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.
Manhattan Handicap (G1) and Just a Game Stakes (G1) Results - On the Belmont undercard, Gio Ponti won over Marsh Side and Better Talk Now in the Manhattan Handicap, while Diamondrella beat favorite Forever Together in the Just a Game Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Acorn Stakes (G1), True North Handicap (G2), and Woody Stephens Stakes (G2) Results - Also on the Belmont undercard, Gabby's Golden Gal upset favorite Justwhistledixie in the Acorn, top choice Fabulous Strike beat defending champ Benny the Bull in the True North Handicap, and Munnings won by 5 1/4 lengths in the Woody Stephens Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Brooklyn Handicap (G2) and Hill Prince Stakes - Eldaafer got up by a nose to win the Brooklyn Handicap over pacesetter Nite Light in the slop, with favorite Rising Moon third. In the Hill Prince Stakes, which was taken off the turf, Despite the Odds drew away to win by 7 1/2 lengths. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
2009 Belmont Stakes Entries - A field of 10 was entered with Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness runner-up Mine That Bird the 2-1 morning line favorite from post 7. Get the entries, post positions, odds, and free past performances here.
Belmont Stakes Friday Workouts - Photos of 5 of the Belmont Stakes horses on the sloppy track in the rain Friday morning, including Mine That Bird. Get the details and photos here.
Belmont Contenders Weekend Workouts - Five of the likely entrants for next weekend's Belmont Stakes had timed works at Belmont Park on May 30-31, including Charitable Man and Dunkirk. Get the details and photos here.
Rachel Alexandra wins the Preakness - She led most of the way and was ahead by 4 at the top of the stretch, then held off Mine That Bird by a length. Musket Man was another 1/2 length back in third. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Preakness undercard stakes results - There were 7 other stakes on the card, most of them grade 2 or 3, including the Dixie Stakes (G2) won by Parading.
The crowd around the paddock on Derby day.
