THIS was Derby 136!
DERBY 136: If three words were to describe Derby 2010 they would be: mud, muddy, and mud pit! Ok, that’s four words. But seriously, this has been the wettest Derby I’ve ever attended and I’ve been to six Derbies.
But even though I also went to Churchill Downs the previous day on a beautiful, sunny Oaks Day and I still had more fun shooting Derby in the rain!
I prepared myself with wrapping my gear in plastic bags, taping them tightly to the lens. That’s the only thing I cared about not getting wet. I know for a fact that at one point I looked like a wet poodle from being out in the rain in the infield. My shoes were muddy and later I found mud on other parts of my clothing. But it was FUN being there!!!
I shot pictures for the Courier-Journal. My assignment was “hats” and later for the race I was on the roof of Churchill Downs. Some of the pictures below never made it in the paper.
Jamie Harris of Louisville has been coming to the Kentucky Derby for 14 consecutive years. She came prepared all wrapped in plastic as she is sitting on her favorite bench in the Paddock.
Keri Kirsch of Louisville, came prepared all wrapped in plastic.
Dennie Humphrey kisses his girlfriend Saundra Turner after she lovingly tied his tie. Humphrey owns the Monkeywrench, a local bar.
Plenty of beautiful faces and pretty hats among the Grandstand. Then,…. I ventured into the infield – oh boy!
Mud wrestling was happening where ever you looked.
He's making attempts at cleaning himself up.
Boys will be boys, and girls will be girls. One of my favorite pictures of the day!
After transmitting these pictures I made my way to the roof of Churchill Downs to shoot the Derby race. Once I got up there I realized I must have the best vantage point, but it was quite a bit windy up there. Here are the pictures from up there.
The photographers line up for the "money shot".
We could see from the roof how this poor guy fell from the Port-o-Pots just as another comes out of one.
The Paddock with the Derby horses.
The crowd in the first turn.
The Derby horses make their way to the starting gates.
Calvin Borel riding Super Saver wins Kentucky Derby 136
Jockey Calvin Borel pumps his fist after his win. This is his third Derby win.
The Winner's Circle as seen from the roof.
The Louisville skyline as seen from the back of Churchill Downs' roof.
All in all it was a wet but also very fun Derby. I just realized I hadn’t shot the Derby for the Courier-Journal since 2004, it was good to be back. After Derby I got ready for my next assignment that same day. See the pictures of the Darrel Griffith party above.