My feeling is that if somebody really wants to see a horse, get a really good photo, or get a jockey autograph, trying to fulfill those desisres on one of the biggest race days of the year is probably a bad choice.
The only way to really be assured of a good shot or touch of a horse you like is to make an appt. at their barn or their farm if breeding/retired.
(Somebody I know called Shirreff's barn at HOL and they were quite gracious about letting this person get up close and personal with Z this week by appt.)
I would never have my heart set on getting a good photo, etc. on a big race day, unless I had press credentials and a really good set of photo equipment.
Too many other people with desires, interests, etc. to compete against, and the pressures in general on a day like BCC ---- I guess I feel I'd have to just "get lucky" to have it all come together in a way that would be satisfying.
I know that doesn't make your disappointment any less palpable though, NJ. Even "good planning" is often not enough to make things happen in life
