Friday morning was decidedly not business as usual for Kentucky Oaks (G1) and
Preakness (G1) winner RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d’Oro) at Churchill Downs. The
first part of the morning was routine: a trip to the track at 6:20 a.m. (EDT)
for one time around the main track under exercise rider Dominic Terry.
Four hours later, the cameras were out and the backdrop was up between Barns
36 and 38 for a photo shoot of Rachel Alexandra by acclaimed fashion
photographer Steven Klein. His images of the Oaks and Preakness winner are set
to be published in the August issue of Vogue.
Klein may be best known for his striking photos of such pop icons as Madonna,
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Britney Spears, Natalie Portman and Justin
Timberlake. His work has appeared in Vogue and W and in ads for
Calvin Klein and Dolce and Gabbana.
“Done photo shoots before, but first one for Vogue,” said Scott Blasi, the
assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen who held the shank on the star filly while
Klein shot his images just after noon.
Among those looking on were Barbara Banke, the wife of Stonestreet Stables’
Jess Jackson, the filly’s majority owner.
Klein’s session with Rachel Alexandra grew out of a trip to the Preakness by
Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour.
“She was there at the Preakness and was inspired, like so many other women
were,” said Carolina Shaw, senior vice president for Public Relations, Family &
Brand Communications for Jackson Family Enterprises.
A 10’x16′ plywood wall was erected next to the Asmussen barn to serve as the
backdrop for the photo shoot of the Preakness winner, who had to be awakened in
her stall when it was time for her turn before the camera.
There were no photo shoots for Kentucky Derby (G1) winner and Preakness
runner-up MINE THAT BIRD (Birdstone), though, who quietly went about his
business of galloping twice around the main track under exercise rider Charlie
Figueroa before the renovation break.
Trainer Chip Woolley said that co-owners Mark Allen and Leonard Blach may
come Monday to watch Mine That Bird’s final work before the June 6 Belmont S.
(G1).
“They may be coming in Sunday night, I’m not sure,” Woolley said as Mine That
Bird walked back to Barn 42 after his morning exercise.
Woolley said that Mine That Bird would work after the renovation break Monday
morning and that jockey Calvin Borel would be aboard. Borel is leaving
immediately after the work for a 10 a.m. flight to New York.
Woolley is scheduled to fly out at 7:15 Tuesday morning with Mine That Bird
leaving on Wednesday.
“I’ll check in on him Tuesday morning early and then take off,” Woolley said.