SMARTY
JONES CAPS OFF WET AND WILD DERBY TRIP
Kids to
the Cup enjoyed its fifth Kentucky Derby trip as Smarty Jones
romped home to win the 130th Run for the Roses. The win proved
to be even more exciting as the group of 30 members and parents
felt a special attachment to the winning horse because they
had met both trainer John Servis and jockey Stewart Elliott
in person the day before the big race.
Kentucky
Derby essay contest winners: Bryan Harris, San Mateo, CA, Phoebe
Marks, Flossmore, IL, and Jackie Anderson, Woodbury, MN, enjoyed
prime box seats for the Oaks on Friday and the Derby on Saturday.
The winning essayists also visited the historic Churchill Downs
paddock on Derby Day for photo ops.
A group
of 30 parents and members braved a steady rain Friday morning
on the Churchill Downs backside to meet trainers John Servis,
Richard Mandella, and Bobby Frankel. Each trainer spoke with
the group on topics ranging from the condition of their Derby
and Oaks runners to advice on careers in the racing industry.
Kentucky
Derby winning jockey Stewart Elliot joined Servis in speaking
to the group and both trainer and jockey signed autographs and
posed with members for photos.
Horseshoer
Buzz Fermin and his wife California steward Ingrid Fermin also
spoke to the group about their respective careers in racing.
Buzz explained the foot problems of Derby entrant St. Averil
and suggested that the track condition might cause him to scratch.
Of course, eventually the horse did have to be removed from
the race. Ingrid explained the roles of the stewards at the
track and answered some pointed questions regarding disqualifications
and suspensions.
The morning
began with the group watching horses work on the sloppy track
beneath the historic twin spires.
Keeping
with tradition, Friday evening the group met at group met a
John E.'s steakhouse for a delicious meal, fine music and good
fun.
At the 2004
Kentucky Derby Kids to the Cup saluted the essay winners, welcomed
new members and greeted old friends and members.
Returning
members that attended the event were Ashley Gibson, Anna Sitzler,
Emily Hufford, Amelia Baldree, Allison Pareis, Nikki Sherman,
Brandon Benson, Merv Huber, Natalie Benson, and Ryan Brady.
Members
making their first road trip were: Afton Judy, Tara Garcia,
Jordan Vinup, and Stephanie Slinger.
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