United Nations: Here’s why journalism should be celebrated on Derby Day

As the call to the post inches closer, crafty bettors are searching for every conceivable advantage when choosing the winning horse in today’s 151st Kentucky Derby.

What’s a horse’s lineage? Who’s its trainer? How’s its record?

Even what color is it?

Well, here’s another reason to like Journalism, the 3-1 morning-line favorite running from the No. 7 post position: Today is World Press Freedom Day.

Yep, the horse owned by Aron Wellman, a former high school sports editor, is in the Run for the Roses the same day journalism (without the capital J) is being celebrated around the globe.

The United Nations declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day in 1993. It aims to promote the importance of a fair, fearless and free press while also defending the safety of journalists.

Which brings us back to Journalism.

“I was the sports editor of my high school newspaper and am accused of being a disgruntled sports writer,” Wellman told Herald-Leader columnist Linda Blackford for a story explaining how the horse earned its name.

“Journalism has always been in my blood, and I admire responsible and creative journalists,” he said.

Wellman added: “I find it poignant that in this day and age, when the truth is so hard to discern in today’s (social) media, that all eyes will be on a horse named Journalism for the Kentucky Derby, should all continue to go well.”

We should know by 7 p.m. if Journalism will be celebrated Saturday by horse lovers, as well as the United Nations and the thousands of reporters, editors and photographers around the world.