[1] Fans lined the paddock rails as some of the Kentucky-based Breeders' Cup champs paraded the paddock Sunday afternoon. Trainer Charlie Lopresti and Wise Dan, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Mile, trainer Ian Wilkes, jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr., breeder Janis Whitham and Fort Larned, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, trainers Fred and Buff Bradley and Groupie Doll, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, and trainer Dale Romans and Little Mike, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf, were honored as their champions paraded from the backside, along the racetrack in front of the grandstand, and to the paddock where the horses remained during the running of the eighth race. Also on hand were Jack Wolf and Ed Glasscock of Starlight Racing Partners, the connections of Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Shanghai Bobby.
“He’s a good horse and I’m all for letting the fans see him,” said Ian Wilkes, trainer of Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Fort Larned. “I’m all for anything to help racing.”
The Breeders’ Cup winners circled the paddock draped in the white Breeders’ Cup blankets emblazoned with their newly-adorned title of Breeders’ Cup champion as the winning owners, trainers, breeders and jockeys gathered in the paddock center.
“I think it’s good for the public and for the fans to be able to come out and see some Breeders’ Cup winners,” said Buff Bradley, trainer of Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Groupie Doll. “I think a lot of people back here in Kentucky felt like they’re a big part of it because so many of the horses were pulled from here.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to have wonderful partners and the fan support,” said Ed Glasscock of Starlight Racing Partners. “Churchill Downs honoring us today is really special,”
The connections of Wise Dan, Fort Larned, Little Mike, Groupie Doll, and Shanghai Bobby have each said that their horses will be back to race again next year.
Photo: J. Oswald
Photo: J. Oswald
Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer Photography
Photo: J. Oswald
Photo: J. Oswald
Photo: J. Oswald