Ellis Park Friday: Through the Eyes & Lens(es) of Coady Photography

(Derby Date / All Photos by Coady Photography)

Editor’s Note:

While most of the racing world’s eyes and attention spans are directed at either “The Spa” at Saratoga or “Turf Meets Surf” at Del Mar, Kentucky is not without its’ own summer oasis.

Ellis Park — the quaint, little, county-fair like meet that is hosted on the banks of the Ohio River in Henderson, KY. — is better known in some parts as the “Pea Patch.” The reason is simple. There’s a field of soybeans growing in the infield.

Thus…

“Pea…”

“Patch…”

The beans have been there for quite some time.

Maybe they have been grown there ever since the river shifted gears — and paths — and cut Ellis Park off from Kentucky and onto a little island that is now drifting into Indiana.

But we still claim it as our own.

Proudly.

And, we still love to travel West and into the sauna of the summer. Blue jeans shorts are still in style. Boots are the norm. You will see more than an occasional cowboy hat or a guy that may resemble Richard Petty. A retro “STP” hat — with the brim curled up and a ring of sweat/salt stains that turn the original red tint a bit more pink — can be spotted on a boy or two looking for a girl or two.

The music is country.

The people are country.

The racetrack is pure country.

It is OUR country. From stem to stern. Tune it up Blake Shelton and warble in sync. This is OUR country.

Most of all, though, it is pure Americana fun. Right to the core.

And, truth be known, the racing is damn good. If you want to come and run, bring it on. But you had better bring your “A Game.” It will take it if you plan on winning.

Here’s a few looks from the fine team at Coady Photography on Friday afternoon: