Community Chat

[JustJules]

On 5/3/2014 terrier3 said:

I love horses. We had a thoroughbred jumper and a hunter when I was growing up. I spent all summer with my horses...loved them and still miss them!

My jumper was a claim horse my dad got at a local racetrack.

Now I know too much about how these race horses are treated to watch. They are pushed beyond their bodies limits with drugs and other tricks.

They are magnificent animals and I can't stand watching them being abused...and each and every one of those Derby horses IS abused in one way or another.

With all due respect terrier, I don't agree with your statement. While that might be true of some of the horses, you can not say each and every one. My godparents in England bred and trained thoroughbred race horses. They raced and had winners at Ascot and also at Santa Anita. Willie Shoemaker was their jockey for some races. Their horses were better cared for than some children, their paddock was pristine, and you could practically eat off the floor where they were kept. They had a huge estate and grounds to exercise on, and all the baby foals would come up to the main gate looking for treats... their sweet little velvet noses, and they loved Polo mints in particular (like the English version of peppermint lifesavers). I know for a fact those horses were cherished and loved, and well cared for. I have not attended a horse race in awhile, but I find it difficult to believe that "each and every one" is abused, as you say. I know my godparents spent fortunes on the facilities, trainers, and care of their horses, and it is part business... when they won, it was worth it, but they loved them regardless. I cannot think that those owners of Derby horses don't have the same love and care and consideration for their horses.

ETA: To answer the OP's ?... I've had mint juleps and they are nice, but I prefer my bourbon on the rocks with some ginger ale.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

I've never had one. I have a friend who doesn't live anywhere near Churchill Downs, but she makes them every year on Derby Day.

[ROMARY]

terrier3: All of those other flavored mints sound good to me! I'll have to go around smelling the various aromas at our local nursery! Thanks! (Kind of already smelling chocolate right now! lol...... )

[ROMARY]

Yum: Crème de Menthe drizzled over chocolate mint ice cream! My mom always had Crème de Menthe, Anisette, etc. in her pantry, used during the various holidays during the year. . . . . . .

[Retiredpsych]

On 5/3/2014 Lotus~ said:

Anyone watching the pre-race show?

And/or

The Derby?

I've never had a Mint Julep.....have you?

Hahahaha yes I have! We had a Derby Party one year. After two....I couldn't feel my lips anymore!

1. Put one tsp sugar and 1 tsp water in a glass (should be a silver cup to be truly Derby)

2. Add a sprig or two of mint

3. Muddle the mint with the sugar and water till fully incorporated

4. Fill the glass with chipped ice (not big cubes but not shaved)

5. Then fill with bourbon.

(If it is in a silver cup the cup will get all frosted on the outside).

Bottoms Up!!!!

[ROMARY]

I'll have to try bourbon and ginger ale!

[ROMARY]

Hey, they should have a carbonated mint soda available! "Mint Ale" (Thinking of "Ginger Ale") .......... Just add bourbon!

[JustJules]

On 5/3/2014 ROMARY said:

Hey, they should have a carbonated mint soda available! "Mint Ale" (Thinking of "Ginger Ale") .......... Just add bourbon!

I think you would have a winner Romary!!!

[Lavinia_1]

As with anything, nothing is ever all good or all bad. However, when it comes to money, big money, that will be a priority. More than one champion has ended up on dinner plates -- people in japan will pay high prices for champion horse meat. As for the races, even if cruel and/or shady practices are used sometimes, I chose not to support a "sport" that employs any such practices. Such beautiful animals, I hate to think of even one being hurt, exploited, or abused. There is a story about a rich Hollywood producer who is dying of cancer who just recently bought a racehorse for 60,000 rather than let him race hyped on drugs and injured.

[Lavinia_1]

As with anything, nothing is ever all good or all bad. However, when it comes to money, big money, that will be a priority. More than one champion has ended up on dinner plates -- people in japan will pay high prices for champion horse meat. As for the races, even if cruel and/or shady practices are used sometimes, I chose not to support a "sport" that employs any such practices. Such beautiful animals, I hate to think of even one being hurt, exploited, or abused. There is a story about a rich Hollywood producer who is dying of cancer who just recently bought a racehorse for 60,000 rather than let him race hyped on drugs and injured.