Churchill Downs’ Sloppy Saturday: Through the Eyes & Lens of Holly M. Smith

Gene McLean |

(Silver Prospector stole the show on Saturday, rallying late to capture the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

It was a dreary, cold, wet and mucky day at Churchill Downs on Saturday. Just perfect for racing. Just perfect for Holly M. Smith. Just perfect for some world class photo opps.

Here’s a look, from our “just perfect” Holly M. Smith:

(South Bend couldn’t last in the stretch and suffered his first career loss in 4 starts / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

(Tiz the Law has the look of a horse that will return to Churchill Downs in May / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

(Bayerness on Saturday / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

(Blackberry Wine / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

(The grand Finite was spectacular — again / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

(Finnick the Fierce ran 2nd at a huge price in the KY Jockey Club / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

The horse broke well today,” Gaffalione said. “I had the horse inside, Dunph, going to the lead and then (Gun It) showed a little bit of speed. When I saw they were intent on going I just tried to get him back and got him to relax. He came back to me nicely and settled well down the backside. Got a little keen going into the far turn and wanted to move a little early. But I didn’t want to take too much away from him so I tried to sit as long as I could. He was waiting on horses down the lane but I kept him at task and there was plenty of horse there.”

“Mark (Casse, the trainer) and his team have done a great job,” Gaffalione said. “They’ve had a ton of confidence in this horse the whole way. It’s just an honor to be able to ride the horse. He’s just so professional, trains great and he’s a pleasure to be around.”

Tyler Gaffalione, Rode of War of Will to victory in the G2 Risen Star Stakes at the Fair Grounds
  • Gene McLean

    Gene McLean

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    Gene McLean began his professional career in 1977 as a sportswriter and columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader in Lexington, Ky., and was recognized as one of the state’s best writers, winning the prestigious “Sportswriter of the Year” honor in 1985. Now the President and Publisher of The Pressbox, McLean sets ...

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