Wow, the last time I wrote to you all it was still summer (it was actually exactly three months ago). I am sorry for the absence. 

The last few months have been hectic to say the least. Soon after writing my last piece, the September sale was upon us. There were lots of photos taken and I went a few times for work so it was much more crazy than September. However, it did reaffirm my love of the sales part of the industry, which is always a fun re-realization. 

Here are just a few of my favorite photos from the September sale.

Hip 134 (a Galileo filly) studies a potential buyer as the buyer studies her.

Soon after that ended, we had our last round of Breeders' Cup preps. It's probably going to be an unpopular opinion but Breeders' Cup season is my favorite American racing time of year. While I spent the first week of the preps in the office, the second week was all about hanging out in the Keeneland press box. 

It rained (making it somewhat miserable at times) but with a group of really fun people also reporting on the races, it was an entertaining day. Especially since some of my favorites ran (and won) throughout the day.

The always happy (and world traveler) Havelock merrily galloping to victory.

Groupie Doll didn't win her race but she is still a favorite (and went on to win the Breeders' Cup).

Judy the Beauty won the race and the skies were showing what was to come in the hours that followed.

Irish invader and one of my favorites, Say, didn't do much in her two starts here but she is a beautiful filly.

The rainstorm that dropped about 4 inches on us in only a matter of 2-3 hours.

By the time Horse of the Year Wise Dan entered the paddock, my camera was on its last leg.  It died before he ran and had to spend two days in rice to dry out.

Two days later, I headed home to bring the horses back to Kentucky. We ran into a bit of trouble on our final day when a wheel bearing broke but overall it was an easy trip. Vegas obviously enjoyed seeing the country as this was her expression at every gas stop.

They've been here a little over a month now and both Crystal and Vegas have settled in well. Crystal is in semi-retirement (basically, she gets ridden when she wants to) and Vegas is trying out a new discipline. This is her new set of tack and I'm hoping that one day we'll progress to jumping and even eventing... maybe.

This weekend I'm planning on heading up to Churchill for the Clark Handicap, which should be a great race. I'm sure that if I get any good photos, I'll report back here. And even if I don't I'll at least try to come back and entertain you with some news about something. I definitely won't wait three months until my next blog so check back soon for more posts!

Until next time,

Mel