Paralyzed from the waist down, this very nice kind man was so happy when I approached him to ask if I could take a picture of him. As soon as I saw him in the huge crowd, I knew that I had to take the time to give him some kindness. He should be given all the attention in the world but instead he was given none. I showed him his picture afterwards and he was delighted and said it just made his day knowing that he was greatly respected. Just hearing those words from someone that I just met made my day as well.
2019 DUBAI WORLD CUP - POST CELEBRATION
Here was the very end of the Dubai World Cup where the current ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum made his appearance on stage. This was during his exit, since I was too busy taking pictures when he was up on stage. It was extremely crammed as everyone was fighting to get a view of him and there were some arguments because some started pushing and shoving. Not every photographer there part of the media was able to get pictures of him, thankfully with well thought out planning I was able to - just wait until you see the portrait I got of him.
He also made appearances to the entrance ring between every few races.
DUBAI HERITAGE
Dubai culture promoting UAE Heritage at this past week's Horse fair.
INSIDE A BARN IN DUBAI
Many of you wanted to see inside the barns in Dubai, well here you go. There was something truly special about being inside this barn, maybe it was the dry heat out in the desert, or maybe it was because it had a very distinct feel to it. I will just let you take in all the sights and sounds but it's an experience that I will never forget.
UPDATE: There are 3 of these barns, exact replicas next to each other.
ACCEPTED INTO THE 2019 DUBAI WORLD CUP!
We are just finishing up the travel arrangements with me going into my second hotel next week. Earlier this month I received my answer from Dubai Racing Club, to notify me on my acceptance earning full Media Accreditation. I am officially in the 2019 Dubai World Cup!
This was not an easy feat. As an applicant in my shoes, one would rarely receive any rights since I am not on assignment working for an editorial or publication - I am working for myself. Thankfully the committee still reviewed my application, viewed my work and then concluded to bring me on board.
It's always been my motto to never give up in accomplishing what you truly want in life. To never take your foot off the gas and to keep pushing forward, no matter what barriers stand in your way. If it wasn't for the airline agent telling me a few weeks ago about the Travel Alert for India, there was a very likely chance that this all could have been called off due to me not finding out before it was too late to do anything. That would have been a very tough pill to swallow. This Travel Alert allowed me to extend my flight by three days to attend this event.
I know that I am still new, however, I truly feel with this achievement that I have just turned the page to a new chapter in my career.
2018 BREEDERS' CUP AT CHURCHILL DOWNS
My experience at this years Breeders' Cup is one that I will never forget. It was one hell of a ride but with every learning experience always comes disappointment - this is how we learn. There are some things that I wish I had done differently. I didn't see it leading up to the event, as I am guessing I was just too full of excitement just to be there and to take it all in. Unfortunately lack of sleep and fatigue were factors. I was just too excited and had too much on my mind to get a proper night's sleep, so I lived off of caffeine for a few days, a lot of it but we all know that it eventually wears off.
It wasn't until my plane heading back home when all the dots connected on how exactly I could have gone about certain things much differently and effectively. It was not a great feeling, in fact it was a downright rotten feeling heading back home, knowing that I let myself down on many fore fronts but the trip in it's entirety was an enormous and incredibly valuable learning experience for me. First time ever being at an event of this magnitude and just the second time photographing Thoroughbred horse racing.
Thanks again to Sarah MacHarg for giving me the opportunity and taking me to the back side. You have taught me many valuable things about the racing world in my four days in Kentucky.
Thank you to Hazel Bennett for trying her darn hardest, offering to get me in her suite up in the front, unfortunately we ran out of time. Throughout the event, I was in touch with a few friends who were also in attendance watching from the stands and unfortunately due to time constraints we were unable to meet up - there is always next time.
I made a bunch of new friends while at the racetrack doing my thing - spectators, Breeders' Cup staff and grooms - It was a pleasure meeting and chatting with all of you, hopefully we can re-connect sometime in the future. Moving forward, as the disappointment sinks in, I know exactly what I have my eyes set on and I have a full year to work towards accomplishing it. What I learned from this experience will be carried over to the future.
Click HERE to view all the photos.
AIDAN O'BRIEN ENTRANCE
To start the first day of the Breeders' Cup yesterday, I was able to catch Aidan O'Brien coming onto the track with his 17 horses, 17 riders and 17 sets of tack that he all brought over from Europe.
You just never see this. :)