A few Derby/Oaks photos
 

Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend. It was fantastic despite the rain and glue-like racetrack surface.

Things I learned include: don't be afraid to put down a remote camera at the Derby (I skipped it due to the rain on Friday and almost wish I hadn't), wear rain pants when the track is muddy (I wore rain boots but kneeling on the track made for wet legs), and yes, I can get misty-eyed that many times in a day (I'm not the sort to cry over things so I surprised myself a bit there).

Kentucky Oaks 2017 (1 of 1) by Heidi Carpenter, on Flickr

Kentucky Derby 2017 (7 of 48) by Heidi Carpenter, on Flickr

Kentucky Derby 2017 (18 of 48) by Heidi Carpenter, on Flickr

Kentucky Derby 2017 (24 of 48) by Heidi Carpenter, on Flickr

Kentucky Derby 2017 (39 of 48) by Heidi Carpenter, on Flickr

Kentucky Derby 2017 (41 of 48) by Heidi Carpenter, on Flickr

Really nice!!!!

Great photos Heidi!!

everyone can check out the full Flickr roll by clicking on the links in between photos.

ALL tremendous! But those of Always Dreaming...

:tro:

Well done Heidi!

Terrific photos!

I laughed at the seemingly appropriate saddlecloth "YUM!" in the photo of JV leaning down for the hug/kiss.

Great pics. Amazing how those military people standing there at parade rest didn't sneak a look at Always Dreaming crossing the finish line. I think had it been me, it would have too tempting. :D Not sure how long they had to stand there. Maybe they were just ready to get the whole thing over with, but they literally may have had the best view of the race or at least the finish.

Great pics Heidi! Thanks for sharing.

Center Stage stuff Heidi E. :)

Tremendous Job!!! Love the bare foot owner hugging Johnny V..Not sure I would be side by side an 1100 pound animal with no boots on. :eek:

Super work Heidi!! :tro::$:

That's his wife Leona.. Leo O'Brien's daughter.

On video, when you see them hug, AD is still walking and actually almost knocks her down backwards into the mud. Had no idea she was barefoot until Heidi posted the pic. Makes the video even scarier.....:eek:

Thank you all so much, I appreciate it! 😊

From what I saw she was in such a hurry to greet Johnny that the force of her own greeting almost knocked her back down (like she bounced off AD). I thought my next frame would be her in the mud!

I didn't notice she was barefoot until I reviewed the images later!

They stood there during the post parade and races but cleared back to an area by the tote board after all the horses crossed the finish line. It was fascinating to watch them in action after decades of seeing them on television.

They were very professional during races but relaxed a bit in between.