If you were in racing in 2015, you likely remember the reign of Mark Casse-trained Tepin (Bernstein), who went on an eight-race win streak from October 2015 to September 2016. While Tepin was already a graded stakes winner by the time she took over the turf that year, her big unveiling came in the Grade II Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard in 2015.
At my first Kentucky Derby and working part-time for the farm that bred her, plus helping prep her half-brother for sale the previous year, it was an added bonus that the photos from the race were some of my favorite from the day.
In 2015 I was in my second year of working for Machmer Hall, who bred the mare, and had taken my weekly foal watch shift off to go to the Kentucky Derby. I still remember Craig Brogden telling me before she’d even made her 4-year-old debut that she was something special and that day she definitely proved it.
I’m not sure if seeing her flash past the line 1 ½ lengths in front of a top field, getting a pat from Julien Leparaoux, or circling in front of the Kentucky Derby day crowd before walking into the winner’s circle was my favorite moment from that day so I’ll give you all three shots.
I was lucky enough to photograph three of her wins and one of her seconds after that victory so I definitely formed a deep affection for her. But my favorite Tepin race was the Group I Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot (my favorite meet in the world) when she was uncomfortable throughout when having to run on a course that was unfamiliar to her.
Though that victory was near the end of her streak, it showed that she was a truly world-class racehorse with her victory coming against multiple European champions and Group I winners.
Though she never made another start after the 2016 Breeders’ Cup, Tepin didn’t officially retire until the following April and was bred to Curlin on a late cover that year. Showing just how popular she was with horsemen and fan, she brought $8 million at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale from Coolmore Stud (the ticket was signed by Coolmore’s M.V. Magnier).
Tepin foaled a Curlin filly in Ireland on May 1, 2018 and a Galileo filly on May 22, 2019.
Beyond The Lens is a monthly blog looking at some of Melissa’s favorite photos and why they mean so much to her. Interested in scheduling a photoshoot with Pyrois Media or just want some photography advice? Email Melissa@PyroisMedia.com for more information.
