all in The Life

Contemporary Thoroughbred racing in North America is indebted to several significant individuals, and perhaps none more than Frank Stronach, who purchased his first racehorse in 1962 and in the 57 years since has expanded to own several racetracks, campaign numerous champions, and develop bold, creative ideas such as the Pegasus World Cup Invitational.

One requirement in her morning job is to not fight the horse. At night, well, it's closer to no holds barred.

That's the career tug of war, rare in this case, Chel-c Bailey faces most days. As an exercise rider and aspiring jockey, Bailey relies on finesse to keep a 1,100-pound Thoroughbred race-ready. Flip the emotion switch and she becomes Chel-c "Battle Born" Bailey, unbeaten MMA fighter. 

I love to wander through the crowds at the Longines Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve to people-watch. I have a keen appreciation for fans who wear Derby-related clothing, equine jewelry, and whimsical hats. I noticed Libby Ludwig standing in line to have her photo taken at the Ram truck display (the official truck of the Kentucky Derby).

NOTE: Omaha Beach was scratched from the Kentucky Derby on May 1 due to an entrapped epiglottis. 

Taylor Cambra sits and looks you right in the eye. “I was a really bad kid in school from the first grade. I was naughty enough that my teachers had to call my parents often. They had to come up with a solution, so my father always took me to the track in the morning before school. It ended up going from a punishment to more of a privilege. I loved going to the track.”

For over 40 years, Three Chimneys Farm has been a major presence in the competitive Thoroughbred industry. Starting as a small family operation boarding mares in 1972 by Robert and Blythe Clay, the Woodford Co., Ky., farm entered the competitive stallion market in the early 1980s but emphasized quality over quantity in its approach.

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