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The KTTC BC '01 Road Trip was a
blast!
Winners Katee Whitesell and
Amber Carlisle from CA; Lauren Haggerty and Natalia Olave from
MN; Erin Thorsby from MI and KTTC's first international winner,
Lise Harrison from Manitoba, Canada, arrived at JFK airport
in New York on Thursday evening and were transported to the
hotel. There they were greeted by a host of KTTC members led
by Amelia Baldreee from IL and her contingent of members and
parents.
Friday morning the group was
joined by Susie Raisher's group of nine KTTCers from up and
down the eastern seaboard that had spent the night at Raisher's
home.
All told a group of 30 members
piled into vans for a trip to Belmont Park.
Friday was clear and crisp,
a beautiful New York morning in which to watch some Breeders'
Cup runners go through their morning works. Members darted back
and forth along the rail as some of their favorite runners galloped
past.
Soon the group boarded a tram
for a tour of the backside. Led by KTTC supporter, NYRA employee
and new mom Sari Cohen, the group learned pertinent facts about
the massive Belmont stable area. Deep in the heart of the backstretch
the group disembarked the tram and set out on foot in search
of racing superstars.
It didn't take long for the
group to spot Classic winning owners Bob and Beverly Lewis.
As long-time KTTC supporters Bob and Beverly were eager to share
their tales of success, sign autographs and pose for photos
with members of the group.
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas took
time out from his busy schedule to speak at length with the
group on various topics–from relationships with jockeys
and owners to the philosophy of training horses. The Lewis'
joined in the discussion with personal anecdotes from their
vast experiences. Lukas answered questions, signed autographs,
posed for photos and handled job requests from KTTC members
with incredible grace.
The group then paid a visit
to KTTC president Trudy McCaffery's B.C. Juvenile entrant, Came
Home. Members posed for photos with McCaffery, trainer Paco
Gonzalez and the horse. Emotions ran high as everyone wished
the trainer luck in the big race.
Trainer Todd Pletcher has become
a KTTC favorite and a visit to his Belmont barn is a pre-requisite
for all road trips. Once more he welcomed the group with open
arms and allowed members to interact with his horses including
Graeme Hall. Amazingly, Graeme Hall won a race on Breeders'
Cup day and joining him in the winner's circle was Graeme Hall
Fan Club president and KTTC member Jess Paquette.
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Later the group visited the Belmont
paddock for an appearance on Television Games Network's coverage
of the Breeders Cup Preview. Other members around the country
watched as the group waved and displayed various signs.
As guests of the New York Racing
Association, KTTC members enjoyed lunch, seats and admission
to the day's races. It was a great way to prepare for the big
day.
Back at the hotel the group met
trainer Richard Baltas who passed out Freedom Crest buttons
and hats to some members. The hotel also served as home base
for the Breeders' Cup press corps and that afforded the group
an opportunity to rub elbows with journalists and television
personalities from around the world.
Friday night members traded
horse tales and handicapping views on the next days card as
well as some good old fun times.
Breeders' Cup day the group
vanned to the track and found their respective locations. The
Breeders' Cup organization graciously provided 12 complimentary
seats to the sponsored winners and their parents. The rest of
the group made their own way amongst the throng.
Even though it was a cold,
windy afternoon, Kids to the Cup was well represented as members
appeared on NBC's national television coverage holding signs
for favorite horses and an American flag as a New York City
Fireman sang America the Beautiful.
Despite a horrible start to
the afternoon when Exoginous flipped over on her back, the rest
of the day was quite exciting including Tiznow's remarkable
defense of his Classic crown.
B.C. '01 will go into the books
as the most heavily attended KTTC event to date and the coldest,
too.
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