KTTC members enjoyed a bang-up time at the '01 Preakness Stakes!

Friday morning a group of six essay contest winners and five additional members toured the Pimlico backside to visit Preakness stars. The group met and spoke with owners, trainers, jockeys, and exercise riders as they put the finishing touches on their horses for the race.

The authors of Preakness-trip winning hail from across the country:

Alysse Jacobs, Hackettstown, NJ

Ryen Hanna, Bremerton, WA

Susie Raisher, Merrick, NY

Anne Llewellyn, Montgomery, AL

Ali LaDuke, Orange, CA

Sarah Katz, Villanova, PA

KTTC members watched Monarchos, Point Given and Congaree on the track as they went through their final pre-Preakness exercise.

The group also toured the ESPN production truck and learned about how races are broadcast across the country.

In the afternoon, the group posed in the winner's circle following the first race, named in KTTC's honor, and also appeared as guests on the TVG network.

A full day's racing action filled the afternoon with lots of excitement including the Black Eyed Susan for 3-year-old fillies.

After the races the group ventured to Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, for a special, invitation-only pre-Preakness affair. There the group rubbed elbows with the game's stars and enjoyed a lively band, good food and seats for the ballgame between the Orioles and Minnesota Twins.

But, the best was yet to come.

Saturday the group watched the Preakness card from reserved seats and stood along the rail, to wave homemade signs that showed allegiance to several Preakness runners. After the race the group joined in the post-race celebration back at the stakes barn where members posed with Point Given's saddle cloth, trainers Bob Baffert and Nick Zito, jockey Pat Day, and others. As the sun set on Preakness edition '01, the group stood by and watched as the winner proudly posed outside of the Baffert shedrow.

It was another magic trip for KTTC members and a weekend they will never forget.