(Fulleffort and rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. after winning the G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park on Saturday / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

It has been a long, hard winter and I must say the recent warm temperatures have made me long for the best time of year — Spring springs eternal — even more. On Saturday, I got to see my great friend and “House Photographer” — Holly M. Smith — at Turfway Park for the G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks. We both came out of hibernation and it was so fun to see her, reacquaint once again and feel the sun splash down from the sky.

Surely, the best racing in the entire world is upon us once again.

Surely, we can get back outside — without fear of freezing or freezing rain — and enjoy the company of both horse and human.

Surely, we can rejoice and reunion with friends, family, new foals, new foliage, and the future of horse racing in the Commonwealth.

On Saturday, we did all that. And, with a libation or two in hand.

Here’s a few looks from Holly on G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks Day. It was good to see her. It was good to see her photographs again.

 

And…of course, they are off and running…

Black Hornet: 

Fulleffort: 

Tailing Off…

Jeff Ruby Steaks Contender — Medici: 

Lorelei Lee & the Bourbonette Stakes: 

Dave Portnoy: 

Lovely Grey: 

The Man of the Hours — Jeff Ruby: 

Dave Portnoy & Trainer Kelsey Danner: 

The Carnations for the Coronation: 

Willy Ds Celebration Time:

Back to Back:

Willy Ds

Saddle Up: 

Mercante: 

Jayson Werth: 

Outfielder: 

The Ladies Beautiful: 

Outfielder Was a Winner:

Rider Kazushi Kimuri: 

Hall of Fame Rider John Velazquez & Bull by the Horns:

So Tell Me, What’s Wrong With Racing? 

Bull by the Horns:

Gene McLean, the beautiful Leigh Ann & Friends

Stylish Sue:

Hat Trick:

 

“Self-ie Time”

Fulleffort Brought a full effort in G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks: