ESPN.com - Triple Crown 2000 - Redman diary: Derby days are here again

Redman diary: Derby days are here again
By Chris Redman
Special to ABC Sports Online

Chris Redman was a four-year starting quarterback at the University of Louisville, where he broke a number of NCAA Division I records, including most career completions and attempts. Having grown up in Louisville, Chris has attended the Kentucky Derby a number of times, and he will be at Churchill Downs this year as well.

Growing up in Louisville, it's a totally different atmosphere around Derby time. People are a little lighter on their feet, the weather's nice, and everybody wants to find out that best pick for the race. It's a fun place to be.


	Chris Redman, a Louisville native, is the NCAA all-time leader in completions.

I've been to so many Kentucky Derbies, it's hard to count. I've attended hundreds of Derby parties, from the infield all the way to Millionaire's Row. It's just an incredible atmosphere.

Growing up as a kid, I never really followed horse racing, but as I went to college, I began to really enjoy watching the races. The horses are so beautiful. I have a lot of friends that are trainers or their fathers are trainers, so I've had the chance to meet a lot of the jockeys and be around the horses. You can't help but become a fan once you get to be around them and watch them practice. The work that is put into the horses is unbelievable.

Every year, it seems like they're getting more and more high tech with their training regimens. The testing these horses go through isn't that different than what athletes go through. It's a big deal around the state, and it's really fun to watch.

Last year, I got the chance to go to Millionaire's Row for the first time, which was a great experience. It was kind of overwhelming going up there and seeing all the celebrities and how much they get into it. A lot of them were there for the first time, and you could tell that even they were overwhelmed. The crowd is enormous.

Obviously, some people are there to watch the race and others are there just to party. Either way, it's an amazing experience.

The week leading up to the race, there's all sorts of different events and a big party following it. Some of the clubs raise the prices because they know everyone's going to be around, especially the night before the race when it's hard to even get into a club without knowing someone in town. Everyone goes out and parties it up, and then tries to get up as early as they can and get to the Derby the next morning.

The party I'm looking forward to the most is the Mint Jubilee party the night before the race. A buddy of, mine is putting it on, Matt Battaglia, and there's always tons of actors and soap opera stars there. He's an actor whose mother died of cancer, so it's all for charity. It's nice to have a great time with all the proceeds going to a good cause.

	“	Obviously, some people are there to watch the race and others are there just to party. Either way, it's an amazing experience. ”
		— Chris Redman

I'll be at Millionaire's Row again this year at Baltimore Ravens owner Art Modell's table which should be a pretty cool experience. Some other football stars will be there like Cleveland Browns quarterback and University of Kentucky alum Tim Couch. It should be great hanging out with him and the other guys.

Right now, I'm ecstatic about having the opportunity to play in the NFL. Baltimore was one of the places I wanted to be the most. I've really felt comfortable around the Ravens' coaches and players, so it's been a dream come true thus far. The guys have treated me real well, and the coaches have been patient with me learning a new offense.

I haven't checked out this year's field yet, so I have no predictions. I'm just looking forward to having a great time.