Illinois Derby Day at Hawthorne in Photos

Saturday's card at Hawthorne Race Course was special for three reasons: the Sixty Sails Handicap (Gr. III), the 58th running of the Illinois Derby (Gr. III), and, for personal reasons, race 4--a maiden special weight.

A 4-year-old gelding named Calusa Red was entered in race 4. A small chestnut, he is bred and owned by a good friend of mine, Christine. I first met Calusa as a yearling and have followed--and photographed--his path to and on the track, from the farm where his dam and full sister (both Christine's personal horses) live, to his first breeze at Arlington Park, to the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. To be able to photograph him breaking his maiden is priceless. 

Calusa Red is walked over to the paddock prior to the 4th race.

Calusa Red and jockey Mitchell Murrill in the post parade prior to race 4.

(Above & below) Calusa and Murrill break away from the pony to warm up.

(Above & below) After swinging wide on the turn, Calusa delivers a strong closing kick to take the lead in the stretch. 

Congratulations on breaking your maiden, Calusa!

Fillies and mares in the post parade for the 37th running of the Sixty Sails Hcp.

(Above & below) Parc Monceau and Florent Geroux take the early lead in the Sixty Sails Hcp.

(Above & below three) Yahilwa and Elvis Trujillo win the Sixty Sails Hcp. by 2-1/2 lengths despite stumbling at the break.

Conquest Curlinate and Shaun Bridgmohan leave the paddock for the Illinois Derby.

Whiskey Ticket and Martin Pedroza leave the paddock for the Illinois Derby.

(Above & below) Kantune, Chris Emigh up, and A. Rod Again, Miguel Mena up, take the early lead in the Illinois Derby.

(Above & below three) In a close finish, Whiskey Ticket takes the Illinois Derby by a nose over Conquest Curlinate to cap off a wonderful day at Hawthorne Race Course.