KIDS TO THE CUP ENJOYS FIFTH S.A. DERBY ROAD TRIP

Kids to the Cup, the national club for young racing fans (www.kidstothecup.com), recently enjoyed their fifth consecutive road trip to the Santa Anita Derby on Friday, April 9 and Saturday, 10. The group, which included members, alums, parents and students from Delphi School, numbered 25 strong and began the day by watching morning workouts from beautiful Clockerís Corner.

Jockey Kent Desormeaux spoke to the group on various topics including a heartfelt description of what it was like to win his first Kentucky Derby.

Jockey Kent Desormeaux shares racing insights with the group.

The group then boarded a tram at Clockerís Corner for the sensational Seabiscuit Tour delivered by Hall of Fame jockey and Santa Anita general manager Chris McCarron. McCarron pointed out highlights including Seabiscuitís famous double-wide stall, the equine hospital, John Henryís former home, and the manicured stables of D. Wayne Lukas. At the tail end of the tram tour the group was joined by ESPN commentator Kenny Mayne, who served up a hilarious bit after he commandeered the microphone. Footage of the group and Mayneís hi-jinks were later included as part of ESPNís broadcast of the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday.

Hall of Fame jockey and Santa Anita general manager Chris McCarron conducts Seabiscuit tour.

The group left the tram on foot and visited the receiving barn, the George Woolf statue, the jockís room and the Seabiscuit statue in the walking ring. Along the way McCarron offered incredible insight and description on topics from horse identification to goggles and saddles.

Chris McCarron conducts tour of Santa Anita jock’s room.

Following the tour the group returned to the backstretch where they were greeted by trainer Bob Baffert and a couple of his 3-year-old stars. Baffert led Wimbeldon and Preachinatthebar to the group for a close-up view of the two runners.

Bob Baffert introduces S.A. Derby contender Wimbeldon.

Next was a visit to the barn of trainer Richard Mandella where assistant Becky Witzman provided a stall by stall tour of every horse in the powerful stable.

Mandella stablesí Becky Witzman provides barn tour.

Trainer John Sadler brought one of his runners out for the group to examine at armís length. Sadler answered questions and explained his barnís training regime.

Last stop on the backstretch was at the barn of Paco Gonzalez where he and assistant Cathy Riccio led members through the stable.

Later, the group toured the Santa Anita television studio and appeared on HorseRacing TV with hosts Jon White and Kurt Hoover. The lively interview was anchored by young KTTC member Christopher Bailey Basset who deflected each of Hooverís questions with aplomb.

KTTC members with host Jon White and Kurt Hoover.

Following an afternoon of racing action the group gathered at the nearby Derby Restaurant as guests of owner Chip Sturniolo who conducted his annual tour of the former home of jockey George Woolf.

Of course, all this was only a prelude to the exciting Santa Anita Derby the next day. Castledale provided plenty of fireworks as he ran past Rock Hard Ten in the final strides of the race. Kids to the Cup group members watched the action from choice box seats near the finish line.

Described by some veteran KTTC members as one of the most informative road trips ever, the í04 Santa Anita Derby Road Trip is in the books as another outstanding event.

Photo credits to: Tom Bassett

KTTC members gather in winnerís circle.