Daily
Report From Churchill Downs: 4/26
by Turf Angels Staff
Today the weather at Churchill Downs was cool and brisk, requiring jackets but not mittens. It was only 6:45 when Smarty Jones left the track, followed once again by every available member of the media. The little chestnut colt walked the shedrow for a while before his bath. The Turf Angels staff walked over to check on Read the Footnotes, who was resting comfortably in his stall. Minister Eric was walking the shedrow and we met Halfbridled coming off the track.
The activity was relatively quiet before the break, with Pro Prado being the last Derby horse to go out before the track closed. We had not yet seen Pro Prado up close, so we followed him from the main gap off the track. He led us on quite a chase, around the barns in a maze before ending up at his barn - which was right near the gap he'd left from.
 Pro Prado Gets a Bath 4/26/04 |
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After the break, the action began to heat up in a big way. Harmony Lodge, a star sprinting filly, was the first horse on the track, followed by the regular barrage of Derby and Oaks contenders. A first appearance was made by Island Sand, a dark bay three year old filly who is heading for the Oaks. The media was going crazy over Harmony Lodge (thinking that she was Limehouse) and Master David, who stood next in line. Imperialism and Kristin Mulhall rode up through the sea of horses and people and the little gray colt paused, throwing his head up and then looking back at his adoring trainer, who gave him a pat on the neck and a smile. Master David posed regally, the sun gleaming off his brilliant coat.
 Master David 4/26/04 |
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 Imperialism Goes to the Track 4/26/04 |
 Island Sand 4/26/04 |
In all of the excitement, no one saw the approaching black horse, Rock
Hard Ten. He appeared from between two cars, and then all of the sudden
reared up into the air, looking reminiscent of the Black Stallion with
his ears back and his forelegs pawing the air. His beauty moved this reporter
to gasping as he hovered in the air, dominant and powerful, and then came
back to the ground, calm as anything.
Rock Hard Ten Rears 4/26/04
He was followed on the track by Read the Footnotes. They both breezed this morning, at the same time as The Cliff's Edge. Victory USA and Class Above were also on the track, and Action This Day joined the fray a few minutes later. We also spent some time visiting Wimbledon and Quintons Gold Rush in their stalls this morning.
 Rock Hard Ten Breezes 4/26 |
 Read the Footnotes Breezes 4/26 |
 The Cliff's Edge 4/26 |
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 Wimbledon 4/26 |
 Victory USA 4/26 |
The highlight of the morning was the arrival (and quick departure) of
Lion Heart. The fire-red chestnut colt, small in stature but great in
heart, arrived at Churchill Downs, schooled in the paddock, and then breezed
four furlongs. He never seemed to be bothered by anything, including the
chaos of reporters who surrounded him and his trainer, Patrick Bianconne.
Lion Heart has been shipped back to Keeneland.
 Lion Heart 4/26 |
 Lion Heart 4/26 |
Harmony Lodge 4/26
Preachinatthebar 4/26
