Pennsylvania Derby day was probably one of the best days of my life. So many things happened. It was such an incredible experience and I am so happy to be able to share it with you all.
The day started at 10 am, so as soon as gates opened, right away I bought a California Chrome pin. I then went to look around the track because I had never been to Parx before. As the morning continued on my picture was taken multiple times by many different people. I was featured on the Parx Facebook page, Chromie's Paddock on facebook, Jennie Rees's Twitter (@CJ_Jennie), and many more. It was very lovely to meet and be interviewed by Jennie Rees. She was so nice and kind. Jennie, being an amateur videographer, made an amazing video, featuring me in one part. The video can be found on The Courier Journal website.
Everyone at Parx was very nice and kind. The set up of the track was very perfect, the paddock was right by the track and the winner's circle was very close by, making things easy to get to. I spent a majority of my day at the paddock, taking pictures of the gorgeous thoroughbreds and waiting for Untapable and California Chrome to come so I could get a front rail spot (which I was able to do).
I met up with Averie Levanti, whom I had met on Haskell Day. We talked for a few minutes, before she had to go. I was able to ask her about Princess of Sylmar, and why she was retired (by the way Happy retirement Princess!).
Before, I waited at the paddock for 4 or 5 races, I was able to meet Steve Coburn and his wife. They were both so kind to me and told me they adored my poster. Mr.Coburn even signed it! It was such an amazing opportunity to meet them both. I was also able to meet Nick Martinez, a retired jockey who does very amazing paintings. His oil paintings were so very realistic looking. You can see some of his paintings on his website, www.nickmartinezart.com.
I stood at the rail of the paddock for many races, to make sure I got a front rail view when it was time for the Gallant Bob, Cotillion, and PA Derby. I had liked Fast Anna for the Gallant Bob. While the horses walked circles around the paddock I took as many pictures as I could.
The day started at 10 am, so as soon as gates opened, right away I bought a California Chrome pin. I then went to look around the track because I had never been to Parx before. As the morning continued on my picture was taken multiple times by many different people. I was featured on the Parx Facebook page, Chromie's Paddock on facebook, Jennie Rees's Twitter (@CJ_Jennie), and many more. It was very lovely to meet and be interviewed by Jennie Rees. She was so nice and kind. Jennie, being an amateur videographer, made an amazing video, featuring me in one part. The video can be found on The Courier Journal website.
Everyone at Parx was very nice and kind. The set up of the track was very perfect, the paddock was right by the track and the winner's circle was very close by, making things easy to get to. I spent a majority of my day at the paddock, taking pictures of the gorgeous thoroughbreds and waiting for Untapable and California Chrome to come so I could get a front rail spot (which I was able to do).
I met up with Averie Levanti, whom I had met on Haskell Day. We talked for a few minutes, before she had to go. I was able to ask her about Princess of Sylmar, and why she was retired (by the way Happy retirement Princess!).
Before, I waited at the paddock for 4 or 5 races, I was able to meet Steve Coburn and his wife. They were both so kind to me and told me they adored my poster. Mr.Coburn even signed it! It was such an amazing opportunity to meet them both. I was also able to meet Nick Martinez, a retired jockey who does very amazing paintings. His oil paintings were so very realistic looking. You can see some of his paintings on his website, www.nickmartinezart.com.
I stood at the rail of the paddock for many races, to make sure I got a front rail view when it was time for the Gallant Bob, Cotillion, and PA Derby. I had liked Fast Anna for the Gallant Bob. While the horses walked circles around the paddock I took as many pictures as I could.
In the end, Favorite Tale ended but winning and Fast Anna was second. I watched on Parx's huge screen as they lead Favorite Tale to the winner's circle. The next race was the Cotillion. Some of the best 3 year old fillies were competing, Untapable, Sweet Reason, Little Alexis and some more. Sadly, Stopchargingmaria was scratched from the race. Little Alexis just adored the crowd. She alway would stop and smile, it was adorable! Untapable ended up winning the Cotillion, which made me very happy! I waved my Untapable sign in the air and everyone was watching me. After the Cotillion there was a 45 minute wait till post time for the Grade 2 Pennsylvania Derby, featuring California Chrome, Bayern, Tapiture, and may amazing others. While we waited, California Chrome's owners, Perry Martin came over to me. He shook my hand and said "I'm California Chrome's #1 Fan!". Soon after that happened, Mr. Coburn came out with his wife. They stopped in the center of the paddock in front of me. I watched as Mrs. Coburn pointed to my sign and smiled. Sure enough, Mr. Coburn saw to and started walking over. All cameras were on us. Mr. Coburn leaned over the rail to hug me, then said "Give me a kiss for good luck!" then kissed me on the cheek! Everyone went crazy! At 37 minutes to post, the horses started coming out. As soon as California Chrome came out everyone went crazy! Behind me people had lined up just to get a glimpse of this magnificent horse. There was even people lined up the stairs. The horses walked the paddock, and there were so many people with cameras. this was a moment no one wanted to forget. My friend Adrianna squeezed in next to me on the rail and we took pictures together. As the horses took to the track for the post parade, everyone left the paddock and tried to crowd around the rail and the winner's circle. It was craziness. I was able to get out and get close to the winner's circle but not at the front. The crowed waited for the horses to go into the gate. I was nervous. Tapiture and Bayern were looking really good. There was also a possibility for Cj's Awesome to do something. As they loaded in the gate, fans cheered. Breaking from the gate, Chrome had a good break but so did Bayern. Through out the race, Bayern held the lead. As they rounded the corner into the backstretch, I knew Bayern was going to win. I watched as California Chrome tried to get in front but just couldn't. Bayern crossed the line by himself, 5 lengths in front of the other horses, while Chrome fell back to sixth. There was a photo for fourth between Noble Moon and CJ's Awesome. The people who chose Bayern to win, clapped and cheered, while the Chromie's sighed. It was not California Chrome's day. Yes, Chrome didn't win, but it wasn't such a bad day. It was amazing! For the last race of the day, my father and I stood at the rail in front of the turn into the backstretch. It was cool to see the horses rush by. My first time trip to Parx was overall amazing. I met Adriana, saw Averie again, got to see Untapable win, I met Chrome's owners, and got to see Chrome himself in person. According to Art Sherman, California Chrome is still looking towards the BC Classic on November 1st. I would like to give a huge thanks to my Dad for taking me to Parx and making it a wonderful day, and my Mom who talked my Dad into it. Love you guys! I'm sorry this post is long over due, but I was trying to find a way to include everything that happened. My next post will be about Super Saturday at Belmont and the races at Santa Anita. |