Watching the Preakness Stakes in the Company of Cats

I must preface today's rather unusual blog item with a few introductory remarks. By now it is more than likely apparent to our readers that I am an avid animal lover. All felines have captured my heart, and while my experience with canines is less extensive, I am very fond of them and eager to learn more about this amazing species. It is also no secret to anyone, that I am passionate about horses, and actively involved in supporting legislations designed to protect our beloved equines from cruelty, neglect and slaughter. Photo credit: AP Photo/Garry Jones This being said, on Saturday, May 16 at approximately 6:00 PM, my husband and I, along with our two cats, Hubble and Hush Puppy, made ourselves comfortable in front of our wide screen TV. Two weeks ago, we all watched the Kentucky Derby together and were blown away by Mine That Bird's phenomenal win, so we were all eagerly awaiting the running of the Preakness Stakes. Now you may think I am fabricating a tale here but believe it or not, our cats must have intuitively "picked up" our enthusiasm and anticipation. They usually just flop on my hip and catch their "zzzzzzzs" but they were wide awake and watching, just as they did for the 135th running of the most exciting two minutes in horse racing; The Kentucky Derby. Of course this past Saturday's Preakness Stakes was a record-setting day in horse racing. For the first time since 1924, during Calvin Coolidge's Presidency, has a filly won the Preakness Stakes; the second leg of the Triple Crown. This is one of the most prestigious races in the Sport of Kings. I was immediately struck by the interesting coincidence that the filly named Rachel Alexandra's talented jockey shared the same first name as the former president. "This has to be a good omen", I thought. And I beamed when Calvin Borel rode the filly to victory. The crowd went wild! With Mine-That-Bird, the 50 to 1 long shot Kentucky Derby winner right behind her, that fabulously athletic filly, Rachel Alexandra captured the Black- Eyed- Susans, by one length. However, once the race was over, and all the hoopla was done for the day, our two cats assumed their usual position . . . glued to my hip . . . and back into dreamland. I do imagine however, that I caught one of them, as he drifted off for his nap, wishing it was possible for him to become a feline companion to such a gorgeous filly. After all, he is aware that most horses enjoy an intelligent and affectionate feline to keep them company. Experience the excitement by watching the re-run of the race by visiting: http://jtwoo.blogspot.com/2009/05/whoa-nellie-rachel-alexandra-first.html I personally am thrilled that this filly finally ended the drought of a distaff win. If you watched the Preakness Stakes, were you surprised at the end? Share your experience and leave a comment.