Nova
Highlands Latin School
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May 2022
Roma |
Volume 5, Issue 5
What’s Up? Your HLS Student Spotlight
The Past and Present of the Kentucky Derby By: Devin Moore One of the most iconic things about the state of Kentucky is, of course, the Kentucky Derby. Started in 1875, it was at first one of the many “derbies” or horse races specifically running three-year-old horses, but it has become the most famous and prestigious horse race in America, if not the world, and a whole culture has grown up around it. The reasons for the derby starting in Kentucky are contested, but many agree that good grass, good weather, and a good socio-political climate made it a very good place to raise and race horses. When open racing in downtown Lexington became a problem for the city, city leaders began to promote the construction of ac-
tual racetracks. Then, in 1872, one Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr, grandson of William Clark, travelled to Europe and got involved in horse racing. He then proceeded to take what he had learned back to America, and decided to establish a jockey club in Louisville to celebrate its equestrian history and sponsor the races already popping up around there. In 1875 he opened what would become the official Kentucky Derby track. The first official winner of the derby was Aristides and his jockey Oliver Lewis. The Kentucky derby has since been the site of lots of drama and intrigue. In Depression-Era 1930, (the same year in which the tradition of playing “My Old
Kentucky Home” as the horses enter the track came about) gate-jumping, or spectators attempting to visit the track without a ticket, became a more serious issue, and at times the police were called in to prevent unauthorized access. In 1933, the jockeys of the lead horse and the runner up had a fist-fight while galloping full-speed to the finish line. There is even a story of a horse being buried at Churchill Downs, as Barbaro, champion of the 2006 races, tragically fractured his leg in the Prentiss Stakes two weeks later, and despite several operations, eventually developed laminitis and had to be euthanized. His ashes were spread over the field of his previous (cont. on page 2)
By: Elli Bitner and Trevor Geddes T: Hey everyone! We only have one last interview before Elli and I sign out. We’re almost done! E: That’s right. And what’s a better to end our newspaper career than interviewing senior Emma Mccoy? Hi Emma! Em: Hi. T: Alright Emma, tell us about yourself. What House are you in and what are involved in at school? Em: Well I’m obviously a senior and I’m in the house of George. I’m currently in the Fiddler on the Roof play at school. T: What character are you? Em: I’m Yenta, the matchmaker. E: Oh, I know that one song! *Elli starts singing “Matchmaker”* Em: Yep, that’s the song. E: When did you start doing drama? Em: I was in 8th grade on the costume team and then I was in The Music Man and I’ve been doing it ever since. T: Did you play any sports for HLS? Em: I played volleyball. I was a right hitter for a hot minute, but that’s over now, so sad. T: Where are you going to college Emma? Em: Western Kentucky University. E: Awesome! What are you studying? Em: I’m majoring in visual studies with a minor in computer animation. Tr: That’s a straight fire major. Can I go rapid fire on the questions?