Not just the races--that was an event

As I said before I went, I have been to the races before--Golden Gate Fields and the local fairs--but nothing comes close to what swirled around me last weekend at Santa Anita.

Breeders' Cup is so far beyond that and it took my breath away with the level of competition, the celebrity and the pageantry.

It was an EVENT with bells, whistles and lots of color.

Aside from the excitement of seeing up close and personal horses normally viewed on television, Santa Anita was a live place--full of people from all over who love the sport of racing. And not just the sport, the horses--the gleaming athletes snorting, prancing, dancing their way to the starting gate.

We were there to talk aftercare with race fans, not just to absorb the energy, and talk we did. In fact, we were told over and over again how glad people were to see us there, how good it was to see the track supporting us.

We met lots of people who love their current and ex-racehorses and we even had our very own equine spokes-model, Lenny. Lenny was not sure why all the other horses were parading without him, but he got lots of attention and admiration even if he wasn't racing.

Pictures speak louder than words, so enjoy just a few of the over 500 shots I took over the weekend.

Wise Dan wins the turf mile

Karen, Devon and Jess at the booth

Jess and Lenny the spokes-horse

Trinniberg, another winner

Mizdirection after her win--against the boyz!

Spotty horse on the track! Gotta love the outriders.

I am already planning  next years' trip.