Tension and excitement build, waiting for the Juddmore International Stakes race to begin August 21 in the Ebor Meet at York, England.
LaFranco Dettori rides Authorized towards the racecourse. The horse is trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam and is owned by Saleh Al Homeizi and Imad Al Sagar.
Here they come, full speed ahead!
The horses round the bend at a spirited pace.
Dettori powers Authorized past strong competitors Dylan Thomas, Duke of Marmelade and NotNowCato.
Dettori urges Authorized onward towards the finish line.
He's got it! Authorized wins the Juddmonte International Stakes, Group 1, Class 1! Racing pundits expect Authorized to be a strong contender at the Prix de l'arc de Triomphe on October 7 at Hippodrome de Longchamp, Paris.
Race officials and photographers wait for Frankie Dettori to ride Authorized into the Winner's Circle at York.
One of the horse's owners is interviewed by local television.
An Equidia television reporter from Paris interviews one of Authorized's happy owners.
A jubiliant LaFranco Dettori riding Authorized is led into the Winner's Circle.
Dettori talks to officials, after his traditional victory leap from the horse.
Mission accomplished, Frankie Dettori heads to the jockey quarters for post-race procedures.
All photos are copyright of Tara Bradford and may not be used without express permission.
Why is it that I don't see a sign of a saddle?? The stirrups I see; but above that: only a blanket.
Are they riding essentially bareback???
Tara responds:
The saddles are covered by the thin blankets containing the race numbers of the horse. They are definitely wearing saddles!
Posted by: joy | 05 September 2007 at 18:15
Wow! Such great shots.....
Posted by: wendy | 02 September 2007 at 19:05
I just loved these pictures- all of them and the previous ones as well. You are too talented, Tara dear! These just remind me of my favorite mystery writer, Dick Francis, and all his tales of murder and mystery at the races! Perhaps there was a little mystery going on in some of the photos and we don't even know it!
These are some of my favorite photos now, Tara. Thanks for sharing with all of us your lovely holiday- makes me ache for England again...
xo
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | 31 August 2007 at 19:03
Oh my. God did not make a more beautiful animal, imo. I swear! I love horses.Look at the power! Your shots are wonderful.
:)
Posted by: Amber | 31 August 2007 at 03:38
What wonderful photos and words I was on the edge of my seat!
XOX
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen Robinson | 30 August 2007 at 23:13
Great shots of a day at the races Tara. I really got a kick out of the girlfriend of the jockey and the three hat ladies. :)
HUGS
Posted by: Tammy | 30 August 2007 at 22:13
These are the most amazing shots - I swear you could hear the starting bell, the sound of the hooves hitting the track, the crowd roaring. I love seeing the hats and finery in the previous set as well. A day at the races and I never even had to leave my home....nor place a bet!
XOXO
Posted by: Lisa 'Oceandreamer' S. | 30 August 2007 at 18:44
Tara - these are wonderful shots and this was a great post!! Faith and I JUST watched "Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story" with Dakota Fanning and Kurt Russell (amongst others) yesterday. That movie always has me in tears. I didn't expect to love it. Faith gets up on the couch and cheers every time like she doesn't know who's going to win.
Gorgeous photos.
Posted by: holli | 30 August 2007 at 17:53
Great photos and feelings. I could almost hear them! My aunt and uncle would love this post, they are big horse fans.
Posted by: Riana | 30 August 2007 at 17:50
I've been to York many times but never to the races. Your photos are great and it was just like being at the event.
Posted by: martina | 30 August 2007 at 16:35
Tara,
Here I sit in Minnesota and yet I was in York! Wonderful photos and interesting choices to shoot. Inspiring.
Thanks for the day 'out'.
Mary Ann
Posted by: mary ann | 30 August 2007 at 14:25
Great story, great pics! A fun post. More please.
Posted by: RD | 30 August 2007 at 12:30
Wonderful pictorial of the event. Congrats to the winners! JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 30 August 2007 at 08:34
Wonderful pictures. One would think you are a the official photographer for this horse and owners. The turf is so lovely and green. Only in Britain could it grow quite like that. Racing on sod seems so much nicer than on dirt tracks.
Posted by: Philip | 30 August 2007 at 05:46
splendid
splendid! shots Tara!
Posted by: Maddie | 30 August 2007 at 05:08
Superb pics of the race and those beautiful horses! Were you standing in the middle of the course?? :)
I love the people pics and their wonderful hats and outfits....
You set this up with the tension just right. Loved it Tara.
I feel like I've been to the races
Posted by: awareness | 30 August 2007 at 04:00
the horses are beautiful..but, good god, look at those hats!! :)-
Posted by: Jessie | 30 August 2007 at 02:41
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant post!
Loved it.
You captured the feel perfectly.
And every picture is fantastic, with so much detail to look at.
Congratulations!
oh - I just saw your other race post.
I like this one better!
Posted by: Freefalling | 30 August 2007 at 01:28