Mine that Bird
MaryLou Boal, center, a travel agent from Madisonville, was one of more than 200 extras who spent two weeks in Louisville recreating Mine That Bird’s upset win in the 2009 Kentucky Derby.When Madisonville’s MaryLou Boal called and asked if I’d like to be in a movie, I had no idea what to expect. “You’ll need to be there at the crack of dawn, but it’s an experience of a lifetime,” she promised.
“There” was Gate 12 of Churchill Downs.
The film, two years in development, is called 50-to-1. It’s the story of Mine That Bird’s unexpected, come-from-behind victory in the 2009 Kentucky Derby, the second-biggest upset in the race’s nearly 140-year history. In the slop, Calvin Borel guided the New Mexico entry from the back of the field along the rail en route to a three-length win over Pioneer of the Nile.
Writer Faith Conroy and producer/director Jim Wilson are using actual footage, much never before seen, from that day. The actors playing some of the key players—Chip Woolley, Mark Allen and Doc Blach—are spot on. Borel portrays himself and has served as a consultant to make the film as realistic as possible.
In the shots in which Kay and I are possibly visible, we’re two rows behind the Maktoum delegation, who are shocked to see their horse lose. Our owner’s passes indicated that we actually were attached to Papa Clem (who finished fourth) so we’re dejected, too.
It was a spectacular experience and there is actual footage, somewhere, of us singing “My Old Kentucky Home” prior to the recreated race.
For a look at the actual race, visit www.minethatbirdthemovie.com.