All About The Race

07/08/2024

From the trainers and riders, to the stable hands and track staff, every person at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino brings a unique blend of enthusiasm and dedication to their role, creating an atmosphere that’s as warm as it is exciting.

Enjoy our gallery of some of the smiling faces we have had the pleasure to meet here, and see why the people make the place.

📷: Rachel Bissonette Photography

At the heart of Shelbyville, Indiana, lies the star of Indiana horse racing: Horseshoe Indianapolis. This venue isn't just known for its thrilling races, beautiful horses, and casino; it’s also home to some of the friendliest and most passionate horsemen in the sport. The moment you step onto the ...

04/07/2024

We are fortunate to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments with some of the most elite horses and horsemen in racing. 🙏🏼

Often, we save photos of these horses and their connections, knowing they will be key players throughout the season. Alva Starr was one of these extraordinary horses.

Rachel Bissonette Photography was on site at Keeneland this spring and had the privilege of witnessing and documenting Alva Starr's first Grade One victory in the Resolute Farm & Racing Madison Stakes. This achievement was shared with her trainer Brett Brinkman, owner Dale Ladner, and jockey Tyler Gaffalione.

Little did we know that this would be our last opportunity to witness her run.

Today, we learned the heartbreaking news that Alva Starr was injured during a workout at Delaware Park and had to be euthanized. While these are not the circumstances under which we hoped to share these photos, we hope that her connections will find some comfort in these precious moments we captured.

Our sincerest condolences go out to everyone who loved her.

19/05/2024

Monday's coming in hotter than a fresh horse on a walker at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino 💥

How are you spending your Sunday Funday, race fans? 🌞🏇

📷: Rachel Bissonette Photography for All About The Race

18/05/2024

Just 5 days ago, Jaime Torres was winning the 5th race at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino aboard Moneyline. Today, he wins the Preakness Stakes in his first start in a Triple Crown race.

All it takes is 1️⃣.

Congrats to Seize The Grey and all of his connections!🏇

📷: Rachel Bissonette Photography for All About The Race

16/05/2024

How we feel about our first trip to Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino 👍🏼👍🏼

Looking forward to telling the stories of the wonderful people & horses of Indiana Racing throughout the year.

Know of a cool or heartwarming story that needs to be told? DM us!

📷: Rachel Bissonette Photography for All About The Race

15/05/2024

We couldn't have had a better first day out at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino yesterday -- Not even the slop could dampen the vibe.🏇

The entire All About The Race team looks forward to showcasing the undersung Indiana-based horses, horsemen, and horsewomen this season through our marketing partnership with the track. From the frontside to the backside, to even the patrons, we were truly warmed by how friendly and welcoming every single person was who we interacted with today.

Eric Halstrom, Rachel McLaughlin, and Tammy Knox put on a great meet each year with full fields, great handle, and superior hospitality. We couldn't be more impressed with their operation and their commitment to grow the sport without forgetting the "little guys" who make their meet possible.

Here are a couple of shots of Laver & Colby Hernandez taking today's feature. Small world -- Rachel Bissonette Photography works on the farm where Laver was foaled, she handles his dam daily, and cares for him during his layups.

There are many more photos, videos, and features to come throughout the year. Today is their first Indiana-bred Stakes Showcase of the year -- Be sure to follow the All About The Race and Horseshoe Indy socials so you don't miss a thing!

Have a suggestion for a human or horse who has a story worth telling? Please comment below or shoot us a DM -- Let's focus more on the horses, faces, races, and places that make horse racing great! 💪🏼

📸: Rachel Bissonette Photography for All About The Race

04/05/2024

The tables turned today. 🔄

Vahva, who finished second to Alva Starr in the Madison Stakes (G1) at Keeneland last month, bests her in today's Derby City Distaff (G1).

This win makes her racing's newest millionaire-earner and gives her trainer Cherie DeVaux Racing her first Grade One win in the United States‼🏆💰

📸: Rachel Bissonette Photography for All About The Race

02/05/2024

How great to have a light shone on the work the racetrack chaplaincy does by Tim Tebow. 🌹

07/04/2024

You know the pictures will be 🔥 when the winner looks you in the eye at the wire.

Sierra Leone did that.

More 📷 to come...

📸: Rachel Bissonette Photography for All About The Race

06/04/2024

This morning, the sensational Goodnight Olive turned the Keeneland paddock into her personal runway, thanks to owner John Stewart and the team at Resolute Racing.

John's initiative to foster connections between fans, his operation, and his horses, notably the 2️⃣-time Breeders' Cup World Championships Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) and Eclipse Award Champion, epitomizes the PR and marketing strategies essential for providing transparency to fans and sustaining and growing excitement for the sport across future generations.

We concur that every race presents an opportunity to engage with and ignite a deeper passion among enthusiasts. 💫🏇

We'll see you at the races!

📷: Rachel Bissonette Photography for All About The Race

04/04/2024

"It is said that there is a season for everything...".🏇

The Keeneland Spring Meet begins tomorrow, marking a perfect blend of racing heritage and contemporary innovation on the track. Immerse yourself in the deep-rooted history of Lexington, Kentucky's prized gem through our exclusive series by Tom Ferry, 'The Magical Places of American Horse Racing,' as we gear up for the unofficial start of spring in racing: Keeneland's Opening Day in April. 💚

We'd love to hear about your favorite Keeneland moments or what you're most looking forward to this season. Share in the comments below! 🌸👇

👉🔗 https://allabouttherace.com/keeneland

16/03/2024

💕 A walk with Whitmore and his best friend, Laura Moquett.

The Moquetts graciously hosted Rachel Bissonette Photography at their Kentucky farm last year and gave us a glimpse into their daily routine with their Breeders' Cup World Championships Sprint (G1) Champion, who spent many months as a professional pasture ornament upon retirement in 2021.

From trail riding to covering a jump course to racehorse aftercare ambassador in the Retired Racehorse Project show ring, Whitmore has taken to every new job he's been given naturally, always with his signature s***k in tact -- Even during bath time he still keeps everyone on their toes.

Today, he returns to the track as the lead pony in the 3rd running of the Whitmore Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Hot Springs with his regular rider Laura aboard.🏇

Stay tuned -- We have an array of 📷 to share from this extraordinary visit!

06/02/2024

Our own Rachel Bissonette Photography foals horses at the same farm where Genuine Risk, the 1980 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, was born.

Check out her awesome artwork!

I made a bit of a mixed media welcome sign for work. I didn't paint the horses I cheated and turned one of my pics into a painting and printed it out. It saved time. I really want to try and paint this barn again in fall colors. I have a lovely pic of it then and take my time and get it right. Fun fact Genuine Risk was born in this barn! ❤️🐴❤️

04/02/2024

What happens when the groundhogs's cousin, the marmot, doesn't see its shadow?

This one, captured by our talented photographer Joe Wulffe in an alpine meadow in Glacier National Park, just earned him First Place at the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association Landscape Show in the Wildlife Category -- Let's hope this is another sign for warmer things to come. 🌼🌷

We love that our photographers have extensive portfolios away from the track as well -- They are always honing their craft. Joe used a Nikon D850 with a 70-200mm lens to take this shot.

You can check out the photo of Joe accepting his award in the comments. Congrats, Joe! 🎉🏅

23/12/2023

This guy's not throwing in the towel!

Big win for Michelle Lovell Racing Stable's millionaire Just Might in the Scherer Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots to cap off his 7 YO season today.

Merry Christmas, Team Lovell!🏆🎄

📷: Rachel Bissonette Photography

14/11/2023

Hard to believe MGSW & 2022 Breeders' Cup World Championships Turf Sprint (G1) Champion Caravel was an R.N.A. at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. The hammer dropped at $2.4MM on her.

Her future plans have not yet been announced.

📷: Rachel Bissonette Photography

11/11/2023

Good morning from Breeders' Cup World Championships Classic (G1) champ White Abarrio.

Exercise rider for Michael W. McCarthy Racing, Ike Muniz, took these from horseback this morning to share with us. As you can see, White Abarrio is a natural at hitting angles for the camera on demand.

Trainer Rick Dutrow will keep him stabled at Santa Anita Park as he trains up to his next start, presumably The Saudi Cup.

08/11/2023

Who would you breed them to?

08/11/2023

Selling today at Keeneland: Hip 191 - Puca, dam of Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage.

Puca Dam of Mage.❤️🏇❤️

08/11/2023

Fun shot I caught of Nest at the beginning of the fall meet. Wow! 6 mil you go girl! ❤️🏇❤️

06/11/2023

Here's a chance to own a piece of Thoroughbred racing and breeding history in Virginia.

03/11/2023

How fortunate we are to have this fairy tale story to enjoy for another year.

25/10/2023

Keeneland fans -- How many of you have gone to this bar after the races in 📍LEX?

I was down town Lexington for photo club this evening and made it to an old haunt!☘️

29/09/2023

18/09/2023

Who's attending the highly anticipated Keeneland September yearling sale? Have you purchased a future star? Tell us! 🗣

Rachel Bissonette Photography is working her camera magic there this week.