I already have lots of pictures online from the races for you, but here is a selection of scenes from Derby week that you might not see if you weren't there yourself. Click on the small image to view a larger version.
The call to the post for the 131st Kentucky Derby.
Looking up at the sign for 2005 with one of the twin spires in the background.
The horses for the Kentucky Derby during their walk over from the backside to the paddock for saddling.
Carrying the garland of roses for the Kentucky Derby out to the winner's circle before the race.
The post parade for the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic as seen from the turf course with the huge crowd in the background.
The view of the stands from the finish post showing the twin spires dwarfed by the new construction on each side.
A similar view from the other direction taken on Wednesday afternoon.
Looking across from the backside during morning workouts really lets you seen the full extent of the grandstand and the new construction.
Looking from the press box over the twin spires at the new Jockey Club Suites above the grandstand seats.
The Aristides statue between the stands and the paddock was nicely decorated with red tulips and a border of rose bushes, although the roses weren't blooming yet. This was taken Wednesday since there would be too many people to see it on Saturday.
Alex's Lemonade Stand beside the paddock. Third place Derby finisher Afleet Alex was named for this little girl who had cancer and started a lemonade stand to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Although she passed away last year, the fundraising continues in her honor and has raised over $1.6 million so far. $11,000 was raised during the Oaks and Derby at this stand.
It wouldn't be Derby Day if someone from the infield didn't get arrested. These two guys apparently jumped the fence to the turf course and were escorted off in handcuffs just before the Derby.
Triple Crown quick links:
Da' Tara shocks in the 2008 Belmont Stakes - Longest shot on the board Da' Tara led the whole way, drawing off to win by 5 1/4 lengths over Denis of Cork. Heavy favorite Big Brown came up empty and was eased, finishing last. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
More Belmont Day Photos - 16 more photos including Shaquille O’Neal, the unused Triple Crown trophy, and more.
Manhattan Handicap and Just a Game Stakes Results - On the Belmont undercard, Dancing Forever just got up at the wire to beat favorite Out of Control in the Manhattan Handicap, while Ventura held off top choice Lady of Venice in the Just a Game Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Acorn Stakes, True North Handicap, and Woody Stephens Stakes Results - Also on the Belmont undercard, Zaftig upset favorite Indian Blessing in the Acorn, top choice Benny the Bull got up in the final stride of the True North Handicap, and J Be K won wire-to-wire in the Woody Stephens Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
2008 Belmont Entries - A field of 10 was entered with Big Brown drawing post #1. Get all the horses, posts, and odds here.
The crowd around the paddock on Derby day.
