Authentic Poem by Paul Reed

He set off, with purpose in the lead

A very strong pace was set indeed!

The real war however was not yet waged

In the first half mile, at this early stage

But soon, rounding the back turn, the panic buttons were pushed

Whips were raised and his rivals rushed

They chased so hard but to no avail

Just to catch a glimpse of Authentic's tail

Now round the home turn he surged, the stretch lay ahead

Seemingly unconcerned, Authentic still led

The others flailed and tried their best to win

But the commentator yelled..- "Authentic digs in! "

The Kentucky Derby hero had pressed on again

And left his rivals in defeat's sad pain

Of desire and heart he had the most

That was clear as he passed the winning post

So when next you are out looking for a horse

Remember the one thing you can't see of course

Is that determination in sight of the wire

Nobody could have seen Authentic's inner fire