ONE, THREE PREAKNESS FINISHERS HOST KTTC

Afleet Alex, winner of the '05 Preakness, and Giacomo, Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness third-place finisher, proved gracious hosts to Kids to the Cup at the '05 renewal of the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

Friday morning, Black-Eyed Susan Day, KTTC members and parents braved a steady rain and blustery winds to visit the stable area. They were not disappointed. In fact, it turned out to be a most memorable journey.

First stop on the barn tour was at trainer D. Wayne Lukas' barn where he welcomed members and parents under the shedrow and out of the rain. There, as Preakness hopefuls walked within yards of the group, Lukas spoke on a variety of subjects. He previewed the wide-open Preakness and offered advice to young members contemplating a career in the racing industry. Following his chat he signed autographs and posed for photos.

At the barn of Afleet Alex, jockey Jeremy Rose met with the group and talked about his rough ride in the Kentucky Derby. He raved about his horse and explained how he went from high-school wrester to professional jockey.

Trainer Tim Ritchey followed jockey Rose and spoke to the group about the Kentucky Derby and his horse's training pattern since the race.

The rain continued to fall but the group moved down the Preakness Stakes barn to meet Kentucky Derby winning trainer John Sherriffs who invited the group in out of the rain. Since there was little room under the shedrow, Sherriffs ushered the group into an empty stall. Once inside he explained that this was Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo's stall. Additionally, Sherriffs outlined the history of that stall—Number 40—at Pimlico. It's the place where Kentucky Derby winners traditionally bed down before the Preakness.

Standing in that stall as Giacomo and other Preakness contenders walked by, KTTC members and parents were treated to a warm and educational talk with trainer Sherriffs as he shared his knowledge of training, horse care and heartfelt feelings about winning the Derby with the group.

Following the barn tour the group toured the Pimlico grandstand and visited the museum on the second floor. Inside the room is a collection of historic memorabilia including great photos and actual newspapers from the famous Seabiscuit-War Admiral match race.

After the afternoon's first race, KTTC members and alums gathered in the winner's circle for a photo with the winning jockey.

Although the rain kept up throughout the afternoon, there was no way to dampen the KTTC spirit.

Friday night, members were treated to tickets to a baseball game at Camden Yards between the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies.

On Saturday, essay contest winners enjoyed prime seats for Afleet Alex's amazing Preakness win. Following the race, the group joined the post-Preakness festivities at the stakes barn where they watched as several Preakness runners were bathed, and walked. Finally, Afleet Alex appeared and grazed in the grass under the proud eye of trainer Tim Ritchey.

As darkness descended upon Pimlico and the group began to head home, there were smiles all around because this was definitely a Preakness to remember.