[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 7719-7720]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING JOCKEY KENT DESORMEAUX FOR WINNING THE 134TH KENTUCKY DERBY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, JR.

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2008

  Mr. BOUSTANY. Madam Speaker, this past Saturday afternoon, with more 
than 157,000 people watching from the stands and millions watching from 
their homes, Big Brown won the 134th Kentucky Derby at Louisville, 
Kentucky's Churchill Downs. Ridden by Louisiana-native Kent Desormeaux, 
Big Brown proved his ability yet again, as the favorite became the 
seventh undefeated horse to win horse racing's most prestigious prize. 
Big Brown's trainer and owners now look ahead to the Preakness, the 
second leg of the Triple Crown.
  Leading his third horse to the red roses of a Kentucky Derby win, 
Kent Desormeaux is no stranger to winning. Born in Maurice, Louisiana, 
Kent's first race was at Evangeline Downs with his first win coming 
aboard Miss Tavern on July 13, 1986. At 25 years old, the jockey became 
the youngest ever to notch 3,000 career wins. His successful career is 
a testament to hard work, determination and a love of his sport.
  I know I join Kent's family and many in Acadiana in congratulating 
him on this most recent win and wishing him the best for continued 
success. Louisiana has a well-established record of producing winning 
jockeys and Kent certainly continues our legacy.
  Unfortunately, Saturday's race did have sadness as second place, 
Eight Belles, was euthanized on the track. The filly, who ran an 
impressive race, collapsed after crossing the finish line. It was a 
tragic scene that reminds us all of the dangers of the sport.
  The story Saturday though was Big Brown's big win. Desormeaux 
shepherded the horse from the outside gate through a crowded field and 
dictated the pace to give Big Brown the best shot at victory. As the 
lead pack rounded the final turn of the mile and a quarter race, 
Desormeaux gave Big Brown the signal, and the horse's effort left his 
competitors in the dust.
  Again, congratulations to Kent Desormeaux, winning jockey of the 
134th Kentucky Derby.

[[Page 7720]]



                          ____________________