The lilies take center stage on the first Friday in May,
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
and they are appropriate anywhere
Photo: Skip Dickstein
But, more traditional headgear was also seen.
Photo: Chad Harmon
A patron of thoroughbred racing enjoys the sun and the racing atmosphere at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. on a day when hats are everywhere the day before the 138th running of The Kentucky Derby May 4, 2012.(Skip Dickstein / Times Union)
Photo: Skip Dickstein
Photo: Chad Harmon
Pink was definitely the color of the day.
Photo: Chad Harmon
with or without a hat.
Photo: Chad Harmon
Staking out a spot.
Photo: Chad Harmon
It helps to start young.
Photo: Chad Harmon
The big races started with an upset in the La Troienne Stakes (gr. II) by 16-1 Juanita.
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Speed was on display on the dirt, with a new stakes record in the Eight Belles (gr. III) for Contested,
Photo: Dave Harmon
and a new track record for Successful Dan in the Alysheba Stakes (gr. II).
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Successful Dan needed some cooling off after that effort.
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
But there was also plenty of speed on the turf, where Stephanie's Kitten rolled to a new stakes record in the Edgewood Stakes.
Photo: Mathea Kelley
Everything came to a halt, with a storm approaching.
Photo: Alex Cutadean
As the infield was evacuated.
Photo: Karl Frederick Schmitt Iii
Photo: Rick Samuels
And people found shelter wherever they could.
Photo: Skip Dickstein
Photo: Skip Dickstein
But, the bulk of the storm missed Churchill, and the conditions were still fast and firm, as Silver Max sped to the win in the American Turf Stakes (gr. IIT).
Photo: Skip Dickstein
Finally, it was time for the main event. A full field went to the post for the Oaks, so Also-Eligible Oaks Lily was left out of the fun.
Photo: Mathea Kelley
Grace Hall, 2nd in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I), was favored.
Photo: Mathea Kelley
On Fire Baby kept her cool.
Photo: Chad Harmon
Broadway's Alibi turned some heads on the track.
Photo: Mathea Kelley
Bob Baffert, who won the 2011 Kentucky Oaks with Plum Pretty, was back with 2 fillies, Eden's Moon, and
Photo: Mathea Kelley
Jemima's Pearl.
Photo: Mallory Haigh
Trainer Larry Jones kept a close eye on Believe You Can.
Photo: Mallory Haigh
Waiting to load.
Photo: Chad Harmon
And they're off!
Photo: Rick Samuels
Broadway's Alibi bounced to the lead.
Photo: Dave Harmon
shadowed by Believe You Can.
Photo: Courtney V. Bearse
Photo: Courtney V. Bearse
Believe You Can wore down her rival,
Photo: Skip Dickstein
and went on by
Photo: Dave Harmon
Photo: Dave Harmon
for the win.
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Coming home under the Twin Spires.
Photo: Skip Dickstein
Believe You Can ridden by jockey Rosie Napravnick out dueled Broadway's Alibi ridden by John Velasquez to win the 138th running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY May 5, 2012. (Skip Dickstein / Times Union)
Photo: Skip Dickstein
Trainer Larry Jones leads his Oaks winner to the Winner's Circle.
Photo: Dave Harmon
The numbers don't lie.
Photo: Dave Harmon
Lilies for Rosie
Photo: Rick Samuels
The sweet smell of an Oaks victory.
Photo: Rick Samuels
Brereton Jones admires his homebred Oaks-winning filly.
Photo: Skip Dickstein
Believe You Can (Proud Citizen - El Fasto, by El Prado (IRE)); Jockey: Rosie Napravnik; Trainer: Larry Jones; Owner: Brereton C. Jones; Bred in Kentucky by Brereton C. Jones.
