24 Years and Counting!

The shiver of anticipation during the playing of "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses parade onto the track at Churchill Downs, the roar of the cheering crowd, and the horses' pounding hooves as they turn into the homestretch are a few of the incredible moments in my annual Derby experience. Photographing the Kentucky Derby is an exhilarating experience that every photographer should put on their photographic "bucket" list.

 When I was younger, I would miss school to attend and observe the major races at Keeneland and Churchill Downs.  At the time I did  not equate how important attending races would be to my education and profession. An amateur photographer and filmmaker, my dad taught me how to shoot and edit stills and movies. (Remember the Derby Streaker climbing the Flagpole?-Dad got the shot!)

 While photographing for Blood-Horse Publications I've been fortunate to photograph some amazing animals and people through the years . Through this blog I'll share some of my Derby experiences with you and look forward to your memories of Derby day as we reminisce.  I will share some of the images I have captured through the years, as well as new images from Saturday's 136th Run for the Roses, my twenty-fifth year shooting the spectacular event!

 The 1985 Kentucky Derby was the first I photographed for The Blood-Horse. Angel Cordero Jr. and Spend a Buck took a commanding lead and led all the way and the race was for second place. The image below was taken after the race, Spend a Buck was ready to run some more! I would love to hear some of your thoughts from that great race (if you can still remember it; I know it has been a while). I will never forget it, and it has led to many other Derby memories that I will share with you in future posts.

 

 To purchase this photo from The Blood-Horse Photo Store, you can click here.