Backside of Churchill Downs

1. Morning bath
2. Upclose and personal
3. One of the trainers. The horse is 16 hands (big)

July 14, Monday: Up early this morning to head back to Churchill Downs to take a tour of the stable area and watch the horses early morning work-out. The tour took us in a van to the Backside of the track. Our guide, Gene, was very knowledgeable. This was understandable once he explained that he had been coming to the track for 46 years. He started as a young boy coming with his father to watch the early morning work-outs. Now he is retired and giving these tours.


I have to say it was amazing to be so close to the horses as they went by. Afraid they were sometimes too fast for the camera. We were able to stand close to the fence. Gene asked us not to make any sudden moves because it could scare the horses.


What to say about the stables???????? They are better than some of the houses I lived in growing up. The trainers really run the stable area and hire all the people who work there. It is a city unto itself. Dormitories, church, and a school to help the workers, mainly Mexican, to learn English. I wonder how these people feel about taking care of an animal that may live better than most of their families.


After the tour Larry and I ate breakfast, it is only 8am, across the street at Wagner's Cafe. This cafe has been serving owners, trainers, jockeys, and fans since 1922. It was fun to be part of a tradition.


Back to the RV for a little R&R. Larry was going to drive back to Bowling Green to see the Corvette manufacturing plant but unfortunately he woke up from his nap with a migraine headache. It is 1 1/2 hr trip one way with an 1 1/2 hour tour which may be delayed then 1 1/2 hour trip home. Too long to leave the dogs so I could not drive him. Maybe next time.


Tomorrow we will be moving to Lexington which is about 74 miles from here.