MANCHESTER, N.H. — Vekoma is named after a Dutch company that makes roller coasters, symbolic of the ups and downs that come with racing horses.
At many bars and restaurants in New Hampshire, they're rooting for number six in this year’s Kentucky Derby.
The horse named Vekoma is co-owned by the Gatsas family of Manchester, N.H.
"We're looking forward to watching him race," said Chad Castonguay, the manager of Billy's Bar. "We think it's going to draw a good crowd, this will be packed."
The Gatsas family has owned about 200 thoroughbreds over the years, but this is the first time one has qualified for the Kentucky Derby.
Related: Kentucky Derby 2019: What time, what channel, who is running, what are the odds?
Gatsas and his family arrived in Louisville earlier this week and they’re optimistic about Vekoma’s chances.
The owner of Billy's Bar is there with them, cheering Vekoma on.
"Mike has a great horse, we've seen his horse race here a few weeks ago, and it looks like it's got some energy," Castonguay said.
But whether or not they make it to the winner’s circle, there’s a lot of hometown pride that comes with seeing a local family compete in a national event – even if it is only two minutes long.
"I don’t know if you've heard of a Mint Julep," Castonguay said. "It's going to be called the Vekoma Julep tomorrow for the famous horse we all know here."
The mayor of Manchester issued a statement wishing Vekoma luck and saying that the city is watching and cheering him on.
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