'04 BELMONT: NO CROWN, BUT LOTS OF FUN

Kids to the Cup enjoyed their fifth consecutive Road Trip to the Belmont Stakes despite the defeat of heavily-favored Smarty Jones in his bid for a Triple Crown sweep and racing immortality.

KTTC members and parents met at Belmont Park early Friday morning, the day before the big race, and watched morning workouts from the track apron. There they appeared on HorseRacing T.V. and met Hall of Fame jockey Sandy Hawley. Hawley talked about his illustrious career and encouraged members to stay involved in racing.

Hall of Fame jockey Sandy Hawley and Johnny D.

Trainer John Servis and KTTC members.

At 8:30 a.m. trainer John Servis welcomed the group to the barn of Smarty Jones and spoke to them about his experience on the road to the Triple Crown. Servis graciously posed for pictures with members and signed autographs.

Trainer John Servis and Melanie Eaton

The group then was treated to a tour of the actual Belmont Stakes starting gate by an assistant starter who ended his presentation by permitting the group to 'break from the gate.' Members and parents were impressed by the size of the contraption and by the tremendous noise the clanging gates produce when they explode open.

Trainer Mark Hennig welcomed the group to his Belmont barn, home of Belmont starter Eddington. Hennig spoke at length about topics such as Eddington's training habits and the life of a trainer. The former D. Wayne Lukas assistant also spoke about his on the job education in racing which began at an early age as the son of a trainer.

The group then met trainer Jason Orman for a detailed description of his horse, Rock Hard Ten, and a thorough recap of the horse's eventful training regime leading up to each Triple Crown race. Orman, also the son of a trainer, recounted his experiences as an assistant for various trainers around the world.

Former jockey Corey Black, now agent for jockey Pat Valenzuela, enlightened the group on a wide variety of topics, from race-riding to booking mounts for one of the nation's top riders. Black spoke to members about the current scale of weights and how his personal battle with weight affected his career.

Television personality and original member of KTTC's board of directors Caton Bredar also spoke to parents and members on various racing topics, including the role of women in racing. Bredar added some handicapping insights on the impending Belmont Stakes and suggested ways young people could proceed to forge careers in racing.

Lunch at the beautiful facility was provided by Belmont Park and track management also distributed goodie bags to members that included various pieces of track memorabilia.

Friday afternoon members spent time at the paddock, watched races and caught up recent events. One of the afternoon's highlights included a trip to the winner's circle where members posed for a photo with winning jockey Jorge Chavez.

Saturday, KTTC Triple Crown Essay Contest winners and their parents enjoyed clubhouse seats for the races. This year's Belmont Stakes essay winners were: Melanie Eaton, Jennifer and Brittany Stapelfeld, Megan Phelps and Afton Judy.

Other members benefited from free clubhouse admission on Belmont Stakes day and staked out prime spots in the paddock and along the rail in the stretch.

Some KTTC Members gather at Belmont rail.

Even though Smarty Jones' disappointing loss left everyone with a bit of an empty feeling, there's no doubt that this year's Belmont Stakes trip was a successful one and all agreed that they can't wait until next year.

KTTC veterans Robin Tan, Ali LaDuke, Jess Paquette and Jackie Mitchell say cheese.