After the Steeplechase 2014

My whole life has been about seeing what is behind the curtain.  I want to know how things are done.  This year I made an effort to dig deeper into what goes on away from all the hoopla of the Steeplechase.  This is where my peace is.  I enjoy parties but I have to find my secret, quiet place.  Big hats, wagers and mint juleps are not for me.  Give me lead ropes and fences to lean on.

Kentucky Derby 2014

It was a beautiful day on the track at Church Hill Downs.  But for the lowly ones of infield crowd the track, horses, jockeys and roses are not what you will see.  It was a record crowd this year.  I had no idea since this was my first Derby.  I only know that it was chaos and crazy.  I tried to breach the security to get in the boxes of the lucky "golden ticket holders" for a quick shot or two.  That was not going to happen on this particular day.  But somehow I did find myself among the band and an opportunity opened for me.  I ventured tentatively and cautiously out on to the track at least for a breather and to see the races in real time.  What worlds apart exist within the Derby itself.  Each group had its part and role. But because of having been quarantined to an area of mayhem I could not explore as freely as I wished and the sea of people was unbearable at times.  Will I go back?  Only as the privileged or press.