Calvin Borel at Laurel Park Nov.19,2016

 Me with Calvin Borel

On Nov.19,2016 The DeFrancis Dash Stakes race was run at Laurel Park. Calvin Borel had the mount on Ivan Fallunovalot for the race. Calvin is a three time Kentucky Derby winner (2007,09,10).

 Ivan Fallunovalot with Calvin Borel up winning the DeFrancis Dash at Laurel Park

 Calvin in Winners Circle

Ivan Fallunovalot with Calvin Borel up

Assateague Island Nov.12, 2016

 November 12th is my and Laurens Wedding Anniversary. This year, our 22nd, it fell on a Saturday. Lauren and I are forever connected by the ocean, so we decided to take a day trip to one of our favorite places, Assateague Island.

 We were lucky enough to find a couple of ponies out on the dunes.

 Jacob getting the close shot!

 His shot!

 The Chincoteague Pony was recognized as a breed in 1994

The Chincoteague Ponies live on Assateague Island which borders Maryland and Virginia. 

LOVE this place!!!

Empire Maker 2016

Empire Maker Drawing

Empire Maker currently stands at stud at Gainesway Farm in Lexington Kentucky. His best win was the Triple Crown Belmont in 2003. He is probably best know now for being the Sire of Pioneer of the Nile, and Grand Sire of Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah.

This drawing was done off photographs by Laurel Humbert, and used by permission. 

Goshen Hounds Opening Meet- Nov.6,2016

With Bethann 

I have written about Triple Crown Bugler Bethann Dixon numerous times on this Blog. Most recently at this years Maryland Million. During that weekend, she invited my family to the Opening Meet of the Goshen Hounds. The Goshen Hounds is a Fox Hunting Club that she belongs to. 

Goshen Hounds Opening Meet Invitation

November 6th arrived and was an absolutely gorgeous fall day. Jacob and I made the drive to Montgomery County in Maryland, and had no idea what to expect.

 Bethann playing Call To Post

After a wonderful breakfast buffet, everyone gathered around. Bethann played Call To Post, and the riders went off to prepare and mount up on their horses. 

 Bethann mounted up

There were a wide variety of people and horse breeds in the hunt club. For this hunt, the Master of Hounds wore red jackets, while the Field Riders wore black. 

Riders mounting up and gathering for the releasing of the hounds

 

 After the riders had all gathered mounted up on their horses, the hounds were brought out. I was surprised how many there actually were. They are a very high strung breed, but quite beautiful.

 Jacob with one of the Hounds

The Master of Hounds prepares to start the Hunt

When all the hunters were gathered and the hounds were released, the Master of Hounds gathered the hounds by blowing a horn. The Chaplain blessed the Riders, Dogs and the Hunt season. 

The Field Riders following the Master of Hounds

The hunt began with the Master of Hounds leading the hounds. The Field riders were divided into Field 1,2 and 3 riders. Field 1 being the stronger and faster horses and riders. 

As the hounds got on the trail of a fox, there were riders positioned around the patch of woods to look for the fox. 

 Field 3 Riders

 Riders on the hilltop prepare for the chase

 The chase concludes when the fox gets caught, or the fox "Holes up." The Master of hounds then prepares the dogs and the field riders for the next chase.

 Master of Hounds leading the dogs

 

Taking a break between hunts

Bethann during the hunt

 The farm that the Opening Meet was held in Montgomery County Maryland was beautiful. In addition to some large sculpture installations, there was various farm animals around. Jacob got a kick out of the lamas!

Jacob with a Lama

Once the dogs get on a scent, most of the dogs and riders disappear into the woods. I was told that the hunts take around three hours, and there are time when you don't see the hunters or dogs for a very long time. When the second chase began, Jacob and I headed home. 

Arrogate 2016

 Arrogate Drawing 11x14

Arrogate is a three year old Gray Colt. This summer on August 27th, I went to Saratoga Race Course (The Spa) for the first time. The feature race that day was the Travers, sometimes referred to as the Mid Summer Derby. Saratoga  has also been called the "Graveyard of Champions." Last year after winning the Triple Crown, American Pharoah lost the Travers before capturing the first ever Grand Slam by winning the Breeders Cup Classic in November. 

 Arrogate headed to Winners Circle with Mike Smith up

Despite being moved up in class and racing in his first Stakes Race, Arrogate took the lead early with a very fast pace. 

Arrogate with Mike Smith up

When they crossed the wire, Arrogate with Mike Smith up had won by 13 1/2 lengths in 1:59:36. That time broke a 37 year old track and Travers record for the 1 1/4 mile race.
The original photograph that I did the drawing from way used by permission from Curt Larson.