Mage Shines Bright: Through the Eyes & Lens of Holly M. Smith

(Mage / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

The Derby has come and gone. Countdown to KY Derby 150 is underway. Here we come history-in-the-making.

But before we depart too far down the road to tomorrow, our great friend, Holly M. Smith, do another tour of duty on the backside this week to catch up with some of the heroes of yesterday (does seem like yesterday, doesn’t it?), and the ones that still are “in the making.”

Here’s some of Holly’s amazing, amazing looks from Wednesday at the Churchill Downs’ famed backside:

Kentucky Derby winning trainer Gustavo Delgado:

Kentucky Derby winner Mage:

Important Notice: “Please Don’t Touch the Horse” Who Has Become “The Horse”

More Mage:

Time for a Look at the Future:

Mage Still Wears His KY Derby Saddle Towel:

2023-05-11T10:26:18-04:00By 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