With this year's Kentucky Oaks and Derby come and gone, I'm left with a lot of memories in the form of photos that I'd like to share.
In the past, I've provided lists of my top 10 favorite moments during Derby week, but this year, with so many to choose from, I thought I would give you a photo essay of my experiences.
Read my past Derby lists here here and here.
Did you attend this year's Derby or Oaks? If so, what were your favorite moments?
I hope you enjoy seeing some of mine! Here is Oaks and Derby week at Churchill Downs according to my iPhone:
KY Oaks second-place finisher Beholder getting her bandages removed by trainer Richard Mandella after a morning gallop.
Beholder, hamming it up in her stall. She loves peppermints!
KY Oaks contender Pure Fun poses on the backstretch with her groom
KY Oaks longshot Seaneen Girl perked right up after I fed her some carrots
We ordered food from the legendary Wagners Pharmacy one morning, but it took so long we had to get it to go in order to make it to the Oaks post position draw. Wagners was featured in the 2010 Disney film "Secretariat."
Oaks post position draw is ready to begin!
Bath time on the Churchill backstretch
Derby contender Itsmyluckyday stretching his legs
I had to get my yearly shot of a backstretch kitty!
Painter Peter Williams capturing the backstretch scene on canvas
Churchill's newest addition on the sixth floor: The Mansion (read a story about it here)
Kentucky Oaks morning has arrived!
Survivor parade before the KY Oaks. Very meaningful!
Owner Mike Repole gives his KY Oaks contender Unlimited Budget a good luck kiss before the race
And they're off in the Kentucky Oaks!
Owner Ed Stanco hoisting the trophy after his 38-1 longshot filly Princess of Sylmar wins the Oaks
Actor Emilio Estevez on the Derby red carpet
Actress Jane Seymour told me that during her Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman days, she disguised herself as a man in order to enter a horse race. "I raced in a men-only experience in the 1870s on a little horse called Flash," she said. "If you watch (the episode), you'll see me with stubble and a man's outfit...and I was actually racing that horse."
*To watch all my Derby red carpet interviews from this year, click here.
KY Derby winner Orb in the post parade
2009 KY Derby winner Mine That Bird at the Derby Museum during Derby week. Trainer Chip Wooley (right) paid him a visit.
