Bango Goes Out With, Er, a Bango: Through the Eyes & Lens of Holly M. Smith

Editor’s Note:

The winningest horse in the famed and storied history of Churchill Downs — which now has run over 150 Kentucky Derbies alone — walked into the paddock and onto the track for the last time on Sunday. He didn’t race. He didn’t have to. His fans and admirers. His owners and his trainers. His riders were there to bid the old fella adieu and congratulate him on a career well earned and deserved of historic proportions and honors galore.

Here’s a few looks from our esteemed friend, Holly M. Smith — a fan of Bango in her own right:

2025-11-16T20:32:40-05:00By Holly M. Smith|

About the Author: Holly M. Smith

Holly is a freelance photographer based in Louisville. While she maintains a full time job outside of the thoroughbred/horse industry she spends most of her free time around the racetrack. Horses and photography have been a part of Holly's life going all the way back to elementary school. In 2015 after American Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby she decided to pick up the camera again and get back into the game. Since then she has covered events such as the Kentucky Derby, Breeder's Cup, Queen's Plate and various other racing events. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, watching reality tv shows, and spending time with her fur kids, who still love her even though she isn't home much during racing season! Holly is a proud alum of Franklin County High School and University of Kentucky. She also serves on the UK Greater Louisville Area Alumni Board. Connect with Holly on Twitter @kyholmarie