She sits calmly in the saddle as she leads horses around Churchill Downs, often with the sun glinting off her sunglasses. Mary Ellet, 29, was raised in Southern California. She is currently based in Kentucky where she ponies for the Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn in the morning.
Tag: The Life
Mike Repole’s Kentucky Derby Diary: ‘A Kid From Queens’ Living a Dream
Prominent owner Mike Repole is living the American dream. He grew up in Queens, N.Y. His mother, Anna, was a seamstress and his father, Benny, was a waiter. He developed a passion for racing while making frequent trips to nearby Aqueduct Racetrack.
Experienced Horseman Mike Crowder Helps Put Team Japan at Ease Preparing for Kentucky Derby
His life straddles the history of horse racing and he’s seen it all from the back of a horse. Seventy-three-year-old Mike Crowder gets to Churchill Downs every morning by 4 a.m.. He tends to his morning chores with his two ponies, Blue and Levi, and readies them to escort the Japanese Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve contenders to the track.Â
Lifelong Horse Lover Mandy Pope’s Pursuit of Quality on Display in Derby With Tapit Trice
Tom Pedulla is interviewing prominent owners, trainers, and jockeys as they travel the Road to the 149th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve May 6 at Churchill Downs.
