This year's Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks have come and gone, but the memories will always remain. Following is a pictorial essay of some of my favorite scenes throughout the week leading up to both races. I hope you enjoy!
Did you attend this year's Kentucky Derby? If so, what were some of your favorite moments?
Stay tuned next week for an exciting giveaway on the blog!
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/backstretchIMG_2705.jpg)
Early morning on the Churchill Downs backstretch
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/BathtimeIMG_2688.jpg)
Bath time
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/Commanding%20CurveIMG_2709.jpg)
KY Derby second-place finisher Commanding Curve hanging out in his stall
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/KittyIMG_2725.jpg)
Trainer David Vance's barn kitty
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/BaffertIMG_2717.jpg)
Trainer Bob Baffert announcing the Hoppertunity won't run in the Derby
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/ChipWooleyIMG_2719.jpg)
Me with 2009 Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Chip Wooley who was at Churchill to promote the movie "50-1"
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/IMG_2658.jpg)
Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas being interviewed on the backstretch
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/DanceWithFateBmjb6l3CYAEAqBX.jpg)
Kentucky Derby sixth-place finisher Dance With Fate stretching his legs two days before the race
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/UncleSighIMG_2734.jpg)
Trainer Gary Contessa gives Uncle Sigh a love pat after he schools in the paddock Derby week
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/UntapableIMG_2671.jpg)
KY Oaks winner Untapable schools in the paddock
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/ChurchillIMG_2686.jpg)
Pat Day statue at Churchill, surrounded by tulips
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/ChurchillIMG_2848.jpg)
A couple of turf writers enjoying the Derby undercard races:)
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/CoachCalIMG_2754.jpg)
Former jockey and NBC Sports analyst Donna Barton Brothers with Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/MyMissSophiaIMG_2757.jpg)
Eventual second-place KY Oaks finisher My Miss Sophia before her run
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/UntapableIMG_2763.jpg)
Untapable brings home the lilies with Rosie Napravnik aboard!
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/FriendsIMG_2767.jpg)
Me with my racing friends Amanda and Brittlan on Derby Day
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/RedCarpetIMG_2769.jpg)
Actress Angela Bassett on the KY Derby red carpet
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/RedCarpetIMG_2823.jpg)
Terry O'Quinn of "Lost" is becoming a Derby red carpet regular
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/RedCarpetIMG_2836.jpg)
Movie producer Norton Herrick, partnership owner of Danza and Animal Kingdom
![](http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/Images/Ky%20Derby%202014/CaliforniaChromeIMG_2869.jpg)
KY Derby winner California Chrome in the post parade