Horse Racing Fantasy Community

Are you kidding? This is one of the most gracious, humble and genuine people in all of sports. I find him a breath of fresh air, especially after having to tolerate Dudrows brainless spewing for most of last year.

Not kidding...this is the only jockey I really dislike. I'm sure there are more out there that can't stand him.

If my parents died, I would dedicate every single one of my wins to them if I were Calvin. How dare you insult someone for loving their parents and honoring their memory.

I don't think he's overdramatic, he's just gets very into it - it's something called passion, and I personally love him for it.

As for opting for Rachel over MTB in the Preakness, he was previously obligated. And your argument about Mine That Bird being a gelding and Rachel Alexandra retiring at the end of the year doesn't make any sense - if Borel doesn't get as many chances to ride Rachel in the future, then shouldn't he take the opportunity now? He'll get many more races on MTB later, after Rachel retires. I'm as mad as you are about getting denied a Triple Crown because of the jockey switch, but it would be just as good for racing if Calvin gets a jockey Triple Crown, and make no mistake I'll be rooting for him in the Belmont.

I'm sorry, I just can't understand your hatred. In my opinion, Calvin Borel is a fantastic jockey, an overall great guy, and a great horseman.

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"He's moving like a tremendous machine!"

He's alright. Sometimes he's a little too dramatic.

have any idea the chances for a jockey to win one of those races? i dont blame him, i can tell you were really pulling for mine that bird but its a sport and MAINLY a business for everyone involved, trainers and owners tosses jockies around replacing them whenever they want, the guy got into a GREAT situation and he went for it like most of us would...there's nothing like sharing great moments with family members and showed how much he loved his parents and that i have much respect for.

sundown

He is real to me...reminds me of the jockey's here at Ellis Park, just a reg guy who lets his emotions come true, and doesn't worry about what people think...he is a good Jock for sure, good luck to him, I hope Mine That Bird Wins, I will be cheering him on...ruff

He is a wonderful jockey. He's got such fierce passion and love for the sport. He's not afraid to let his emotions show. When he wins, it shines on through and you feel genuinely happy for him. A jockey's dream is to win the Derby and even the Triple Crown - no matter how far-fetched it may seem. It's what keeps them going day after day after day...the hope of getting on one great horse that will send them to the big time. For Calvin, that dream has come true twice (with Rachel Alexandra AND Mine That Bird) and I can't help but smile every time I see him. I had tears in my eyes after the Derby when he dedicated the race to his mom and dad. He wanted them to be there so bad, to see all he had accomplished - to make them proud.

He is a fantastic jockey and an amazing person. I wish him well in the Belmont. I'll be rooting for him!

-Kayla

I dont mean to burst anyones bubble especially your dirkstar. i think calvin is the nicest person in the world and yeah he might think hes the best but he is extreamly great at what he does. and wouldnt you say you love your mom or dad or both if you win big races or just even small ones? i thin your post was out ragious i dont me to be rude but posting blogs about people is one thing i do not do unless its good news about them. and if he seen yor blog i think he wouldnt be to happy
**chase**

In this world of make believe and phoney baloney political correctness, I can appreciate a guy who wears his emotions on his sleave; not afraid to cry or tell you what he's really feeling! Yea, he comes from nothing; not high school educated, but he loved something and worked his ass off for it and now is reaping some of the rewards for his hard work. That guy sir, is the American Dream!

The reason they let him back on again is because they're cut from the same cloth. He made a commitment to ride Rachael for the entire year, and being the man he is, he stuck with his word and got off a derby winner. I would have a beer with this guy, before I would a lot of the other "special" jocks!

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May they all come home safely!!!

Jockeys are not brain surgeons, and if you ever had doubts, Calvin would remind you of it.. Having said that, he shows emotion, good for him, I think it shows 2 things, 1. he is fortunate to be in his position, and 2. he knows it..
The horses are the real stars, and he knows that too..

Calvin is special to this sport.. He is first and foremost a honest, humble man with a great heart.. He has done alot outside of being a jockey including helping a equine rescue in Florida.. This man has had a rough life.. As for inbred hick, only somone without an ounce of class would say that.. I know that his parents cross his mind daily.. And to dedicate his wins in big situations in which they are not there to see is fantastic.. And as for celebration who cares.. He doesnt abuse his horses, he is loyal and he is a real man, cause real man are not afraid to share there emotions..

As far as his rail riding.. Well lets see I dont think any part of the track is all together safe.. but the rail is the shortest way around the track.. And he knows what he is doing..

Calvin is special for racing, he is easy to support, he is funny and charismatic.. He is a darn good rider.. What he does for the sport is show that there are good spots in a sport and if he brings fans.. GOOD.. Dont talk down to people or about people its not classy.. he is a good friend to me and my friend who used to ride with him..

I absolutely love Calvin. Ever since he won on Street Sense I have been cheering him on. It was an honor to see him at Gulfstream this winter in person. I think it's amazing that he can wear his heart on his sleave when men in our society today are expected to bottle everything up. I agree with adkage that they don't have to be brain surgeons to be jockeys. Not going to high school wasn't as big a deal as it is now. I applaud him and wish him luck in all his races. He is a breath of fresh air.

-The spirited horse, which will try to win the race of its own accord, will run even faster if encouraged.
Ovid

I'd find it difficult to dislike, or hate a man I didn't know. He's sure not afraid to show his emmotions. I think that's good. More men should do so. IMO He's a good man. His girlfriend will tell you that.
I wish him the best of luck in tommorows Belmont, aboard, Mind That Bird. I like Chocolate Candy, but will be rooting for Calvin's horse too. May the best horse win.

Ok....must be just me then. For the record I never liked Mine that bird either, just in case you thought it was based on that. I've watched just about every graded race for the past 2-3 years and my dislike for him has only come from watching him over time. Hate is a strong word..I don't hate him, I used that too loosely. I'd just rather not see him than see him.

I'll be rooting for him to complete the jockey's triple crown. I think that's quite an accomplishment with all the different factors involved.

Yesterday belmont was mud soup.. I think both triple crown races had softer tracks and Mine that bird did well in them, Rachel Alexandra struggled with it, and still won but I don't think she would win today in those softer conditions.. If today was a hard fast track, I think mine that bird loses.. But, I think the track conditions will only help his chances.. Right now the track is listed as good and the turf is soft.. Up the Birds alley right now..
Post time is 6:27 EST for the big race on ABC..

He is a pretty good guy, especially his brother Cecil(really nice guy). I'm sure his prediction (of a win) will be a lesson learned, and he will remember that the race is ran on the track, not on paper.

Dirkstar, how much class does it take to bash a guy about his eduacation and call him a "Hick" not to his face but in a fourom? He is a great guy and I don't know why you would hate or even dislike the guy. Like he said before he can't read or write but he can guarentee his checks won't bounce.
"A horse runs with his body, a horse wins a race with his heart"

I agree with you iangrey. Calvin has every right to be happy and celebrate big wins like that after his parents died. And as far as switching horses goes, he chose Rachel because she is the better horse and I'm sure he wanted to do what was best for him so he could win. And you are right (iangrey) If Rachel were to retire after this year (Which she isn't) Then Calvin could just ride Mine That Bird again. After all, he did just ride him in the Classic, didn't he?! He's just doing what is best for his career. And if I were him, I would be celebrating after winning the Kentucky Derby. He is a great guy, I've met him in person, there's no reason to doubt him.

really should think before you type. Why would you cut down a man that truly loves the sport, the fans, his PARENTS? You don't have to root for him to win, although he may be on a horse you like. And if he did win, turn the channel or look away during his "celebration". He is great for the sport and will make you money as well.