Sunday, May 2, 2004

A special place in their hearts


For many, going to Downs
upholds meaningful tradition

By Jim Hannah
The Cincinnati Enquirer

KENTUCKY DERBY
Get Kentucky Derby 130 news and information at
courier-journal.com/derby
TOP HEADLINES
PRIOR COVERAGE
Sunday
Dirty little secret
Adding to grief are debts
Jockey moving, but lacking in context
Monday
VIP guests moved to infield
Castledale, St Averil committed to Derby
Tuesday
Layoff could be a benefit
Wednesday
Off the beaten track
Jockeys hopeful of logo OK
Thursday
Hard times paved Derby road
The Cliff's Edge made favorite
Friday
Success a quick climb
Limited sight doesn't limit horse
Photo gallery: Friday at Churchill Downs 
Saturday
'Smarty' wins with sentimental journey
Just a race - but a big one
A crowd at home track
Good things in the future
A place in their hearts
Renovations make for a contrasting infield
'Tasteful' ads raise no fuss
They Said It | Celebrities
Race recap | Chart
The Numbers | Winners
LOUISVILLE - Tim Jones of Hamilton attended the 130th Kentucky Derby to celebrate his marriage.

Keith Jones of Hamilton waded through a muddy infield to renew old friendships from his days at Ohio University.

And Elizabeth Hertenstein of Morrow came to continue a family tradition started by her grandfather.

Churchill Downs is more than 100 miles down Interstate 71, yet residents of Greater Cincinnati make elaborate plans each year to attend the greatest two minutes in sports.

For each, the Derby holds a special place in their hearts.

"I met my wife here," said 29-year-old Tim Jones, who sported a straw hat. "It is kind of like an anniversary for us. I wouldn't miss it for anything."

He, along with his older brother Keith, were two of 110 people who arrived at the Downs on two rented school buses. He helped start the trek 10 years ago with fellow Ohio University alumni.

"Us loading up in those buses was a great sight to see this morning," said Keith Jones, whose group hosts a giant Derby Eve party at a friend's house in Louisville. The bash is so elaborate they hired the rock group Puddle of Mudd to perform.

The brothers' Derby pick this year: Smarty Jones, who won.

"How can we not bet on that horse?" Keith Jones said, smiling. "We were at the Arkansas Derby this year when he won, so we think we'll bring him luck today."

While the Jones brothers braved the infamous infield crowd of bare-chested college kids, Hertenstein sat in a coveted clubhouse box seat among women wearing hats suitable for the cast of Gone With the Wind.

Hertenstein's grandfather, a noted Louisville physician, first got the seats. When he died, they were willed to Hertenstein's grandmother. On her passing, they went to an uncle who rotates them among family members. The last Derby Hertenstein attended was seven years ago.

"It's a long family tradition to come to the Downs," she said. "I want to keep it alive. I remember my grandparents coming to the track every year.

"My grandmother would buy buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken and take it to the track to share with everyone who sat in the family's box. It was a big deal."

She said her grandmother would always tear up for "My Old Kentucky Home," the state's official song played before each running of the Derby.

"It just doesn't get better than this," she said.

E-mail jhannah@enquirer.com




130th KENTUCKY DERBY
'Smarty' wins with sentimental journey
For Elliott, it's just a race - but a big one
Smarty Jones draws a crowd at home track
Jockey sees good things in the future
A special place in their hearts
Renovations make for a contrasting infield
Celebrity corner

'Tasteful' ads raise no fuss
Race recap
Expanded chart
They Said It
By The Numbers

Kentucky Derby Winners
Photo gallery: The race
Photo gallery: The scene


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At age 82, marathoner's been a long time running

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REDS/MLB
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Report: Martinez will test free agency
AL: Tigers hand Mariners eighth loss in 10 games
NL: Rockies get win against Braves
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Fantasy baseball: Some struggles require patience

PREPS
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Football combine continues to grow
Beechwood, Walton-Verona both lose in All 'A' Classic
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NBA
Pacers take 'blue-collar' approach to winning
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Pistons vs. Nets
Timberwolves vs. Kings

HOCKEY
Ducks' season ends in Game 7
Avs remain alive on Sakic OT goals

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