(Yes It’s Ginger / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

I just found out a few days ago that my great friends — the Utleys — own a piece of Yes It’s Ginger, a nice filly who races under the tutelage of trainer Greg Foley. Oh, I knew that Joe Kristufek had a piece, through Brilliant Racing. He’s a fine chap, and I like Joe tremendously. But the Utleys? I love that family.

You see, it was nearly 30 years ago that I first met Ed Utley, who owned the Anheuser-Busch distributorship in Henderson, KY. I got the job to lobby for the Kentucky Beer Wholesalers Association in 1995. First gig I got after hanging out my shingle. Luckily and fortunately, I still get to represent them in so many different ways still today. These folks are some of my family now.

One of the first people I met in this life’s journey was Mr. Utley. He came up to me after a meeting I had presided over and his remarks were short and sometimes sweet. “Make the meetings short. We have to get to the racetrack.”

We became fast, fast friends. About as fast as Yes It’s Ginger.

Through the years, I tried to heed Mr. Utley’s words. As best as I could. And, he was right. We needed to get to the racetrack. And, we did. Sometimes, it was in person at Ellis Park. Sometimes, it was over the phone. Sometimes, we just made it work by not going to real work. Nature was calling.

Sadly, the world lost Mr. Utley several years ago. But the ball didn’t fall far from this sturdy oak tree. His sons and family picked up the mantle. They still operate their family-owned and family-themed beer business. Mike still drives a beer truck. So does Mark, from time to time. They are old-school. They do it themselves. They do it right.

And, there was one other trait that Mr. Utley passed along, too. His love for the horse.

Mike and family now own a part of Yes It’s Ginger and they got a chance to celebrate in style at Ellis Park on Sunday. Their filly won a Stakes that is part of the KY Downs Preview series held in Henderson.

The beer was cold. The weather was hot. And, Yes It’s Ginger was perfect.

The party was on.

It was good to see the family again, as I bumped into the Utley’s on Saturday. Brought back so many great memories and stories of our times together.

It was good to see Yes It’s Ginger romp to her win for the group, too. I imagine it made Mr. Utley’s day. It sure made mine.

Here’s a look at Yes It’s Ginger and others from the eyes and lens of our very own Holly M. Smith. She is the best, too.

Yes It’s Ginger:

Other Highlights: