SANTA ANITA DERBY '05 ROAD TRIP

SIXTH SANTA ANITA DERBY ROAD TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Despite one of the wettest winters in history, Santa Anita Park put on its best face for the sixth annual Kids to the Cup Road Trip to the historic track. Sunny, clear skies Friday and Saturday made the San Gabriel mountains seem so close that you could reach out and touch them. Of course that wasn’t possible, but KTTC members and parents did get up close and personal with some top-notch race horses and trainers.

Friday morning the group gathered at Clocker’s Corner to watch the morning workouts. First stop on the Road Trip train was at trainer Jenine Sahadi’s barn where the only female trainer to win a Breeder’s Cup race conducted an entertaining and informative tour of her barn. Jenine explained the daily routing of a trainer and provided a stall-by-stall rundown of her horses.

At the barn of trainer Paco Gonzalez the group watched as Arcadia Handicap favorite Buckland Manor prepared to school in the paddock on the day before the big race. A tour of the barn followed with commentary from KTTC president Trudy McCaffery.

Next trainer John Sadler met the group and introduced them to sprint star Hasty Kris, who cordially accepted carrots from visitors as Sadler elaborated on topics from trainer responsibilities to common horse injuries to the benefits of horse ownership. Members responded with some excellent questions for the trainer which led to even more extensive instruction.

Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella welcomed the group under his shedrow and led them past a very nervous Congrats who obviously hadn’t been notified that we were coming. The group stopped in front of the stall of Rock Hard Ten and members were able to photograph the Santa Anita Handicap winner up close and personal while Mandella stood by. The towering turf star took it all in stride, but made it clear that he is the king of his castle.

On the way out of the stable area the group met with trainer Bob Baffert who joined in the fun with some of his typical one-liners. Baffert elaborated on career opportunities in racing and kidded with some of the members.

A 3 p.m. twilight first post afforded the group the opportunity to visit the paddock, jockey’s room, press box, steward’s stand and HRTV/Santa Anita studio before taking their seats to enjoy the races. Santa Anita provided hats, t-shirts and sweatshirts to each member.

The third race was named in honor of the group and members were able to watch the race from the rail and visit the winner’s circle for a photo with the victorious connections.

Friday evening the group gathered at Chip Sturniolo’s The Derby restaurant where they were treated to a fine meal to cap off a wonderful day.

Saturday, Santa Anita Derby Day, brought more fun and enjoyment to the group as they gathered in the winner’s circle for a special presentation. Trudy McCaffery was given a check for over $3,500 from Santa Anita, proceeds from a raffle which had been offered the morning of the Derby Draw.

KTTC alums attending the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry Program joined Kids to the Cup members for a great afternoon of racing and followed the day up with dinner at Pepper’s Mexican Restaurant across from Santa Anita.

From sunrise Friday morning until sunset after the Santa Anita Derby, a great time was had by all. It was another fantastic Kids to the Cup Road Trip! 

Hasty Kris met with KTTC and got some carrots in return. Photo by Marcie Heacox.

Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella introduced Rock Hard Ten. Photo by Marcie Heacox.

The tour included a visit to the receiving barn. Photo by Marcie Heacox.

Rock Hard Ten smiles for the camera. Photo by Marcie Heacox.

KTTC members visited the stewards’ stand. Photo by Marcie Heacox.

KTTC president Trudy McCaffery, members and alums accept a donation from Santa Anita. Photo by Tom Bassett.

Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella poses with a happy member. Photo by Tom Bassett.

KTTC members join a jubilant winner’s circle. Photo by Tom Bassett.

The S. A. Derby Road Trip continues under the shadow of the George Woolf statue. Photo by Tom Bassett.