Code of Honor
It was the name that first grabbed my attention, but it was the performance that made it memorable. Race horses often have such clever names, which sometimes evoke humor and often suggest a deeper meaning; here’s a link to some of the Best Racehorse Names for your enjoyment. Perhaps it’s because Code of Honor sounds so serious that it stood out for me above the rest.
This athletic chestnut colt has the pedigree of a fine race horse and is the offspring of “Noble Mission” and “Reunited”; there is a family theme here. Coming into the 2019 Kentucky Derby, he had shown strength and potential in his past race performances, but it was unclear how he would perform on the biggest stage in horse racing, up against world-class competition.
By all appearances, horse racing is a tough and risky business; successful outcomes are uncertain at best. On this particular rainy Derby Day, running on a sloppy track, Code of Honor found himself racing hard in the middle of the muddy pack, but somehow spotted an opening and ran for it. He moved inside and launched a remarkable charge along the rail, while the front-runner and race favorite made a move to head off other challengers that later resulted in his own disqualification. Code of Honor avoided trouble, stayed on the pace and did not fade back into the pack; he ran strong to the finish and ultimately claimed second place.
All of the fanfare has swirled around the longshot winner and the favorite he deposed due to the disqualification. Winners get the accolades. For me the most meaningful story of the moment was the poised and steady performance by Code of Honor, who grew into his name on this day.
Heritage may create potential, but it does not produce success. When the moment comes, success depends upon countless hours of Preparation and relentless training, which the race spectators do not see.
Competing hard yet fairly in a messy and uncertain world can still lead to the highest levels of success. The journey begins with a Code of Honor.
Tempus Maximize!
