The Enduring Appeal of Keeneland

re: The Enduring Appeal of Keeneland

maryann727 — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 05:39:47 GMT

My first trip to Keeneland was in 2008. I was participating in a photography trek of Lexington and we spent two afternoons at the racetrack. What a beautiful atmosphere and ambience. I've been to Belmont Park and Saratoga but Keeneland is my favorite. Something in the air makes it special.

re: The Enduring Appeal of Keeneland

derblin — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:16:42 GMT

Keeneland is very special. I made my first trip back in 1973 to see the Blue Grass stakes. Back then it was run on Thursday so I skipped my college classes and headed on over with my boyfriend. Secretariat did not run in the Blue Grass but we did get to see some special horses like Forego run. I remember how huge he was.

I was just in awe to be able to get so close to the horses as they were walked around the ring.

Since that first visit, I have been able to return many times but the first will always be remembered. The boyfriend is now my husband of many years. Hopefully, before I die, I will make it to Saratoga but Keeneland will always be in my heart.

re: The Enduring Appeal of Keeneland

Tricia — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:48:58 GMT

I must say while Keeneland comes in an extremely close second - my heart belongs to Saratoga. As everybody who is there during those 6 weeks is there for horseracing and the town is just abuzz with talk of the stars of the show - whether it was Rachel Alexandra or Flat Out or Funny Cide being a stable horse. Also, being able to go on the backside - WOW! And that just warms my heart. One of the reasons Keeneland comes in a fast closing second is because of all the white fences and all the wonderful farms and of course, the KY Horse Park where I fell in love with DaHoss.

re: The Enduring Appeal of Keeneland

hank — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:36:43 GMT

In 1959 I was stationed at Ft Campbell 101st Airborne Division, when ever i had a three day pass I would hitch hike up to Paris,Ky and visit the thouroughbred farms, on one trip Keeneland was open and I took taxi from hotel and went to the races there, couldn't wait to get to the paddock to look at all famous jockeys there Willie Hartack was the most impressive, as the horses left to go on track I never really paid much attention to anything as I was deeply engrossed in trying to pick the winner, time passed and all of a sudden i started hearing everyone screaming and hollering I couldn't figure out what was going on till all of a sudden the field of horses were finishing the race, it was then that I realized there was no track announcer giving call of race or anything, quite amusing and I made sure I paid attention the rest of day. It was the most beautiful site, horses etc 52 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday.

re: The Enduring Appeal of Keeneland

Ben D'Antonio — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:15:29 GMT

I made my first trip to Kentucky and Keeneland last year for the spring meet and the Marker's Mark Mile. My first experience at the track was around 7am for the morning workouts and I was just in awe at how beautiful the track and surrounding landscape were. There were few if any fans that we saw there on this morning, only the equine and human athletes hard at work preparing for the afternoons.

The breakfast at the track kitchen was really great and being able to walk through the barn area in the mornings was amazing, an experience that I enjoyed so much I returned the next morning (and again the following year) just to take it all in.

I can't say enough about the wonderful experience my family and I had, the wonderful people of Kentucky really just want you to enjoy yourself and who can forget about the scenic bourbon trail. For anyone who's never been to Lexington, I really can't think of a better excuse than a race meet at Keeneland, you won't forget it any time soon.

re: The Enduring Appeal of Keeneland

Lindsey S — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:25:38 GMT

Keeneland is the best! My first visit was to the fall meet in 2005, and I fell madly in love. Both meets are great, but the fall meet is my favorite. Nothing beats a crisp fall day at Keeneland. I'm so glad we were able to make the trip down last week to be a part of their 75th anniversary! No matter how many tracks I may be lucky enough to visit someday, Keeneland will always be my true love!

re: The Enduring Appeal of Keeneland

greengirl — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:44:54 GMT

I live in Lexington and the buzz that goes around the area when it's almost time for the meet to start is fantastic. Keeneland makes it an anticipated event, which is part of what makes it so special. It's really a beautiful place to go for scenery, top horses, and an all-around great experience. I even try to time visits from out-of state family and friends to coincide with Keeneland because everyone loves it! I think other tracks might enjoy similar results if they made the meet an event rather than a 9-month long slog to the end.