I'm going to do something a bit different from the norm with this blog. Since I'm now handling stud news for the magazine, I attended stallion open houses at Darley, WinStar, Castleton Lyons, and Gainesway in November and January to see some of these guys in person that I write about each week.
While I was there, I took a ton of pictures that I would love to share with you all.
If you follow me on Twitter (@BH_EMarr), you may have already seen some of these photos, but if not, enjoy!
Do you have a favorite stallion? Who is it and why? I have always loved Afleet Alex. He was so exciting to watch as a racehorse and has the kindest-looking eyes. It was neat to see him in person...his groom even let me give him a pat. Gainesway officials told me that more than 4,000 fans came to greet Afleet Alex when he first arrived at the farm!
Afleet Alex at Gainesway
I tried to get as many photos as I could, but I wasn't able to get shots of all the stallions at each farm. Also, I apologize the quality isn't the best as they are all iPhone photos. Someday I will get a real camera. Until then, Instagram it is!
Darley
Animal Kingdom, fresh back from down under at Arrowfield Stud
KY Derby winner Street Sense
Street Sense, different angle
Medaglia d'Oro, also recently back from Australia
Any Given Saturday
Elusive Quality
Midshipman
Denman
Pensioners:
Holy Bull--doesn't he look ghostly? He was very sweet and interested in visitors!
Quiet American is still looking good at 28!
WinStar
WinStar's beautiful main office
Tiznow--star of the barn
Paynter--definitely a fan favorite. How could you not love him?
Bodemeister
Colonel John
Bellamy Road
Distorted Humor
Kodiak Kowboy
Pioneerof the Nile
Speightstown
KY Derby winner Super Saver
Take Charge Indy
US Ranger
Gainesway
Gainesway barns--aren't they cool-looking?
Tapit--he clearly knows he's a rockstar.
Tapit again--ready for his date with HOY Havre de Grace!
To Honor and Serve
Hat Trick
Castleton Lyons
Gio Ponti--very personable guy
Another Gio Ponti angle
Gio Ponti's Eclipse Awards for champion grass horse--2009-2011
Justin Phillip
