-
May 15, 2008 8:13 pm US/Eastern
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
Preakness Painter Prepares For 2008 Race
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
If you're a regular at the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, you're probably getting ready for the big day. So is Dr. Lawrence Jones.
Kai Jackson reports Jones only goes to the track on the day of the big race each year. When he's there, he's working and is armed with a paintbrush.
The 2008 Preakness Stakes, Maryland's single biggest annual sporting event, will be held this weekend.
Dr. Lawrence Jones made his way into the Maryland Jockey Club Thursday to pick up credentials and information for the Preakness.
For more than two decades the now-retired educator, who lives in Woodlawn, has been painting the winning colors on the cupola after the big race.
It's a job he's honored to do.
"I love horses. They're majestic beasts. The glory of it," said Jones.
According to Karen DeFrances, it's an important job and one with a lot of history.
DeFrances' family has been a part of the Maryland Jockey Club for a quarter of a century.
"It's one of the most anticipated events of the day, to see him climb the ladder and start painting the winning colors of the horse that won the Preakness. And of course that stays up the entire year until it's replaced by the next year," said DeFrancis.
Art may not be Jones' profession, but it has always been his passion. He's been painting since he was a child.
In another work, he has put brush to canvas to render a painting of the late comedian Red Foxx.
Dr. Jones is also a pastor and says he doesn't bet on the races.
He got the job years ago after he was recommended by his former supervisor when he worked for the city of Baltimore.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Most Popular Sports Slideshows