I've never been to the races before. On Sunday, Feb 20, 2011, I had the opportunity to attend the races at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, AR. Our photography club, the Arkansas Outdoor Photographers Club , was Oaklawn's guest. The Oaklawn staff granted our club exclusive access (thank you Jennifer Hoyt, Media Relations Advisor, and staff) to the stables area before the race and front row photo access during the race. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes peek at the race preparations and practice. Being up close to the race was exciting--experiencing the raw power and thundering hooves of the horses, the intense focus of the jockeys, mud-spattered horses and riders charging towards the finish line, the jockey's colorful silks, and don't forget the delicious, world-famous rueben sandwiches--oh, it was a great day at the races! Something I learned is that at a point in its gallop, all of a horse's hooves are off the ground. At least one of my photos captures that! Enjoy....