(Further Ado wins the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs on Saturday / All Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

On Saturday, Churchill Downs held the second “Stars of Tomorrow” program for the 2025 year, and it was magnificent performances by some sparkling 2-year-old horses, all of whom hold a lot of promise and potential for days, and, perhaps, Stakes races to come.

There at the big oval was our very own “Star of Yesterday,” “Star of Today,” and “Star of Tomorrow, Forever,” as well, in Holly M. Smith. She captured all the glory and the horses that shined the brightest on a sun-splashed day that reigned supreme.

In addition to the magnificent purse structure, which attracts owners and trainers and top horses alike, Churchill Downs unveiled a new program by handing out $350,000 to breeders of the horses carded.

Hopefully, just a year from yesterday, we will add to the program with some new additions that will promote and highlight the greatest game on Earth. Stay tuned. We have some stuff to do.

But, for now, here’s Holly:

Cannoneer: 

On Time Girl: 

Paige Turner: 

Jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr.: 

And, They Are Off…

Awards Day: 

Cherokee Nation: 

Further Ado:

Universe: 

Cherokee Nation: 

Further Ado: 

Soldier N Diplomat: 

Further Ado: 

Bella Ballerina: 

Life of Joy: 

Just Singing: 

Life of Joy: 

Atropa: 

Further Ado: 

Bella Ballerina: 

Essential Coffee Proves a Rider Is “NOT” Essential:

Bella Ballerina: 

Further Ado: 

No Joke Joe: 

 

Liberty National: 

Kentucky Belle: 

The Green, Green Grass of Home Stretch:

A Festive Kind of a Day:

Stop the Car: 

Trainer & U.S. Senate Candidate Dale Romans: 

Stop the Car: 

Gallivant: 

Stradale:

Boyd:

The McLeans & Nolans Enjoy “Stars of Tomorrow II:”

 

Is That Santa Claus, or, er, Gene McLean?:

Stop the Car:

Boyd: