Turns out Uncle MO was dealing with a gastrointestinal infection that's required antibiotics and slowed his training ahead of the grueling derby at Churchill Downs. Because of the infection, and less than 100 percent health, there's about a 50-50 chance Mo may never get out of the gates in Saturday's 2011 Kentucky Derby. And if he does, nobody has a clue whether he'll be fit enough to mount a serious challenge.
The Kentucky Derby may no longer be the biggest event of the year for serious horse racing enthusiasts – it’s been surpassed in that regard by the Breeders’ Cup – it remains the most significant and popular horse race for casual fans and the mainstream public.
Known as ‘The Run for the Roses’, the Derby is held annually on the first weekend in May at Louisville’s venerable Churchill Downs beneath the iconic “Twin Spires”. It is also a big social event in the region and the live attendance at the Kentucky Derby surpasses that of any other major stakes race in the United States. The Derby is one of the oldest major races in the sport and is the first leg of horse racing’s ‘Triple Crown’.
