The energy surrounding the Triple Crown this year was impressive. 'American Pharaoh' was on everyones lips and money, anticipation and pure love for him was in the air. Belmont park was swelling with people hoping to witness a part of history, and that we did. The security tried holding the inner crowd of the paddock back as number 5 was about to enter the tunnel. But the fans, trying to capture the moment on iphones or just get a glimpse of the magnificent animal flooded toward American Pharaoh as the duo made their way to the track. Once the race began, I remember an eerie silence. He was in front. Should he be leading? I thought, is Victor actually holding him back? As they turned for home, the blinding sun was setting behind the galloping silhouettes as the dust and dirt flew in the air. The camera panned out. American Pharaoh was still leading and the crowd exploded with a roar. Everyones inner soul was screaming in awe. American Pharaoh was effortless; his hooves were hardly making contact with the turf. We all just yelled and I cried. He won by a widening 5 ½ lengths and completing the distance in 2:26.65, the sixth-fastest in Belmont history and second-fastest for a Triple Crown winner since Secretariat set the track record of 2:24 in 1973. How special for so many humans to be so proud of one horse. I love these days, when the masses can have love for the horse- to see what these animals are truly capable of. I am in awe of horses everyday, they are my muses. I was truly inspired by this athlete and his accomplishment. I will never forget the feeling of witnessing an event so incredible that it will be remembered for lifetimes to come.
These images are the 8 Belmont Stakes Contenders, moments before entering the tunnel to the racetrack.
Hall of Famer, Mike Smith has won the Belmont Stakes twice in the past five years.
John Velazquez, won his first Triple Crown race aboard filly Rags to Riches in the 2007 Belmont Stakes. 2004 and 2005 Eclipse Award winner.
Words cannot express the inspiration that overcomes me when I'm surrounded by incredible athletes. I have an immense level of respect for these riders and horses. The intense Florida sun casts perfect shadows and creates beautiful highlights on the muscle juxtaposed against the fine bone structure and veins of the horse.
Sometimes you just have to step away from the painting and find the movement again. Sketching riderless polo horses & drinking coffee...non stop.
An inspirational nudge from an old friend, Robyn.
It's Polo season! This weekend I had the opportunity to spend a morning photographing Southampton Polo practice. Check out the Equine Photography gallery for more images.
'Unlimited Budget' and Rosie Napravnik at the starting gate of the 2013 Belmont Stakes.
I always love the energy from the crowd as they sing "New York, New York" while the starting gate is put into place.
Front row view "and they're off!"
Check out that stride! The Thoroughbreds sound like thunder. So powerful.
I recently returned home to New York City from a wonderful visit with my dear friend, Jordan (Siegel) Gilchrist. Its been many years since we rode together on The Savannah College of Art and Designs Equestrian Team . I had the opportunity to watch her show for a week before having the honor of being a bridesmaid as she married Dr. David Gilchrist.
Hurricane Sandy was a massive storm; she was impressive in size and her strength was unbearable. The Rockaways, NY was one of the countless areas extremely effected by the natural disaster. After donating supplies to a local coffee shop in the Lower East Side of Manhattan I was able to join them on their journey east; gaining further respect for nature and befriending members of a resilient community. These images are to remind us years from now what we as humans working together can overcome. They are to be used as reference in the future as an indication of what a storm of Sandy's nature is capable of.
Hurricane Sandy was a massive storm; she was impressive in size and her strength was unbearable. The Rockaways, NY was one of the countless areas extremely effected by the natural disaster. After donating supplies to a local coffee shop in the Lower East Side of Manhattan I was able to join them on their journey east; gaining further respect for nature and befriending members of a resilient community. These images are to remind us years from now what we as humans working together can overcome. They are to be used as reference in the future as an indication of what storms of Sandys' nature are capable of.