And they're off at Keeneland!
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Here's to another great season of racing at Keeneland.
Photo: Mathea Kelley
Beautiful weather, racing at Keeneland, what could make this day better?
Photo: Mark Mahan
Maybe, a kiss!
Hoofit and Aikenite got the stakes action off to a rousing start on Friday, hitting the line together in the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (gr. III).
It was New Zealand-bred Hoofit at the wire, and he and Edgar Prado headed for the Winner's Circle.
In the Darley Alcibiades (gr. I), Stephanie's Kitten came rolling late to take the top prize.
To the delight of owner Ken Ramsey, and granddaughter Stephanie (left).
The happiest place on earth - The Winner's Circle.
Hmmm? looks like someone is 40?
I've heard that cornhole is good for sharpening handicapping skills.
It's good to stay above the fray.
The paddock scene.
One last look, before they head to the track.
Havelock came from off the pace to grab the Woodford (gr. IIIT), as stakes action began on Saturday.
Robby Albarado was happy for a fast pace up front.
Wait, did we win?
獐ûliday for Kitten held off Musical Romance to win the Thoroughbred Club of America (gr. II),
Photo: Ȕne M. Eberhardt
as a Kitten once again ruled the Winner's Circle at Keeneland.
Never Retreat moves onto the turf course for the First Lady (gr. IT).
Wasted Tears led the pack early.
But, Never Retreat could not be denied, as Julien Leparoux won his fourth race on the day.
Dullahan went into the Dixiana Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) a maiden,
and emerged as a grade I winner.
Dixiana Breeders' Futurity winner Dullahan, and jockey Kent Desormeaux.
And there was much rejoicing - Jerry Crawford, Julie Cauthen, and Kerry Cauthen of Donegal Racing, owners of Dullahan.
Heading to the post for the Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. IT).
Off in the Shadwell Turf Mile
Get Stormy looked like he might be home free,
but, Gio Ponti had other ideas,
capturing the race for the second straight year.
A handshake to punctuate the day, owner Shane Ryan and jockey Ramon Dominguez.
Maiden Animal Spirits, left, overtook Coalport in the final strides to capture the $150,000 Bourbon Stakes.
Favored Aruna, racing on Polytrack for the first time, emerged from the pack approaching mid-stretch and quickly took control to win the $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes.