Earlier this month, I visited Kentucky to photograph thoroughbreds of all ages, from a day old to 30 years old! In this post I will share photos I took at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. It rained pretty hard the day I was there, but, as they say, April showers bring May flowers. In this case, the flowers are roses (for the Kentucky Derby) and lilies (for the Kentucky Oaks). Click here to view my previous Kentucky posts.
The statue of Barbaro, marking his final resting place, is the first thing you see when you arrive at Churchill Downs.
All the Kentucky Derby winners have plaques, starting with the first winner, Arisitides, and going up through last year’s winner, Mage!
Seeing the twin spires from the infield is such a thrill.
Not having brought my wide angle lens along, I made this panorama of the stands from the infield. It’s one of my favorite photos from the day.
The sign between the twin spires has been updated to reflect the current year.
Looking through the Kentucky Derby starting gate, you can see the twin spires off in the distance. Last year, I got a very similar shot, at sunrise. On this particular day there was no such sunrise, just an ominous sky that gave way to a downpour.
A Brad Cox trainee is tended to in the backside area.
Roberto Howell exercises a Steve Asmussen trainee.
Katie Tolbert exercises Highland Falls for trainer Brad Cox. The colt finished second in the Grade II Oaklawn Handicap in his last start.
You’re starting to see the rain coming down harder.
Kentucky Oaks contender Just F Y I is exercised in the rain.
Over at the Kentucky Derby Museum you can view all sorts of memorabilia related to the race.
Pictured above are Secretariat’s Eclipse Awards.
2009 long shot Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird was visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum stable while I was there.
The final resting place for Eight Belles is located outside the museum. Eight Belles was a filly who finished second in the 2008 Kentucky Derby, but tragically broke down on the gallop out and had to be euthanized.
Roses for Barbaro.
Goodbye for now, Churchill Downs!
To see more of my equine photography, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and X. All photos in this post © Samantha Decker and may not be reused without permission.
Love these pictures!