(To there winner belongs the spoils of KY Oaks 151 — Good Cheer / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

I would not be able to do this blog without the amazing help from and confidence in Holly M. Smith. She is an amazing photographer and artist in her own right. But? She also shelters all kinds of animals throughout the years to help them find a new forever home. She is the youth director and amazing assistant to a Church that neighbors Church-ill Downs and helps the underprivileged in so many of God’s ways. She works full time. And, she still finds time to ride and show her own horses and take the most amazing photos that will last with us forever.

She is back again for this KY Oaks and Derby season 151.

Thank you, Holly, for all you do.

Thank you, Holy Holly, for all you do.

Here’s her looks from Friday — Kentucky Oaks Day:

The Sights…(If Not the Sounds) of KY Oaks Day 151: 

G1 Ashland Stakes Winner La Cara in the Post Parade for the KY Oaks:

Ballerina d’Oro doing the same:

Quietside, also parading:

Press Conference for the connections of Good Cheer:

Steve Buttleman:

Chasten:

Shred the Gnar:

Lights…Holly’s Cameras…Action…

Gowell’s Delight:

The Grand Ole’ Twin Spires:

Nitrogen Was On Fire:

The Hats…THE Jordan Blair…And, the “blinkers of the day…”

Fierceness Sets Track Record in Huge Victory:

The Champ & Still “The Champ:” Thorpedo Anna…

First Turn of the La Troienne & The Final Furlong of the La Troienne:

Hat of the Day:

Taxed was surely that on Friday:

Taxed Connections:

Jockey Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.:

Raging Sea: 

She Feels Pretty: 

Look Forward: 

Queen Maxima: 

Pretty People; Pretty Ribbons; Pretty Saddle Cloths:

Simply Joking readies for Oaks: 

Good Cheer On the Walk Over for KY Oaks 151:

Trainer Ken McPeek sloshing over in the mud bath:

Kentucky Oaks first stretch run…and final stretch run…Good Cheers all around…