When not shooting unlimited hydroplane racing, photographer James
Crisp takes pictures at other sporting events. On Saturday in
Lexington, Ky., he found this story that will interest all hydro
racing fans. Story and pictures by James Crisp:

Former Pay N Pak hydroplane owner David Heerensperger's horse
"Indyanne" won the 28th running of The Thoroughbred Club of
America "Win and You're In Filly and Mare Sprint Division" race
on Saturday in Lexington, Ky.David and his wife Jill were happy
as they entered the winner's circle after their 3 year old filly
with jockey Robby Albarado aboard bested a field of 8 winning the
Grade III, $300,000 race.The stable colors worn by Albarado were
orange and yellow- a scheme not totally unfamiliar to hydro
fans.As the celebration and interviews wound down I briefly spoke
to Mr. Heerensperger."Congratulations" I said as we shook hands,
adding "I was a big Pay N Pak fan when I was growing up". Looking
at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity I added "I'm from
Owensboro originally" to which Jill replied, "Oh yes, Owensboro
is nice." (The winged wonder won the 1974 Kentucky Governor's Cup
in Owensboro.)Not being able to resist I said to David "You know,
you should get back into boat racing" which he answered with a
wistful "oh.....". I quickly added "There is some good equipment
out there for sale" to which he replied "Yeah since Bernie died
there is some nice equipment out there". I stated that I thought
that while that gear was gone there was some other equipment
available. "I think there may still be something in Bernie's
barn" he added as the conversation wound down and he headed on to
a post race celebration.The win qualifies Indyanne for the
Breeder's cup to be held this fall in Santa Anita, Ca. For those
foreign to horse racing, the Breeder's Cup is a collection of
races similar in stature to the Gold Cup, World Series or
Superbowl with total purses exceeding $25 million.Regardless of
what they race, it would seem the Heerensperger's commitment
often leads to the winner's circle.
Photographer James Crisp