Coal Battle Arrives at Churchill Downs for KY Derby 151: Through the Eyes & Lens of Holly M. Smith

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(Coal Battle exits the van after arriving at his new headquarters — Churchill Downs / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

They are coming. They are coming.

The big boys and girls are coming to town.

Kentucky Derby 151 is just about here, and, per the annual custom, the most highly touted 3-year-old colts and fillies are headed to town for the “Run for the Roses,” and the Kentucky Oaks.

On Sunday, one of the first to arrive, showed up at Churchill Downs. Coal Battle, who won the G2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park before running 3rd in the G1 Arkansas Derby, shipped in for veteran trainer Lonny Briley.

The colt, by Coal Front, won 4 races in a row before running behind Sandman and Publisher in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on March 29.

He’s now in Louisville to get his final instructions and preparations before the first Saturday in May.

Here’s a look — through the eyes and lens of the incredible Holly M. Smith:

2025-04-07T08:23:37-04:00By 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