Thousands of patriots gathered at Churchill Downs this weekend to celebrate American tradition at the 151st Kentucky Derby. The “Run for the Roses” brought hardworking families together to witness three-year-old Thoroughbreds compete in the first leg of the Triple Crown. This year’s race saw legendary trainers and fierce competitors upholding the values of dedication and excellence that make our nation strong.
The event kicked off with Olympic hero Simone Biles issuing the “Riders Up” command, a reminder of the discipline and determination that defines true champions. Crowds cheered as horses like American Promise and Citizen Bull thundered down the track, their owners and trainers representing the backbone of American ambition. Meanwhile, corporate streaming services like Peacock charged families nearly $8 a month just to watch—another example of elites profiting from everyday Americans’ love of tradition.
Veteran trainer D. Wayne Lukas, 89, proved age is no barrier to greatness as he aimed for his fifth Derby victory. His grit mirrors the spirit of millions of retirees who refuse to let Washington bureaucrats dictate their worth. Across the field, Bob Baffert returned after a three-year suspension, showcasing how redemption is possible when government overreach is pushed back.
This year’s favorite, Journalism, carried the hopes of those tired of mainstream media narratives. Owned by a group calling themselves “The Avengers,” the horse symbolized citizens fighting back against coastal elites who mock heartland values. The race’s nickname—“The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”—stands in stark contrast to the endless gridlock of Washington politics.
Churchill Downs, operating since 1875, remains a testament to American innovation and vision. Its founder, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, built this landmark after studying European models—proving greatness comes from learning, not blindly following others. Today, it’s a sanctuary from the chaos of woke corporations and cancel culture.
While NBC broadcast the event, real Americans know networks can’t be trusted to cover traditions without sneering. Thankfully, platforms like Fox News continue honoring events that celebrate our nation’s heritage without apology. The Derby’s pageantry—from mint juleps to extravagant hats—reminds us that joy isn’t something to regulate or tax into oblivion.
As the hooves pounded the dirt, spectators saw more than a race—they saw America’s heartbeat. In a time where radical progressives attack everything from gas stoves to pickup trucks, the Derby stands unashamed. Let Washington bureaucrats take note: the people still cherish freedom, competition, and the pursuit of excellence.
When Citizen Bull crossed the finish line, it wasn’t just a win for Bob Baffert—it was a victory for every citizen fighting to preserve what makes this country exceptional. The Kentucky Derby remains a defiant middle finger to those who’d rewrite our history or silence our values. God bless America, and God bless the Run for the Roses.
