Wildcat Willy’s celebrates Derby Day with llama race

Published 10:23 am Tuesday, May 5, 2020

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Anna Melendez, 9, pets her “horse,” Katrina, after the Korona Derby Saturday at Wildcat Willy’s. The alpaca, which ran under the name Deputy Distancing, bested six llamas to win the one-minute race. (Photo by Randy Patrick)

Llama lady Charla Young poses with her llamas at the petting zoo. She and her husband, Michael Young, of Foggy Bottom Farm, provided all the animals. (Photo by Randy Patrick)

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The Kentucky Derby has been called the “fastest two minutes in sports,” but the Korona Derby at Wildcat Willy’s was a minute faster.

The seven entries — six llamas and an alpaca — were out of the starting gate at 1 p.m. and crossed the finish line by 1:01.

The alpaca won.

Katrina, who ran under the name Deputy Distancing, made her “jockey,” 9-year-old Anna Melendez, proud.

“She trots a lot like a horse!” Anna said.

Laura Freeman, owner of the distillery and restaurant on Broadway, said the race was intended as something fun for children to do on Derby Day, since the legendary race was postponed until the fall because of the coronavirus.

Charla and Michael Young of Foggy Bottom Farm provided the animals for the race as well as other critters for a petting zoo, including a one-week-old goat, Trevor, a miniature bovine, an exotic-looking chicken and more.

The steeds in the race were all given play-on-word names related to the coronavirus: PPE-Z Rider, Captain Chlorox Sam, Korona King, Essential Workhorse, Cute the Curve, Purelle, and the winner, No. 7, Deputy Distancing.

About Randy Patrick

Randy Patrick is a reporter for Bluegrass Newsmedia, which includes The Jessamine Journal. He may be reached at 859-759-0015 or by email at randy.patrick@bluegrassnewsmedia.com.