The Breeders' Cup 2008 at Santa Anita

Yesterday I went to the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita and had a really good time. I almost didn't go but when I turned on the tv in the morning and saw the coverage of the event, I decided I really wanted to go. The main reason I wanted to go, is that one of the best horses ever was going to be there. Last year's horse of the year was Curlin, and he was coming back to the Breeders' Cup to go for a second win in the Breeders' Cup Classic this year. He had never raced on synthetic surface so this was a big change for him, and no one knew what to expect. But I just wanted that chance to see him in person and get some good photos. He lives back east and chances are, this will be the only time he will make the trip out here to CA. He didn't win the race, but it doesn't really matter because he's already won it once. He is a gorgeous horse and I was giddy that I got to take some close up photos of him. I waited at the walking ring for 45 minutes to make sure I had a spot. :-) Here are some photos from the event.

Big Brown is still a great horse

Yesterday was the 140th running of the Belmont Stakes.   At stake was the triple crown of horse racing- a prize that hasn't been won for the past 30 years.  Horse racing fans were very hopeful that Big Brown would finally be the horse we've been waiting for.  Most everyone was confident that he would win by a great deal of lengths and we would all celebrate seeing history being made. Instead, Big Brown didn't seem to feel like racing yesterday. And I can understand that as it was in the 90's at the track and this was the longest distance Big Brown had ever run.  Running 3 races in five weeks is a lot of racing and maybe Big Brown was worn out.  Maybe it was his cracked hoof that was bothering him, or maybe he got bumped in the beginning of the race and that caused him to get upset. No matter what the reason, no one can deny that Big Brown has talent.  He won the Derby and the Preakness with ease and is a very fast, high endurance, beautiful horse.  I read an article today that said he was posing for photographers today like he had won the race yesterday. :-)  Here is one photo that I love that was taken by associate press photographer Kathy Willens.  It's Big Brown' owner giving him a hug after the race yesterday. 

I went to Hollywood Park to watch the race with thousands of others who had high hopes for the day. This is Big Brown getting ready to get into the gate. 

A couple photos of one of the later races at Hollywood Park on the turf.  It was a pretty day.  If you click on this one you can see it bigger. 

Santa Anita Derby Day

Today was Derby day at Santa Anita Park and my mom and I went to cheer on our favorite Kentucky Derby Contenders. The Santa Anita Derby is one of the most important races to determine which horses get to race in the Kentucky Derby.  It was a slightly overcast day which made it pretty comfortable with the huge crowds.  We got seats in the Club House Loge area which is now my favorite area at Santa Anita.  We really enjoyed  it and had a great day.  The favorites to win were Colonel John and El Gato Malo.  Colonel John, ridden by Corey Nakatani, ended up winning followed by Bob Black Jack and Coast Guard.  We got a wonderful spot at the walking ring before the race started and as you can see, I had some fun taking pictures. :-)

Fans waiting at the walking ring

NBC Commentator

A very young owner standing on her horse's number

Corey Nakatani on Colonel John

Richard Migloire on Bob Black Jack

Yankee Bravo 

A Jumpy El Gato Malo with rider David Flores and Trainer Craig Dollase

The Sea of Humanity ready to watch the Derby

The Start of the Derby

Dollar Day at Santa Anita

It was a beautiful 80 degree day at Santa Anita this past Saturday and it was also Dollar Day which meant that admission, programs, hot-dogs and drinks were all one dollar. That made for an inexpensive and fun way to spend a Saturday. I really enjoy seeing the race horses up close and all the fun and excitement that goes along with a day at the track. I'm not a big better and rarely win much money (for me it's more about the fun of watching the horses), but this day was different for me. I won about 50 dollars throughout the day just betting little amounts on races and winning about 4 of them. So I came home with more than I left with which is always a good thing. :-) I wanted to share some pictures of the day because it's such a picturesque venue.