The National Weather Service is predicting 1 to 2 inches of rain for Louisville tomorrow. Those 80 hooves and shoes hitting the wet ground will be kicking up the mud. The phrase “here’s mud in your eye” is a humorous toast, usually among friends. Some believe the phrase came from horse racing, where a horse in the lead kicks dirt or mud into the eyes or face of the horse following behind. All theories connote good spirit and humor. Perhaps it signifies a desire for two friends to finish well—the toaster in first, and the toasted a close second.

Drawing by Ana Mirela Tache

Check out our book for more phrases and idioms that come from the world of horse racing.

The Belmont Stakes

Saturday’s running of the 141st Belmont Stakes was a real horse race and those who wagered on most of the entrants got a run for their money. Many thought Mine that Bird was a shoo-in. He didn’t win but he finished in the money getting a piece of the show pool. It was a fast track and out of the gate Kent Desormaux jockeyed for position and got the inside track with Summer Bird. Mine that Bird running true to recent form settled in at the back of the pack. Calvin Borel, Mine that Bird’s jockey, had guaranteed victory but that was the problem, hearing it straight from the jockey’s mouth isn’t the same as hearing it straight from the horse’s mouth. Dunkirk took the lead and set the pace for most of the race. Mine that Bird was chomping at the bit (or champing at the bit if you prefer) to run and when Borel finally let him go, he made his usual bold move to the front and ran neck and neck with Dunkirk. But, seemingly from out of the clouds, Summer Bird swept up and to the lead and won by 2-3/4 lengths.  Dunkirk held on for second and Mine that Bird tiring finished third by a neck. What a day!