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May 4, 2009 (Use j/k keys to navigate)   Email to a friend    Permalink

The 2009 Kentucky Derby

Last Saturday, May 2nd, the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. In an improbable ending, Jockey Calvin Borel rode Mine That Bird - a 50-1 longshot - to a huge victory, coming from dead last to win by 6 3/4 lengths. The Kentucky Derby is often billed as "the most exciting two minutes in sports", and Borel and Mine That Bird did their best to live up to that standard. Collected here are a few photographs leading up to the Kentucky Derby, and of the race itself. (29 photos total)

Kentucky Derby hopeful General Quarters rubs his head on his stall after his early morning workout at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

A horse and rider train in front of the twin spires during morning workouts prior to the Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2009 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images) #

A horse runs in the mud as workouts continue for the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Thursday, April 30, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) #

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas sits atop his horse as he watches morning workouts against the backdrop of a large tent set up in the infield before sunrise at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, April 25, 2009. Lukas trains Kentucky Derby hopeful Flying Private. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke) #

Kentucky Derby favorite I Want Revenge is washed down by his groom after his early morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, April 30, 2009. (REUTERS/John Sommers II) #

Double Eagle Ranch farm manager Kelly Dennington casts a shadow on the barn wall as he waits for Kentucky Derby hopeful Mine That Bird to exercise at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, April 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke) #

Farrier Adam Marshall works on a horse as workouts continue for the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Friday, May 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) #

Calvin Borel rides Rachel Alexandra to a victory in the Kentucky Oaks race at Churchill Downs Friday, May 1, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Oaks is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby each year. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) #

Jockey Calvin Borel points in celebration as he rides Rachel Alexander #6 to victory during the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks on May 1, 2009. The Kentucky Oaks is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby each year. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images) #

Hot walker Jose Herra holds Kentucky Derby hopeful I Want Revenge during his bath after his morning workout for the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Friday, May 1, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) #

A rider exercises her horse at sunrise during early morning workouts for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky April 27, 2009. (REUTERS/John Sommers II) #

A robotic hoof mechanism is shown clad with an aluminum shoe. The mechanism simulates the force, angle and impact of a racehorse hoof, and makes measurements to help detect trouble spots on tracks. Owner Mick Peterson demonstrated the machine while testing the racing surface at Churchill Downs on Saturday, April 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Garry Jones) #

Kentucky Derby hopeful Regal Ransom is washed after his workout for the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Thursday, April 30, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) #

David Lanzman, who is part owner of Kentucky Derby entrant I Want Revenge, hangs the silks in gate No. 13 during the post-position draw for the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Wednesday, April 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Garry Jones) #

Patty Ethington of Shelbyville, Kentucky, smiles under her hat while attending the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Patti Longmire) #

Race fans fill the grandstand ahead of the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, May 2, 2009. (REUTERS/John Sommers) #

Race fans enjoy traditional mint juleps before the running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images) #

Steve Buttleman, the official bugler at Churchill Downs since 1995, blows the call to post for a race ahead of the running of the Kentucky Derby, May 2, 2009. (REUTERS/Matt Sullivan) #

And they're off! The field starts the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images) #

Jockey Calvin Borel, atop Mine That Bird, rounds turn one in last place during the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images) #

Calvin Borel, atop Mine That Bird catches up to the field during Kentucky Derby, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Mike Fisher) #

The field rounds a turn during the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. Calvin Borel, riding Mine That Bird can just be seen at the back (2nd from right). (Andy Lyons/Getty Images) #

Calvin Borel rides Mine That Bird to a victory during the 135th Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/John Flavell) #

Calvin Borel, riding Mine That Bird reacts after winning the 135th Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009. (AP Photo/James Crisp) #

Jockey Calvin Borel atop Mine That Bird crosses the finish line to win the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images) #

Closeup of the mud-splattered face of jockey Calvin Borel riding Mine That Bird, right after winning the 135th Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) #

Calvin Borel takes Mine That Bird to the winner's circle after winning the 135th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) #

Calvin Borel celebrates with the trophy - 56 ounces of solid gold - after winning the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race aboard Mine That Bird in Louisville, Kentucky on May 2, 2009. (REUTERS/Jeff Haynes) #

The day after his win, Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird peers from his stall before dawn at Churchill Downs on Sunday, May 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke) #

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Luis Diaz. Yes there are removable slices to remove at racing time, when they are dirty. The same as in motocross etc.

Posted by Jam May 4, 09 02:12 PM
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25th catches the perfect victory moment, with the winner high up in the air, far ahead of others on the ground. Awesome collection.

Posted by Palak May 4, 09 02:22 PM
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Also interesting to note is the contrast in the expressions on the face of the jockey and the winning horse in pictures 28 and 29. Someone go tell the little guy that he won!

Posted by Palak May 4, 09 02:31 PM
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@9: i also heard a few comparisons to Seabiscuit as they are both "small", compact horses that MOVE when asked.

Posted by double_G May 4, 09 02:55 PM
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I Want Revenge in #5 looks like a happy horse.

Posted by Nathan May 4, 09 03:19 PM
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I love the Derby - the most frat-tastic party of the year!

Posted by Otto May 4, 09 03:19 PM
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I keep checking to see if The Big Picture will do Swine Flu/H1N1. The photos I've seen from Mexico City and other places battling the deadly disease have been very interesting. I'm kind of surprised this has been ignored by The Big Picture thus far.

Posted by Palak May 4, 09 03:22 PM
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As an ex-Louisvillian, these photos make me homesick. :-(

Posted by OtherBill May 4, 09 03:39 PM
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Disappointing collection :(.. where are the innovative snaps ?

Posted by Rakesh May 4, 09 03:41 PM
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Pic#15 is really nice.......

Posted by Ananda Banerjee May 4, 09 04:27 PM
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Actually Jam and Luis Diaz, they are not removable slices, they are different pairs of googles layered on top of each other. On a sloppy track, jockeys will wear 5-6 pairs of google and pull each dirty pair down as the race goes on. Picture 26 is a perfect example of this. :)

Posted by Ryan Rumsey May 4, 09 04:56 PM
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Absolutely sensational photos...and wonderful to see Calvin shine...great horse, great jockey, great ride...one to remember.

Posted by Cooky McClung May 4, 09 05:27 PM
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I often talk for my animals (often at the embarrassment of my wife). In #29, I think I would say on behalf of Mine That Bird ... "Is all this fuss about l'il old me?"

Posted by Rob Mahan May 4, 09 06:31 PM
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Hat #15 was bought at the Luna Boutique in Louisville, KY . Beautiful!
www.lunaboutique.net

Posted by Mary Beth O'Bryan May 4, 09 06:59 PM
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I had been a Photo Editor for 20+ years and these photos are beautifully edited for this space.
Hats off to you!

Posted by Lee Fiedler May 4, 09 07:34 PM
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Gotta love Calvin Borel and Mine That Bird! They are two creatures with a lot of heart! Thanks for the fantastic show!

Posted by ttj May 4, 09 10:18 PM
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#20 shows how awesome of a comeback it truly was. Great job by the jockey and horse.

Posted by Jordan Reed May 4, 09 10:43 PM
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heureusement qu'il y a aussi des images comme celles ci,

Posted by uatio May 5, 09 12:20 AM
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Rakesh, you are NUTS! These photos are phenomenal. I've been looking at Derby photos all weekend, and this is by far the best collection I've seen.

Posted by Robin May 5, 09 12:21 AM
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#29 is the best!

Posted by Akhil May 5, 09 02:02 AM
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Yesssss! Bosssssss !!!!

Posted by michael May 5, 09 03:30 AM
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I liked all the pics, except for that HAT. What the heck was 'she' thinking?

Posted by Cat Reed May 5, 09 04:16 AM
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It is a sad reflection of today's sporting news that my first nagging thought when I read about this (I'm a Brit and don't know anything about the Kentucky Derby), is to wonder whether drugs played a part in what appears to have been a sensational victory. And Lance Armstrong is an idol of mine too. Shame on me.
I'm sorry, Mine That Bird & team: innocent until proven guilty. Congratulations.

Posted by Richard May 5, 09 05:27 AM
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MTB looks like a sweet, soft eyed horse. And what a heart!!! Inspirational pictures. This little guy never looked ahead and thought "I can't do THIS". He just made his mind up to lead to the pack. And he did. Hope someone takes good care of him when the owner gets done running him into the ground. Which he will do b/c MTB is a gelding and of no value once he's done racing (unlike a colt).

Posted by Jill May 5, 09 09:03 AM
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Mine that bird.. way to go!!! what a beautiful horse. I hope you win the triple crown.

Posted by Mar May 5, 09 09:18 AM
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#22 the best in my view. Awesome power and speed.

#29 is the best editorially, because the horse is often lost as the central athlete.

#28 loveable clown.

After seeing these, I hope someone gets the idea of placing more trackside auto-cameras, even overhead cams could be placed without much of an obscuring profile. These kinds of photos are invaluable propaganda for the race and horse racing

Posted by Bruce May 5, 09 10:05 AM
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One of the greatest exploitations of animals for human amusement. Whoopee!

Posted by K.K. May 5, 09 10:09 AM
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Fantastic photos. I'll always remember making bets on Kentucky Derby Day....and watching from my silk upholstered chair. An amazing race.

Posted by Lucy May 5, 09 10:53 AM
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My heart just kept thumping, what a victory. I love the fact that he was classified as a underdog. What a great race. These are beautiful pictures.

Posted by Karen Fuller May 5, 09 11:10 AM
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These pictures are amazing!
Those horses are beautiful. Congrats Mine That Bird!
They all look like happy and healthy horses, i bet they are spoiled!
At least they don't have to jump the fences like in Brittain, Grand National.
Churchill Downs to me is like a legendary place, i know all the stories.
Remember Secretariat, Man O' War!

Posted by Chris from The Netherlands May 5, 09 11:25 AM
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Someone mentioned something about the horses wishing they had goggles too. Horses have a third eyelid that can wipe away the mud for them.

Posted by Bee Jay May 5, 09 11:51 AM
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Posted by Chris from The Netherlands May 5, 09 11:51 AM
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these pictures are awsome

Posted by rebekah May 5, 09 12:06 PM
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I love photo #26 showing horse & jockey before the start of their gallant run. NM horses rule...

Posted by Arizonan May 5, 09 12:36 PM
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#1 is amazing

Posted by getabout May 5, 09 12:53 PM
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BEAUTIFUL PICS! AWESOME !!!
I am so glad I was able to experience this event!

Posted by rock da mullet May 5, 09 01:39 PM
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Great photos ! ...but I hate to break it to all you folks inspired by the horse's 'heart'..

A horse has absolutely no concept of what a race is. It has no concept of what a contest is, nor does it winning or losing. And it certainly has no concept - at least in the sporting sense - of determination to win such an event.

The horse simply runs, as trained, when the jockey urges it to.

Posted by Rainy Daze May 5, 09 02:04 PM
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Some horses really won't run when they get mud in their faces; I've seen it happen. In spite of the nictitating membrane that helps keep the horse's eyes clean, they can still get muck in there (remember how fast the horse, and thus the muck, are traveling!). After horses are cooled out, the groom will actually blow the dirt out of their eyes.

Yes, these horses are very well cared for by their grooms (contrary to the belief of many). As for their baths after morning workouts or races, most love that as well...some of the expressions I've seen over the years are great. If they could talk, I'd expect them to say, "Ahhhhh....a little to the left, please!". Even more fun is using a hose and spraying up so that the water falls on them like rain. More often than not, the horse will close his eyes, purse his lips and "smile" as the water rains down on them.

Gosh, I miss the days when I worked with these guys!

Posted by QuigLewis May 5, 09 02:15 PM
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Had a great $500+ day at Suffolk Downs because of Mine That Bird, thanks again buddy. :)

Posted by Jeff May 5, 09 02:48 PM
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Cool! I love horses alot and I love watching them

Posted by Lola May 5, 09 03:13 PM
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He looks just like his horse
o.O

Posted by Cynthia May 5, 09 03:49 PM
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#54, Rainy Daze wrote: "A horse has absolutely no concept of what a race is. It has no concept of what a contest is, nor does it winning or losing. And it certainly has no concept - at least in the sporting sense - of determination to win such an event."

I think most folks who have spent a lot of time around horses would beg to differ with your opinion. Just watching them at play in the field, you can't help but notice how some dominate others, how they race each other around, and strive to be in the lead. I think it is very much in the nature of some horses to want to be in front.

Posted by Horsemama May 5, 09 04:13 PM
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Horsemama: I totally agree with you.
Rainy Daze: True, horses don't know the WORDS race or contest. But they know everything about winning, losing, and determination...even if they don't understand the "concept" per se. Their motivation for their determination and eagerness may be different than the jockeys on their backs, but nonetheless horses can be very determined. It's funny that you think they do what they do b/c they're told to. HA! You must've never tried to get a horse to do something he refused to do. You undermine what these horses do.

Posted by Jill May 5, 09 04:56 PM
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#28, "Precious, precious, precious!" Gollum cried. "My Precious! O my Precious!"
(and great pictures too).

Posted by Chris May 5, 09 05:01 PM
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Beautiful ... simply beautiful! True moments caught forever within the instance of a camera 'click'....

Posted by Kelly May 5, 09 07:34 PM
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I wish Hunter S Thompson was still alive :(

Posted by Jeremy May 5, 09 08:46 PM
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I like how MTB's bridle is very similar to a western style bridle. What a reflection of his trainer!

Posted by Elizabeth Stowell May 5, 09 09:13 PM
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So why snub the owner who is 'just a cowboy"? There are no pictures of him here! His video interviews are not even on the official youtube site for the derby. I hope he sticks it to the snobs at the Preakness.

Posted by underdog May 5, 09 09:27 PM
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MTB was MUCH THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Susan Austin May 5, 09 11:35 PM
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In response to "Rainy Daze" opinion of what horses do or don't understand.
I've been around horses all my life in different aspects, and I assure you that though they don't know the words win or lose,they do know when they have done their best--in the case of racehorses especially. When they pull up and are being walked back to the barn, you can see the ones who thought they won even if they were last because they tried.
Maybe more people should be like that.

Posted by Iceysunset May 6, 09 08:02 AM
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Where is Bennie Wooley and the exercise rider and the groom of Mine that Bird, they are the winners along with the horse and the jockey who did a masterful ride!! Great pictures but they miss par of the big picture!!

Posted by Alessandra Deerinck May 6, 09 08:51 AM
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Fabulous Pictures! The race was GREAT!! love those horses!!

Posted by Anonymous May 6, 09 10:15 AM
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Obviously 'Rainy Daze' has never owned or cared for a horse...even when I was a kid and my cousins and I would race our horses across the back field it was obvious to all of us that the horses got every bit as much of a kick out of the race as we did. Since that time (and MANY horses later) I'm still equally certain that this is the case. I am continually amazed at the ideas that non-animal people get about what animals do or don't think, like, etc.

Posted by julietip May 6, 09 10:39 AM
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Gorgeous photos!

Posted by heather May 6, 09 11:31 AM
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Excelentes fotos, todas de una calidad excepcional, me recuerdan las tomas en la película de Seabiscuit. Gracias.

Posted by Luis May 6, 09 12:49 PM
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Wonderful set of pictures. Thanks very much. I esp. like #20, the one taken at the first turn. Caption should read "I think I can, I think I can".

Also, thanks for #8, the closeup of Rachel Alexandra. A great picture of a beautiful lady.

Posted by S Lee Shea May 6, 09 02:45 PM
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Great pics! In #26, the close-up of Calvin, he's trying to hold back tears. He's a good ol' boy from Lousiana, a MudBug. The first thing he said to the NBC announcer was that he wished so much his parents could have been there, they would have been so proud. But they are both deceased. Winning the Derby 2 of 3 runs in a major feat. You'd be trying not to cry, too, as it is a very emotional race. That's why it's called the best 2 minutes in sports!

Posted by Monica May 6, 09 02:55 PM
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Photo #29 basically says it all. Yeah, I may have been the underdog, but just look me. Ain't I gorgeous? It's the look of a winner! Now, where's my damn mint julep?

Posted by Claudine Jordan May 6, 09 04:11 PM
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WOW ... awesome and unbeleivable aspects of photo capturing ... thanks alot

Posted by Yashar Karimzadeh Reghbati May 7, 09 12:11 AM
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Outstanding Derby documentary! Thank you, Mind that Bird and Calvin Borel. We need the magic you delivered. May you live strong and long. Betsy Herrmann

Posted by betsy herrmann May 7, 09 12:33 PM
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these are great pictures.."The Little Engine that Could"..This is part of the reason the sport of Horse Racing is so beautiful in so many ways ..It needs to be there, always.

Posted by rookiegirl May 7, 09 01:12 PM
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These pictures are phenomenal and make me feel like I was right there in each one of them; I tasted the earth in my mouth when I viewed #23 ... the picture is alive!
"MTB " and Mr. Borel handled the track with yeoman qualities, it made me cry.

Posted by Judy May 7, 09 04:48 PM
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To me these are second-rate pictures from a huge number of different photographers. Cliched, predictable. - in a sort of cheesy house style. Maybe the huge plethora of images is overwhelming serious photography in the U.S. Why not give the job to one really good photographer?

Posted by Dave May 7, 09 05:57 PM
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Give them credit, with odds of 50 to 1 and they where number 1 !!!!!

Posted by Bob Feaster May 7, 09 06:40 PM
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Well I guess maybe we all need to take a step back and realize that ANY horse can win the Run for the Roses. :)

Posted by rose May 7, 09 09:32 PM
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All the sensitive, appreciative comments here fail to cover those cynical ones, lacking in empathy and insight. Good horse people give their lives to creatures who sense being well-cared for. Horses have intuited situations for me that saved my life, not once or even twice, but at least three times I can document. One, a mare that had been brutally, consistently, purposefully mistreated though her twentieth year, changed completely under care that nurtured her, becoming a beautiful, trusting, engaging creature. Horses should not be considered livestock, sold on a whim, slaughtered under senseless, brutal conditions. That comes from a mind-set equating them with a commodity. There is so much to other creatures.

Posted by Kathryn Cogswell May 7, 09 10:52 PM
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Horses helped building the great country of the USA! They were very important in The New World. They will always belong in the history and future of the US.
That's why i honor them at the tracks and in the open fields.
My horse is a son of American horses. He's very loyal, sweet, interested in everything and he loves to work and play.

My Kingdom For A Horse! Bless the American horses.

Posted by Chris From The Netherlands May 8, 09 05:04 AM
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The Goggles. The jockey will wear up to 8 pairs of goggles on a muddy day. Right before they load in to the gate they pull all of their googles down around their eyes. As the race unfolds and the top pair becomes masked with mud, they pull that pair down and then have a fresh, clear view. Once the next top pair is masked in mud, again, they pull that one pair down and once again have a clear view. The trick lies in not running out of goggles before the finish line!

Posted by Former Jockey May 8, 09 10:07 AM
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WOW!!! The Little Horse that Could!!! And, what about that Calvin Borel. I am so proud to be a Kentuckian....everyone else...........eat your heart out!!!!!

Posted by NJW May 8, 09 10:29 AM
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These are really some awesome pictures. #6 looks like he's praying for "mine that bird". And I love #26.

Posted by Bearlean May 8, 09 02:45 PM
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you've given me much joy by those photos. i think it shows how much we all love the winner who seems to have the deck stacked against him. there has to be a mental state in that jockey that is purely poetic to be able to transcend the negative picture presented in the beginning of the race.

Posted by dorothy gordon May 8, 09 03:37 PM
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That was asome

Posted by Kayla May 8, 09 09:39 PM
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I guess Dave in Comment #79 could have done better !! I thought these were
wonderful photos.
Can't you just give those associated with them proper kudos ??

Posted by Barry May 9, 09 12:27 AM
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GREAT Pictures!!

Posted by Grandma7 May 9, 09 03:14 PM
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Unfortunate that the trainer was not mentioned in any of the photos. The person responsible for all of the work that went into getting the horse TO the Derby.

Posted by Cyd May 9, 09 04:27 PM
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I've been an addict to your blog since it opening day, and as a photographer myself I would say that this entry was spectacular for its photo essay & storytelling. A very well plan of photo arrangement from the event, the player, the environment to the race itself. Congratulation on making this happen Alan! u deserve a standing ovation for your work.

Posted by Hakimsalleh May 10, 09 09:43 AM
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In reference to comment #91, picture #6 is an image of Mine That Bird's trainer, even though it just his shadow.

Posted by Terry May 10, 09 10:42 AM
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A horse is a horse of course of course but no one could win the course of course unless the horse is of course the famous Mr. Bird! Favorite photo #21 Calvin Borel riding Mine That Bird a man and his horse become one!

Posted by Marie Butler May 11, 09 11:50 AM
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Hi. I am totally new about Internet and blogging. I just serve around to see what other people have. I am professional photograpf by my self and first discorvery now the possibilities here.

Posted by Joe (Interested in Photography) May 11, 09 12:07 PM
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As someone who cares for the backside workers on a daily basis, I too would have liked to see a few more pics and recogition of their efforts. That being said those pictures rock!!!

Posted by whitdog May 11, 09 12:49 PM
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WOW and double WOW! Makes me want to sing-----The sun shines bright in my Old Kentucky Home..........

Posted by Barb May 11, 09 09:22 PM
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GREAT!!!
That Louisiana Boy can bring them in..

Posted by Bette Connors May 11, 09 11:05 PM
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prooves that horse-sense alone can push the animal from last to first. well done horse.

Posted by brigadier vps redhu May 12, 09 09:25 AM
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Thanks for the great pics. Where are all the backside workers?

Posted by Anonymous May 12, 09 02:01 PM
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Great point, #40. What do you do with a gelding that is too old to run, but too young .......
Tommy

Posted by T V Arthur May 12, 09 11:01 PM
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Man o man,
Those are the best Kentucky Derby shots I've ever seen!
What an eye this photographer has.
Thanks so much for sharing these fantastic photos!!!

Posted by Marge Lancaster May 14, 09 01:48 PM
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I have never before seen the whole field appear to be stuck in mud. What a ride!

Posted by Mike M. Akiyoshi May 16, 09 12:14 PM
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To K. K. about this being a big exploitation of animals, this breed would not and did not exist until they were bred for racing. Please keep your ignorant, pseudo holy attitude out of Kentucky and stay in your fake world.

Posted by Kentucky Bred May 19, 09 08:07 AM
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Fabulous photography - so neat to see all " hooves" off the ground at once.
Thank you for sharing.

Posted by judie asman May 20, 09 08:27 PM
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Who is this "Rainy Daze?" Why would someone who knows nothing about horses make such a comment? We should all be very careful about the comments we make for the whole world to see when we blog. More times than not, ignorance is hard to hide. Thoroughbreds are bred to race. They do know what it is to be competitive, to win and to want to be in front. If they don't, we retire them.

Posted by Renee Wiggins May 23, 09 02:54 PM
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I have been able to go first class one time to the Kentucky Derby. And will never forget how wonderful aday it was. Proud to say I'm from Kentucky. A wonderful and beautiful State.

Posted by Madonna C. Morgan May 27, 09 01:21 PM
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Some of these action shots show what TRULY BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS horses are. There is NOTHING like the grace of a horse in stride.

Posted by Mark May 28, 09 12:01 PM
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I enjoyed these wonderful pictures so very much. This was much better than being at the Race Track.

Posted by Louise Walker May 28, 09 07:33 PM
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I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!

Posted by Nancy May 29, 09 07:23 PM
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nice animals and great picture!

Posted by Anonymous June 2, 09 05:48 PM
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I love to watch the Kentucky Derby.. and these pics are awesome...
THANKS for sharing them....L Stayton...Lebanon Ky....

Posted by Lois Stayton June 3, 09 10:59 PM
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It made my pulse race just looking at these photos...

Posted by Teri August 25, 09 01:37 AM
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awsome pics great i wish i had the talent

Posted by nickie September 12, 09 08:53 PM
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i love horses:)

Posted by Anonymous September 14, 09 10:10 AM
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YOUR PHOTOS ARE IDEAL.YOU SHOW THE TRUE ENTHUSIASM OF THE THRILL OF THE RACE..EVEN THOUGH WE WERE ACTUALLY PRESENT FOR THE RACE, AT CHURCHILL, WE DID NOT EXPERIENCE IT OR SEE IT AS VIVID LY AS IN .YOUR PHOTOS,
YOU MANAGED TO TAKE US ON A BEAUTIFUL TRIP TO MY HOMETOWN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TRULY A MAGINFICENT, ENTHRALLING AND EXCITING TO THE POINIT OF INTOXICATION, PIECE OF WORK
YOU"VE WON US OVER, .CAN"T WAIT FOR YOUR VIEWS NEXT YEAR
WHO NEEDS A MINT JULEP ANYWAY?

Posted by Anonymous November 2, 09 11:03 PM
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