A Backstretch Journey-Life Behind The Scenes at a Race Track
Photographs by Harris J Sklar

While many are familiar with photographs of horses being led to the winners circle, how many are aware of whom and what it takes to prepare these horses for that moment of glory? And how many racing fans and horse lovers have ever had the privilege of going behind the scenes to visit the Backstretch, the side of track where much of the dangerous and difficult work preparing these horses for racing is preformed – where trainers, grooms, blacksmiths, veterinarians, exercise riders, muckers, hot walkers, racing families, dorm residents and others all come together working and praying that their horse will take that honored walk.

What sports fan or horse lover would not want to witness the behind scenes life of these majestic animals and the people known as the BACKSTRETCHERS living as a family with the horses while caring for them 365 days a year – especially if it contained never before released photographs of the legendary champion, Smarty Jones during some of his secret early morning workouts.

Just released is A BACKSTRETCH JOURNEY, a photo essay with a Foreword by Keith Jones, Track Announcer at Philadelphia Park, containing over 110 beautiful candid photographs taken over a span of two years capturing the lives of the people and horses in the Backstretch. It contains many quotes from these workers, including John Servis, trainer of Smarty Jones. The quotes are about their love for the horses, the difficult lives they lead, and how they would live no other life.

About the Author:
Harris J. Sklar, of Bala Cynwyd is married to Bonnie Sklar. They have three married children and three grandchildren. Harris is a self-taught free-lance photographer and semi-retired lawyer who spent two years in all types of weather photographing this unique behind the scenes life, and while doing so became part of the Backstretch Family. For the past six years Harris has worked as a volunteer teacher of photography at Barton Elementary School in Philadelphia, the school he attended as a child and for the past ten, he has photographed the Komen Race for the Cure as a volunteer. Harris maintains a studio in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia.