Each horse is checked in
Racing horses are given an exam before approved for that day. This one knows the drill and looks across the fields to its competitors.
Let's just make sure you are who you say you are
The temporary stables become a hub of activity in the morning. The bridles are hanging, and as always sports jackets on hangers.
Dave's converted field medical truck has a widescreen TV, coolers, and Maryland Pride.
Bethany Baumgardner listens to the pre-race briefing. Each race is preceded by a narration of the course, where the conditions are soft, and a reminder to be safe and not push animals too hard.
Pre-race briefing
Eric Poretz and Bethany Baumgardner listen to the warnings about soft soil in certain areas do the wet spring.
This is all that holds the rider onto a nearly two ton animal that runs at thirty miles an hour and jumps six feet in the air.
The post-punk band "Steeplechase Jockeys" takes to the stage
Line up at the weigh station
It may not be the tallest, but it is unforgiving. One jockey said to me 'you must respect this fence'
Sam Robinson capturing the afternoon with style and timeless presence.
The Fourth Fence at the Grand National is about as close as you can get to the action. This photo was taken with a 28 mm lens and the horses are a dozen feet away.
A few laughs before the the final race of the day
The horses leap ten feet before the fence and land even further on the other side, about as far the world record human long jump of twenty-nine feet four inches.
A celebratory moment. Aaron Sinnott rode the winner for the final race
When you go to accept your trophy, best to be wearing your silks
Young racers readying for their races
Every event has a pre-race briefing; this is serious business
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