‘Twas the night before Breeders’ Cup
When all through the city,
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even Plum Pretty.
The Downs were draped
In purple and gold,
The twin spires illuminated,
Beautiful and bold.
The jockeys were nestled
All snug in their beds,
While visions of victories
Danced in their heads.
Uncle Mo resting quietly,
Stay Thirsty just down the hall,
Envisioning glory and
Good trips for all.
When out on the track
There arose such a clatter.
Uncle Mo jumped to his feet
To see what was the matter.
Up to the doorway
Mo flew without wait,
Nuzzled the latch free
And pushed open the gate.
The newly installed lights
Burned down a bright glow,
Giving the luster of midday
To the race track below.
When what to Mo’s wondering
Eyes should appear
But a fully packed grandstand
And a crowd full of cheer.
They were standing and pointing
At something far in the distance.
Mo focused his gaze
And could discern it in an instance.
More rapid than eagles
The horses they came,
And the crowd yelled and cheered
And called them by name—
Go Wild Again, Proud Truth, and Skywalker!
Now Ferdinand, Alysheba, and Sunday Silence!
Come on Unbridled and Black Tie Affair!
Go A.P. Indy, Arcangues, and Concern!
Now Cigar, Alphabet Soup, and Skip Away!
Come on Awesome Again and Cat Thief!
Tiznow! Tiznow! Go Volponi!
Now Pleasantly Perfect and Ghostzapper!
Come on Saint Liam and Invasor!
Go Curlin! Go Raven’s Pass!
Now Zenyatta! Come on Blame!
Uncle Mo watched in awe
As the champions raced past,
Never had he seen horses
Move quite so fast.
To the top of the stretch!
To the finish they flew!
The excitement and cheer,
How quickly it grew!
And then, as they each
Crossed the wire,
Flowers fell down
To create each an attire.
Blooming asters of purple
And asters of yellow,
A championship blanket
For each winning fellow.
And just as quickly as
The champions had come,
They’d all disappeared,
Leaving Mo feeling numb.
But Mo heard a faint call
As he drudged through the muck,
“Happy Breeders’ Cup to all
And to all Good Luck!”
Photo: Breeders' Cup
