Churchill Downs' Final Day of Racing for 2021: Through the Eyes& Lens of Holly M. Smith

(Cody’s wish does come true — again / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

It was a day to remember, and a day to commemorate.

It was a day of some sunshine, and some rays of hope.

It was a day for some chills and some thrills.

It was a day for celebration, and, yet, a day to be a bit saddened, as well.

It was the final day for live racing at Churchill Downs in 2021 — a year full of great accomplishments and great moments. Maxfield’s most recent win in the G1 Clark Handicap or Malathaat’s great victory in the G1 KY Oaks.

And, yet?

A year still full of great suspense, intrigue and bitter tastes of disappointment — due to the positive test result following Medina Spirit’s supposed win in the Kentucky Derby way back in May.

It has been a great year in so many ways. With Just Might’s win in the first ever Louisville Thoroughbred Society’s Stakes, or Bell’s the One and Sconsin’s great rivalry up and down the Churchill Downs’ homestretch.

Yet…

It has been a tough year in one, single, stupid, and either terribly malfeasant way or in a deceitful and criminal way. You pick. You be the jury.

But either way?

Butterflies in the stomach one moment. Singing of “My Old Kentucky Home” to singing in the rain these last few weeks.

And, stomach turning sick in another, due to whatever happens in the mysterious barn and/or mind of a Hall of Fame trainer named Bob Baffert, who could easily end a career in the “Hall of Shame.” You pick. You be the judge and jury.

But on Sunday, it was “closing day,” and it was another day our very own Holly M. Smith took camera in hand and painted some of the best pictures of what Churchill Downs truly is to all of us horse lovers —

Paradise.

And, on Sunday, we wish to remember the great, courageous, lovely young man by the name of Cody, and his wish for a Thoroughbred to be named for him.

On this Sunday, we wish to remember the courageous, lovely young Thoroughbred by the name of Cody’s Wish, who undoubtedly runs on the wings of angels for this boy who wanted him so.

On this Sunday, we wish to remember that despite the ills of society, there is great good in this sport that can heal the weak and break the strong; can lift the hearts and souls of the broken and can snap the hearts of others; that can make us look at a winner’s circle photo — through tears — of a child and a horse with love, admiration, and great gratitude.

On this Sunday, we wish to remember Cody and his horse. And, his dream. His wish come true.

Here’s Holly’s looks: