Horse-racing has been one of the greatest past times in Europe, Australia and the Americas. I guess it was also practiced even in my own country Sierra Leone in West Africa back in the colonial days at a race course at the east of its city, Freetown. Thus the the name ‘racecourse’ has been retained to mark both the cemetery and the road leading to and passing through the country’s world renowned natural harbour, Queen Elizabeth 11 Quay popularly known as Deep Water Quay. So when I was to make a trip to this southern part of the USA I was exhilarated to learn that horse-racing is a great pastime attracting millions of fans from all corners of the globe. I had the hope of being transformed into an enthusiast myself.

Churchill Downs at the heart of central Louisville in Kentucky is the oldest continuously operated racetrack in the United States of America. As a prelude to the cherished and sought Kentucky Derby which recently had its 133rd race witnessed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, the Kentucky Oaks featuring the top in racing compete at Churchill Downs in this also famed and classic race.