KIDS TO THE CUP SEE ALEX RUN

The sixth consecutive Kids to the Cup Road Trip to the Belmont Stakes was a winner! And so was Afleet Alex. Members enjoyed fantastic seats at the Belmont Stakes and cheered as the Preakness winner motored through the stretch to take the Belmont.

The day before the Belmont Stakes, the group met with Afleet Alex's trainer Tim Ritchey for autographs and photos just outside Afleet Alex's stall. Ritchey explained that he viewed the hectic Triple Crown schedule as part of the responsibility of having a very talented horse. His comments couldn't have been more appropriate as a slew of reporters anxiously waited to question the conditioner. Following the press conference Ritchey and other members of Alex's Army were headed to a nearby hospital to visit with young cancer patients.

KTTC members then visited the barn of Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, where they were treated to a relaxed conversation with trainer John Shirreffs. The trainer talked to the group about the importance of maintaining a horse's routine throughout the Triple Crown series. He explained how Giacomo had reacted to his various trips across the country. Shirreffs also touched on a host of other racing topics during the lengthy visit.

Giacomo's regular rider Sabrina also spoke with the group and explained that she is looking forward to a career as a jockey. Members had lots of questions for the woman who has spent lots of time on the Kentucky Derby winner's back.

No KTTC Road Trip would be complete without a visit to the barn of trainer Bobby Frankel. The Hall of Fame conditioner met the group outside his barn and discussed a variety of topics with the group, including an update on the condition of 'Horse of the World' Ghostzapper. Frankel suggested a course of action for 'would be' trainers in the group and explained why he thinks today's horses are much faster than those of prior generations.

The morning segment of the Road Trip concluded with a stop at the Godolphin barn where trainer Rick Mettee and assistant Rachel conducted an extensive tour of each horse, stall by stall. It was an intriguing look at the inner workings of a division of one of the world's most famous stables.

After lunch, KTTC members visited the winner's circle to make a presentation to the winning connections of the second race. KTTC members had their picture taken with winning rider, Jorge Chavez.

Several members then met with jockeys Gary Stevens, Mike Smith and Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito for photos and autographs.

The racing on Friday and Saturday was exceptional and members thoroughly enjoyed another outstanding trip to the Belmont Stakes.

Ashley Piros with trainer John Shirreffs

KTTC members pose in the Belmont paddock

Essay contest winner Ellie Shaw with jockey John Velasquez

Ellie Shaw and John Shirreffs

Alums Susie Raisher and Alysse Jacobs with Johnny Velasquez