“A Walk in the Park…”: Churchill Downs Saturday Through the Eyes & Lens of the Incredible Holly M. Smith

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(Sunny side up at Churchill Downs / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

This past Saturday, on a hot and muggy morn, Holly M. Smith thought it was time to head to the sweat shop and do a little passion work. She brought her cameras and lenses, of course. She brought her eye for a horse, always. She brought her love of both photography and moving horses, again.

Here’s what she got in return.

A love and memories that will last forever.

All photos by Holly M. Smith:

Sunflowers Aplenty…

Morning Sweat…

Mark Casse trainee:

Riley Mott trainee:

Hamilton:

Saudi Crown:

Morning Jogger…

Deep Flame:

More Seeds … More Flowers…

Foxiest:

Scarlet Begiona:

Jump Seat:

Top Drawer:

National Forest:

Foxiest:

What a Pedigree, Right…

Scarlet Begiona

2026-07-20T10:51:38-04:00By 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