'03 B.C. Road Trip Is A Resounding Success

Over 40 KTTC parents and members gathered at Santa Anita Park Friday, the day before the '03 Breeders' Cup, for a full day of activities.

The group gathered at Clockers' Corner at the foot of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains for morning workouts. The early morning sky was a picture perfect blue except for ominous smoke that blanketed the east, a stern reminder of raging fires that would devastate Southern California communities over the next week.

Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron, and TVG commentator Caton Bredar visited with the group in the grandstand seats and fielded questions as executive director Johnny D. outlined the day's activities.

And what a day it turned out to be!

First stop on the barn tour was the barn of trainer D. Wayne Lukas. The man who has won more Breeders' Cup races than anyone else gave the group some pointed insights into the management of one of the most successful stables in the country. He encouraged them to get involved in the game—especially if they wanted to 'work hard for little pay.' Lukas also spoke about the importance of taking pride in a job well done, and other racing topics. He graciously answered questions, signed autographs and posed for photos with members of the group.

Next stop on the barn tour was the shedrow of trainer Richard Mandella where his assistant trainer Becky escorted the group through the entire barn, giving members a running commentary on nearly each one of their 40 horses. At the conclusion of the tour trainer Mandella spoke to the group about racing as a career, his horses, and his passion for training.

No KTTC tour of Santa Anita would ever be complete without a stop at founder Trudy McCaffery's barn. Members enjoyed an added bonus as they met several other Breeders' Cup runners face to face under the shedrow.

Assistant trainer to Paco Gonzalez, Cathy Riccio, provided a worthy equine subject for the next part of the tour: A lecture and demonstration of equine physiotherapy by Christy Gindt.

Gindt spoke about the importance of physiotherapy to the care and well-being of horses, described what various machines and treatments accomplish, and gave a live demonstration to the group.

After a few moments break, the KTTC group swung back into action as members toured the press box where members seemed most impressed by the breathtaking panoramic view from atop the towering grandstand.

The second race on Friday's card was named for Kids to the Cup and members visited the winner's circle to pose with winning jockey Corey Nakatani.

Still on the go, the group visited the television facilities at Santa Anita Park, home of HorseRacing TV. In groups of four, each member got some on-air time as they answered questions from host Peter Lurie. Parents watched on televisions throughout the grandstand.

Next it was off to the jockeys room McCarron met the group and escorted them into the inner sanctum. In the jock's room McCarron displayed a riding saddle, helmet, boots and goggles and explained their uses. He was interrupted momentarily as his good friend Alex Solis scored his 4,000^th  career win. McCarron dashed out of the jock's room and down to the winner's circle to share the moment. True to his word, McCarron soon returned to resume his discussion.

After the races parents and members met at the Ritz-Carlton Pasadena for the Breeders' Cup Charity Gala. Members welcomed racing's elite to the event during the reception as parents passed the early evening in the Breeders' Cup hospitality room.

This year Kids to the Cup served as one of three charities that directly benefited from gala proceeds.

After the gala members collected KTTC t-shirts, hats and souvenir commemorative Oak Tree steins.

At the close of the evening, members and parents were tired but content that they had experienced a behind the scenes racing experience unlike any before.

Of course, the next day members and parents enjoyed a thrilling day's races at the Breeders' Cup. Essay competition winners and their parents watched the action from great seats while remaining members camped out along the rail or visited the paddock to get an up-close view of some of the best horses in the world.

Members and parents agreed that the '03 Breeders' Cup Road Trip was one of the best ever and many new friends and old promised to do it again real soon.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas shared his time and wisdom with KTTC.

Several KTTC members and parents at the races Friday.

Trainer Richard Mandella spoke with the group Friday and won four B.C. races Saturday!