The weather was cold by
South Florida standards...52degrees with a wind
chill that made it feel like 45 degrees. There
went my Harlem Rocker outfit plans..I dressed
for the weather with a hint of Harlem Rocker.
Black and Red in layers, lots of turtleneck and
wool jacket...and my rhinestone horse & jockey
lapel pin.
I arrived at Gulfstream
Park at 10:30am with every intention of securing
a good location to take pictures for photos in
two locations. I scouted a location on the walk
over. I was getting goosebumps, not from the
cold, but from watching the arrival of the horse
vans. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of HR, but
no luck. I did manage to get an autograph from
Nick Zito. He was so gracious and modest. He
actually asked me if I was sure I wanted his
autograph.
I ran into my friend
who is a trainer at Calder. He introduced me to
so many trainers and exercise riders. I missed
meeting Angel Cordero. He had just spoken with
him when he saw me on the walkover path.
I tested another
location...the walking ring., The sun was
beaming bright at this point and I needed to be
sure that I had tested the cameras for good
lighting and the perfect location.
With all of this done,
I proceeded to my walk over location at the
final turn. I watched the horses walk over and
back for each race.
The most frightening
race was Race 3...They couldn't get the gate out
of the way. One outrider headed towards the
horses running in the race during the race to
warn the jockeys to stop. The whole group I was
with were yelling " pull them up-stop the
horses". Finally the gate began to move, but the
horses were at the final turn by this point and
some were slowed and some ran through the narrow
opening. What a scare. The race was declared a
"no contest". The gate guys were actually towing
one tractor with another.
By the 6th race it was
getting cooler. The sky became overcast and the
wind shifted from the North (brrrr).
During the 7th race, I
went to my car to get the all important Harlem
Rocker hat and Welcome Back H.R. We missed
you!!! poster.
I stationed myself in
the walking ring area on the front rail near the
#7 station. Two gentlemen proceeded to stand
next to the #7 inside the walking ring. Security
questioned them, but they told him that they
were with #7(Harlem Rocker). The excitement was
mounting.I glanced at the toteboard and there he
was...The big beautiful white horse...Yes, I
said white. There is hardly a hint of grey on
his body. A gentleman insisted on asking me who
H.R. was when he was reading the poster. I told
him the most beautiful horse in the race. The
lady next to me seemed puzzled, since she and
her husband made it clear they were QR fans.
I stood my ground and
refused to move from my spot. The applause went
up when QR entered the area. I shouted for HR
when he arrived into the area(not to be out
done).
It was at this point I
took the photos and realized that Frank Stronach
was watching me and the poster with amusement.
He gave me a smile and mouthed "Thank you".
I was thinking to
myself. What a good match- a good looking horse
and a handsome groom. The newly appointed Harlem
Rocker fan (the inquisitive gentleman) kept
going on and on about how good looking HR is. I
had to chuckle.
I raced from the
walking ring area to the rail to get pictures of
HR in the post parade.(Sorry these aren't as
clear)
As the horses
approached the first turn,I noticed that Eibar
was making his move.In the past he didn't make
this move until nearing the final turn. I know
the track was running fast. I couldn't tell if
HR was pulling or if Eibar was urging. Remember
the wind was in their faces on the front portion
of the race and behind them on the final turn.
I did manage a few
final turn photos.
The groom wouldn't slow
down to let me get post race photos....If given
another chance, I will be more persuasive.
QR ran a good race and
looked in form. I want to see a copy of the
replay really see the full race.
BUT...Harlem Rocker
looks good, healthy and in good spirits. As I
told him on his return to the stables- "Win,
Lose or Draw, we're still Friends
of Harlem Rocker"
Enjoy the photos and I
hope to see you at the races....
