MIKE de Kock and his Kentucky Derby team expected much attention from the public and the racing media in Louisville, Kentucky this week, but the intensity of KY Derby frenzy surprised Mike all the same.
“The Kentucky Derby is the Dubai World Cup on steroids,” commented Mike earlier this week. “It’s crazy here, just crazy!” he wrote in an sms to his website.
All of this was not surprisingly a good reason to break away for a relaxing round of golf. Mike, Warne Rippon, Christophe Soumillon and Mathew de Kock drove to the famous Valhalla Golf Club on Thursday to destress.
Valhalla, located east of Louisville, is a private golf club designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened 29 years ago in 1986. In 1992, Valhalla was selected to host the PGA Championship in the 1996.
Soumillon, prolific on twitter, also posted photos of a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum and said: “What a wonderful experience.”
Horseracing: As much a social rollercoaster as it is serious business!
Special moments shared at Valhalla.
Mathew and Christophe: “All Schweet!”
Valhalla Trophy Cabinet.
Kentucky Derby Museum.
Silks on display inside KY Derby Museum.
3 Comments
All the best for Saturday. I know you are a realist but I still wish your team kick’s ass. Please also ensure the flag hanging next to the horse’s stable has the Red section to the left as you look at it.
Wish you the very best of luck! I hope Mubtaahij and M. Soumillon own those last three furlongs. Mr de Kock, I have enjoyed all of your interviews very much — you’re such a good sport for putting up with and even enjoying the circus. I will be cheering for your team tomorrow. Thanks for making the long trip with your tremendous colt.
I second everything Katie said. It’s Saturday now, and while Mubtaahij didn’t win, he ran very well — doesn’t dim my regard for him at all. What a great colt he is to have overcome everything he faced to get here and then to run better than most of the field. I too enjoyed all of Mr de Kock’s interviews. Thanks for handling the madness of Derby week. Come back soon!