This is the last of five daily stories documenting West Chester resident Joseph LaCombe's week as owner of a Kentucky Derby horse.
LOUISVILLE -- Irene LaCombe gets nervous when her husband's colt, Favorite Trick, runs. Instead of watching the 124th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, she listened to her family's reactions and looked at the infield tote board.
She didn't hear any excited cheers as the horses neared the finish.
"I looked on the board and I didn't see any sixes," Mrs. LaCombe said, "and I knew it didn't look too good.
Favorite Trick, the 2-year-old champion and horse of the last year, finished eighth and never was closer than fourth. The loss continued the 14-year Derby jinx for winners of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. "I'm not going to cry about it," owner Joseph LaCombe said. "He did all he could and ran a good race."
"He was nice and kind, but he never put his ears up and seemed as comfortable as he had been in some of his races," jockey Pat Day said.
Joseph LaCombe listened intently after the race in the tunnel underneath the stands as Day and trainer Bill Mott analyzed the race.
"I'm sorry we didn't fire any better," Mr. Day said.
"He had position to win the race, a perfect trip," Mr. Mott said. "He just didn't do it."
The defeat ended a long week spent answering the same questions again and again.
"It was hectic," Mr. LaCombe said.
Unlike his wife, he said he remained calm during the race.
"I don't think I was nervous at all," he said.
He settled into his box seats with his wife and about 12 other people.
Mr. LaCombe liked the way the race began with Favorite Trick settling in fifth. By the end of the race, he saw Favorite Trick was out of the running.
Mr. LaCombe believed his horse was the best in the race.
"I still do," he said. "It just didn't come out that way." With the right horse, he said, he'd do it all again.
"It's quite a spectacle."
