It’s opening night for the 2014 spring meet at Churchill Downs. Ten races on the schedule starting in the afternoon.

During the normal meet going to the track would feel like going to a minor league baseball game but kicking off Kentucky Derby week makes it more like a big production.

Sky divers, pyrotechnics, street performers, live bands performing — a spectacle ramping up to the big race on Saturday.

Some people showed up dressed to the nines with their grand Derby hats in what appears to be a practice run for the pageantry on Saturday.

Just as the day started out with the Pegasus Pin, every bet I placed for Sherry was a winner. I didn’t win once at the betting window. Well that was until the 7the race when I decided to blow my remaining budget ($10) on a 5-1 horse. It always feels good to walk out with more than you walked in with.

But for me it’s about the photography. And my day is complete. I got a nice portfolio shot as well as some other display worthy photos. It was a day that pulled the old photojournalist out of me.

You can see additional photos here!