KIDS TO THE CUP INVADE B.C. '04

KTTC’s fifth consecutive trip to the Breeders’ Cup at Lone Star Park was sensational!

A group of 30 parents and members met on the apron at Lone Star Park Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. to watch B.C. horses exercise on the turf. At 8:30 a.m. they boarded a shuttle to the backstretch where they were treated to a parade of European horses heading to the track from the quarantine barn.

The group then visited the gap for a close-up view of Breeders’ Cup horses as they galloped by in the warm Texas morning sun.

Three Hall of Fame trainers greeted Kids to the Cup members at their Breeders' Cup barns.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas spoke at length about everything from his runners in the B.C. races to life lessons. The former teacher/coach was fantastic as he answered questions from the members on topics from A to Z, but mostly about Azeri. He posed for photos and signed autographs for KTTC members.

Bobby Frankel made time for the group with owner Frank Stronach standing nearby. Frankel told members he ‘hated’ the Breeders’ Cup because his record in the races was so poor. He explained to them how frustrating it was to bring good horses to these races every year only to have them lose. Frankel was open and informative. He talked about the complexities of running stables on both coasts in several different locations. He also spoke about his horses in each of the races. Frankel signed autographs and posed for photos. Of course, the next day, Frankel won the B.C. Classic with potential Horse of the Year Ghostzapper.

Richard Mandella invited KTTC members under his shedrow to pet and to pose for photos with Pleasantly Perfect. It seemed like Mandella had as much fun watching the kids as they did meeting the horse. Pleasantly Perfect did reach out and grab hold of KTTC member Ryan Clancy's shirt and tore a hole in the sleeve. Ryan didn’t seem to mind at all, though, figuring he had a special souvenir. Lots of photos and autographs later, the group moved on.

Michael Stidham’s wife Hillary graciously accepted the group into their barn and brought out a 2-year-old filly for the group to examine close up. Members fed the filly carrots and got lots of petting in. Hillary then escorted the group inside the barn and introduced each horse in their 20-horse string. She turned members loose with handfuls of carrots and the group had a ball.

The group also met with apprentice jockey Shannon Uske, who rides mainly for trainer Allan Jerkens. Members had lots of questions for the teenage girl who is living a dream they can only imagine.

At 11:30 the group shuttled back to the frontside where they visited the paddock and then were seated.

The second race of the afternoon was named for Kids to the Cup and the group visited the winner’s circle to have their photo taken. Lone Star track photographer Reed Palmer printed photos for each member and had them ready by the fifth race so each member took one home with them.

The group met later in the afternoon for another trip to the paddock where they met jockeys Frankie Dettori, Jose Santos and Rafael Bejarano. The jocks signed autographs, spoke with the group and posed for photos.

Members also appeared live on HRTV’s special coverage of the day and they were interviewed by HRTV host Millie Ball. They also were filmed by HDTV’s crew in the winner’s circle.

Saturday KTTC Breeders’ Cup Essay winners: Carly Silver, from Weston, CT; Adriana Maldonado, of Castle Rock, CO; Ryan Clancy, of Elkton, MD; Oksana M. and Ali M., from Washington State; and Jennifer Wourms, of nearby Houston, TX enjoyed great seats compliments of the Breeders’ Cup. The rest of the group either had tickets or were treated to general admission compliments of Lone Star Park and the Breeders' Cup.

As you can probably tell this KTTC Road Trip was another non-stop, wire-to-wire affair. When the final races were run on Saturday the entire group was well-worn but very content.

Frankie Dettori and Adriana Maldonado

Richard Mandella, Adriana Maldonado and Pleasantly Perfect

Janey Adams with D. Wayne Lukas

Janey Adams with Bobby Frankel

KTTC members pose in front of the paddock fountain at Lone Star

Classic favorite Pleasantly Perfect and trainer Richard Mandella with another visitor

D. Wayne Lukas welcomes Stephanie Slinger to his barn before the Breedersí Cup