HEY folks, sitting on a bench in a cabin in Louisville, Kentucky – rented for Derby week –  is Mathew and Mike de Kock and Christophe Soumillon.

(Photo by Pat Cummings).

Christophe booted up his ‘ole Apple Computer and they watched a few replays of previous Kentucky Derby editions while Soumillon’s youngsters were rollin’ on the cabin floor…

Seriously, this brainstorming session formed part of the team’s preparation for the big day as they discussed the KY Derby pace, the placing of Mubtaahij in the race and tactics. We’re holding thumbs their assessments are spot-on!

*Extracted lyrics used to suit interest piece,  from ‘My Old Kentucky Home (1893), by Stephen Foster.