The Gallop Out

Actor Nick Nolte, left, listens as trainer Jack Van Berg gives riding instructions to apprentice jockey Michael James before the fifth race at Santa Anita, Feb. 28, 2010.

I totally caught Nolte by sheer luck! It was a dull day, so I was I was digging deep for interesting things to photograph. I noticed James' name in the program, and since I had never seen him before I camped out to get some photos of him. I took this photo, and then someone came up beside me and said, "That's Nick Nolte." I didn't recognize the man who said that at first, but then I realized it was George "George O" Ortuzar, James' agent and a member of Hollywood Park's marketing department. I knew the name Nick Nolte, but not the face. So I took this photo before I even knew a celebrity was in it!

Some other celebrities I can remember seeing at the track: "jackass" Johnny Knoxville (who I was most excited about), director Mel Brooks (a racetrack regular), actor Dick Van Patten, actor/governator Arnold Schwarzenegger (twice), actor Kurt Russell, actress Bo Derek (many times; no big deal since she's a CHRB member now), TV host Alex Trebek, TV host Jim Rome (also an owner), chef Bobby Flay (owner, too), and others I'm sure I'm forgetting since I don't actually keep a list.

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Keep an eye out for the March 2010 issue of California Thoroughbred magazine, the official publication of the California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. I have multiple stories and photos published in it! I completed my internship there last Thursday, Feb. 25, but the good news is I will continue to freelance for them.