First Came the Kentucky Derby Barbie …

Fran Jurga at The Jurga Report riffed about the news that Mattel had created a Kentucky Derby Barbie.

Fran wants to know, Why not backstretch Barbie? She certainly would appeal to edgier little girls who would be insulted by a foofy fashion doll.  After all, Barbie has sported fashions appropriate to many different careers in her 50 years.

But I say, why not fit both needs — for personal empowerment and fashion-forward dreams. And I have just the equestrian in mind.

Or is this a good idea after all? Let’s mull this over together.

Kentucky Derby Barbie

The Kentucky Derby Barbie is a joint venture between Mattel and Churchill Downs.

She’s all decked out in a summery floral dress, heels, pearls and the wide-brimmed Derby hat to protect her complexion from the sun.

She’s definitely a collectible Barbie – not one you’d likely give to your grandkids to play with in the sandbox.

After all, she’s not built for “for pretty,” as we’d say back home.

But let’s see if we can do both – come up with a real-life inspiration for a doll for little girls. Maybe even an action figure/fashion doll like Barbie?

Now, here’s my suggestion for a real life equestrian whose likeness would fit the needs for fun with fashion and an empowering role model for girls.

Here’s my proposal for a jockey Chantal Sutherland action figure

Chantal Sutherland/photo courtesy Animal Planet "Jockeys'

She’s a successful athlete. She’s modeled for Vogue and is a celebrity spokesperson for a Canadian cosmetics company.

She shows up at “at the office” (a.k.a., the track) in a dress and high heels, as seen in Animal Planet’s first season of “Jockeys.” She wears bandannas do-rags under her helmet to match her silks for the race.

And the horses she rides often win. Click here for Chantal’s record so far, on the Breeder’s Cup site.

However, second thoughts about a Chantal Sutherland action figure have me a bit creeped out.

An Action Figure, Not a Fashion Doll

Because I’m not nuts about the idea of being able to change the clothes on a doll that’s the likeness of a real person.

Think about it. ::gulp::

So, now what started out as an homage got a little bit eepy-cray. See what I mean?

That I write about crime in my other job makes stuff like that pop into my head.

So, what about Bobbleheads?

However, bobbleheads are standard racing collectibles. A few years ago, Saratoga gave away Jerry Bailey bobbleheads to track patrons one day.

But a bobblehead isn’t the same as a Barbie.

(Hang on a moment while I chuckle at the mental image of a Jerry Bailey Barbie/Ken.)

But that brings me to another thought …

As we/I over-think this idea …that if I think a doll of Jerry Bailey or any of the other male jockey is so funny, then why is an action figure of Chantal Sutherland such a good idea?

Maybe the best thing really would be a Chantal Sutherland bobblehead giveaway at Saratoga?

Just like the guys. And it would be a honor.

But the thing is, again — a bobblehead isn’t a Barbie.

Because children don’t play with a bobblehead and dream.

Like those of us who tried to get that stiff-legged, early Barbie from the 1960s to ride our Breyer horses back in the day.

After all, children project their dreams upon their toys.

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Tags: Chantal Sutherland, Churchill Downs, Fran Jurga, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby Barbie, Kentucky Derby fashions, The Jurga Report