The Paddock

We finished up our day at the Paddock. These horses were being prepared for the last race of the day. It was a very educational and entertaining day.

Churchill Downs

In the top pic here you can see the gate on this side of the track. (Most of the time for the shorter races, it was on the other side.) In other shots, you can see the screens inside that tell the official results. And in another shot, you can see where you can place your bets, and collect your winnings.

Turf vs. Dirt

Here you can plainly see that they are racing on the turf (or grass track.) Someone very close to me told me that they never raced on the grass, but now I have a bit of proof. (Of course, some will say I used Photoshop to fool everyone, but you will just have to take my word for it--they do race on turf.)

Churchill Downs

Here is another mural (taken in three shots) on another wall inside. I think that the artwork is quite impressive. So after Woody finished the tour we headed to the first upper deck down at the far end (past the finish line.)

Churchill Downs

In this set you can see that I too was able to have my picture taken with this "retired jockey." In another shot you can get a good idea of what a racing saddle looks like. All of us had our picture taken in the winner's circle too.

Still more...

So here is our tour guide, Woody Zorn. He is quite a cut-up and was totally entertaining. He first took us to the paddock, where the horses are dressed to go to work. He told us of a few tricks that some might try to pull, like switching horses to run under the name of another, as well as the way they can ID them. (They are tattooed under the tongue.)

More Kentucky Derby

We start out watching a race, while we are awaiting our tour guide to be free. We sit in the shad a while, and then right before the race starts we head close to the rail. As you can see, we were able to get an up close and personal look at the horses and the jockeys.

Churchill Downs

One of the things we were able to do over the long weekend was to go to Churchill Downs, the place where they hold the Kentucky Derby. Except Saturday it was quite a bit cheaper than going to the Derby. I suppose you could say I was somewhat impressed with the first visit.