11 comments:

Joelene Coleman said...

I like the intrigue you've built into your story. You're such a good writer, girl. I had no idea the Derby did so many charitable things. I thought it was just a horse race. And Nora Roberts playing a hand of poker? I like her even more.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Joelene. I've been a fan of the Kentucky Derby for years, but had no idea the festivities started a whole 2 weeks before the race until I did my research for the story.

And I thought the same thing when I saw Nora Roberts listed as a guest for the poker game. Pretty cool.

Mary Preston said...

I enjoyed the excerpt. I have been fortunate enough to visit a horse stud, a few times over the years, and was in awe of the majesty of the horses. I have never attended a race meet though. One day perhaps.

marypres@gmail.com

Sandy said...

Enjoyed the excerpt. You let us know right away the victim won't be missed so I can imagine lots of suspects!

Unknown said...

Hi Mary. They are beautiful animals. Both of my mares have been bred in the past and I've been lucky in that the studs have been well behaved guys, unlike what you hear a lot of people say. It's been years since I've attended a race, but definitely something you need to do at least once. Thanks for stopping in and entering to win.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Sandy. Glad you enjoyed the excerpt. It's different from what I normally write, but I had so much fun with it.

Bobbye Terry said...

I like the POV, Christina. I didn't know there was so much involved outside the race either until research kicked in. I have to admit I never miss a race. I've only been to one day at the races in Charlestown, WV, but thoroughly enjoyed it.
Bobbye

Unknown said...

Thanks, Bobbye. I really enjoyed writing the story and doing the research. I'm already planning to attend next year and go a few days early to enjoy the fun.

Do you attend the Kentucky Derby or races in the your hometown? Thanks for commenting.

Renee Vincent said...

I love the horse derbies and will be watching it while on my horse trip with my Buffalo Girls!

Great post and wonderful excerpt, Tina! And I just LOVE that title! Brilliant!

Unknown said...

Hi, Renee and thanks for stopping in. Knowing of your love for horses, I'm not surprised you'll be watching the race, but who are the Buffalo Girls? Good luck staying dry if you're going to be out riding.

Ciara said...

This was my first year watching a race. I also attended my first Derby party. No hats. :( That kind of takes the fun out of it. Hubby and I are discussing attending the races next year. I just want to get a hat. :)