(Final Gambit gets a splish splash / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

I got to know Holly M. Smith after we started this blog, oh, so many years ago. She was recommended to me as a possible photographer. Her talent is amazing and a true gift. But I didn’t know I would one of the best horse people in the world, to boot. And, I truly didn’t know that I would also get one of the best people I’ve ever known in my entire life, as well. Three amazing characteristics that show up in her photos each and every time.

Her talent.

Her knowledge.

Her character and class.

They touch every photo she sends my way.

And, we all get to see those traits the weeks leading up to — and, including — the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

Enjoy another sample today. Amazing.

All Photos by Holly M. Smith

Tappan Street (before injury on Saturday morn):

Fondly: 

Balerina d’Oro:

Final Gambit:

A little Chit and a lot Chat:

Coffee Talk:

Final Gambit:

Jock’s Chat Room:

Riders Florent Group & Luan Machado: 

March of Times:

Fort Bragg:

Baffert’s Saddle Cloths:

Coal Battle:

Governor Sam:

Dorth Vader: 

Rodriguez:

Take Charge Milady:

Horse Pool…

Render Judgment:

Bless the Broken:

Early On:

Citizen Bull: 

Annas Promise:

Tenma:

Grande: 

Baeza:

Sandman:

Burnham Square: 

Journalism:

Rodriguez:

La Cara:

Sandman:

Journalism: