Past the Grandstand: Breeders' Cup 2012: Saturday

While attending Breeders' Cup Saturday, I overhead many people expressing the great amount of fun they were having. When it comes down to it, the Breeders' Cup truly is "fun." At the Breeders' Cup, not only does one witness the greatest athletes in Thoroughbred racing parade before the grandstand prior to challenging each other in races that are among the richest in the world, but one feels the magic, the pride, and the glamour that hovers in the air on illustrious race days.

One of the most beautiful moments on any race day is the presentation of the national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner. On a special race day such as a Breeders' Cup day, the performance of our nation's song is often presented in an exceptional manner. This year, the display of our nation's colors, in the form of a very large flag held across the homestretch, as a strong vocalist sang the national anthem was sure to be a memorable presentation. But that wasn't what was memorable about the moment. Audio difficulties prevented the crowd from hearing the singer, but suddenly the fans at Santa Anita launched into singing the Star Spangled Banner together, honoring our country as we stood overlooking the Great Race Place. The flaws became perfection, commencing the Breeders' Cup races in touching fashion.

The Breeders' Cup races on Saturday's card provided for a great series of emotional moments, pageantry, and, of course, excitement. The best Thoroughbreds in the world traveled past me as they exited the tunnel en route to entering the oval prior to dancing by in the post parade. Then the great thrills of the spectacular Breeders' Cup races came, seeing the elite athletes battle for victory, either coasting to an easy victory or vying ardently for the win. It was without a doubt a day to be remembered, with many notable moments - including the incredible runs by the outstanding Wise Dan and 2011 Kentucky Derby (GI) winner Animal Kingdom in the Mile, as well as the stirring stretch duel between Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man in the Classic - taking place before the San Gabriel Mountains. As always, the 2012 Breeders' Cup was an event I will forever hold dear to my heart.

I will likely write more about specific races soon, but in the meantime, enjoy photographs by my mother of highlights from Saturday's Breeders' Cup action.