(Need a new pair of shoes? / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

The weather was perfect. The lighting was good. And, the subjects — the horses on the most wonderful strip of legendary dirt — were spectacular.

Here’s the looks from the famed Churchill Downs this morning, courtesy of our very own artist — Holly M. Smith.

Take a look. Be glad that you do and did.

Eskenforit:

More Than Just Roses Grow Around Here:

The tack; the shoes; the saddle cloths; the beauty abounds:

Mystic Saboteur:

Shesonthewarpath:

Standing, Galloping, and Hanging On:

The great Harley:

Chindi: