KIDS TO THE CUP GOES HOLLYWOOD

Kids to the Cup, the national charitable organization that attracts, educates and entertains racing fans ages 8-16, enjoyed an outstanding road trip to Hollywood Park on Saturday, July 10.

A group of nearly 40 parents and members began the morning on the Hollywood Park backside watching morning workouts and touring the stable area.

On the trackís frontside the group was given a fascinating tour of the jockeyís room by clerk of scales Ruben Hernandez. Jockey Alex Solis arrived for work to find the group camped out beside his locker. He cheerfully met with them and posed for photos and signed autographs before he donned his sweats for his usual twice-around-the-track jog.

Kids to the Cup members then toured the press box, TVG/Hollywood Park television facilities and visited with the stewards for an in-depth description of their jobs and responsibilities.

Next the group joined festivities organized near Hollywood Parkís paddock which included a ëDunk Tankí and a jockeyís autograph session.

Lunch, prime box seats and ëgoodie bagsí were provided by Hollywood Park and the group enjoyed several races on the Gold Cup card before they visited the paddock for the fourth race. There they were joined by Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone, who posed for photos and signed autographs.

Following the fourth race the group posed in the winnerís circle for a group photo and a very special shot with KTTC president Trudy McCaffery, KTTC director Chris McCarron and the worldís winningest rider Laffit Pincay, Jr.

Of course, all the dayís action led up to an outstanding afternoon of racing that included the Hollywood Gold Cup, Swaps and A Gleam, all graded races.

KTTC Members are all smiles at Hollywood Park.

KTTC founder and president Trudy McCaffery and Hall of Fame jockeys Chris McCarron and Laffit Pincay, Jr. join the group in the Hollywood Park winnerís circle.

Chris McCarron and Laffit Pincay joke with KTTC members.