(Trainer George Leonard standing in the doorway to his tack room at Churchill Downs / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

It was early Tuesday morn when a van carrying some precious cargo rolled into the Louisville, and, eventually, the backstretch grounds of Churchill Downs.

It was about 4 a.m. ET, to be exact.

And, by any standard, that is defined as “early.”

Unloaded off that van was Epicenter, the most recent winner of the G2 Louisiana Derby in New Orleans on Saturday, and, most likely, the prohibitive favorite  for the 2022 Kentucky Derby — which will be held the “First Saturday in May.”

Unloaded off that van was Echo Zulu, the most recent winner of the G1 Fair Grounds Oaks on Saturday, and, most likely, the prohibitive favorite for this year’s running of the Kentucky Oaks — which will be held on the “First Friday in May.”

It was just the beginning.

To a most wonderful day. To a most wonderful way. To a warm trend that had not touched the tepid temperatures or chilled the wind just yet, but to a warm trend that certainly was soothing the soul and warming the heart.

It was just the beginning of horse season in Louisville and just the beginning of life again at the world’s most historic racetrack — Churchill Downs.

To a most wonderful time of the year, when the Bradford Pears are blooming and the tender hairlines of new grass are popping.

It was just the beginning of the return of our great horse trainers and their merry band of friends from a winter of discontent (most likely) in the South, and far away from home.

To a most wonderful home that sits and waits for them to come back. Every year. Just like the tulips at Easter; just like the robins to nest; just like the rest of us to watch, wager and wish.

Soon after the Asmussen barn had come and gone, there were others to follow.

Zozos, the runner-up to Epicenter in the Louisiana Derby, was led off the van and led into the normal housing arrangements for trainer Brad Cox and his fine fiddle of horse friends.

Soon after that, we stopped to see Kevin Kerstein — one of the best racing promo people in the entire world — working his way from barn to barn to catch up with some of his best friends. Both horse and human.

Soon after that, we saw people milling around the barn for trainer Norm Casse. They were hanging out and hanging signs. They were preparing stalls and sweeping shed rows. They were unloading trucks full of gear and unpacking bags full of bandages, saddle towels and other necessities of life on the backside.

It was move in day at Churchill Downs.

It was Welcome Home day at Churchill Downs.

Here’s a few views from our great friend and better photographer, Holly M. Smith:

Back to School Day at Churchill Downs:

Zozos:

More Moving In & Moving Along: