Trip to Keeneland

AeWingnut · #1 03-20-2007, 04:45 PM

I've neer been to Keeneland but plan to go soon (Sumwonlovesyou)

A friend is going. He's in his late 20's

any do's and don'ts at Keeneland as far as at the track?

I forgot to ask how long he plans on staying

blackthroatedwind · #2 03-20-2007, 04:46 PM

Honestly, and I love Keeneland and Lexington, try NOT to go on Bluegrass Day. It is the most impossibly crowded day imaginable. The place is just too small for all those people.

But, definitely go, it's great.

And, oh yeah, avoid the burgoo.

southerndutch · #3 03-20-2007, 05:10 PM

When you pull in to the track and you're facing the track, park in the last row all the way to your left. Back up to the fence bordering the grassy area and get there a couple of hours before the first. Great tailgating area with great tailgaters. Met some real characters there.

docicu3 · #4 03-20-2007, 05:16 PM

Andy

I am still somewhat baffled by Formulator4 having the value you tout (maybe a little strong use of the word as I know there is no reimbursement for you)....but I picked up "Formulator for Dummies" or "trainer angles"...have you read it and what do you think of it??

Where would you fly into, to have the best travel to KEE.

And if I might ask where would you stay if you wanted to enjoy the stay......not the cheepest place but not the Taj of Kentucky either???

#5 03-20-2007, 05:17 PM

I usually go at least once every meet but didn't make it last fall. I recommend going on a weekday and getting there when the gate opens. You MUST walk the grounds and take it all in. It's like being next to God...If god was a gambling degenerate.

saucon17 · #6 03-20-2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

You MUST walk the grounds and take it all in. It's like being next to God...If god was a gambling degenerate.

Well put, I miss the days with no track announcer

Pedigree Ann · #7 03-20-2007, 05:26 PM

Keeneland was originally built as a training track on the Keene farm, so it faces west; no sun in eyes of observers on the clubhouse lawn during morning works. Well, when it was turned into a racetrack, the stands were put on the same side as the clubhouse, so in late afternoon, you are trying to watch races looking into the sun; it beats onto the apron and parts of the stands, too. Bring shades and a hat if you don't like squinting hard.

Keeneland originally had a capacity of about 14-15K max and although improvements have increased space, it still gets very crowded on weekends, when it can attract 20K+. The crowd tends to be a bit younger than average, since a lot of UK students cut classes to come out whenever the weather is anywhere near decent. Coed watching a frequent male pursuit.

Keeneland must be about the only track left that has an open barn area - no sign in or security gates. Because the area has to be open for sales, I suppose. Go early and wander around some. Look for stable logos and who knows? you may see some stars. (There are plently of grooms and such around, so ask if you want know if that is 'somebody'; but don't annoy anybody obviously busy.)

If your arteries can take it, come real early and eat breakfast in the track kitchen; you never know who will be at the next table. "I had breakfast with Nick Zito, you know." Civilians welcome.

paisjpq · #8 03-20-2007, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Honestly, and I love Keeneland and Lexington, try NOT to go on Bluegrass Day. It is the most impossibly crowded day imaginable. The place is just too small for all those people.

But, definitely go, it's great.

And, oh yeah, avoid the burgoo.

I second this...
but it sure does smell good esp. on rainy spring mornings when the wind is blowing and the only people at the track are a bunch of old men...and me

#9 03-20-2007, 05:31 PM

The good thing about the burgoo is you can share it with your friends and they don't even have to take a bite of it.

saucon17 · #10 03-20-2007, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

If your arteries can take it, come real early and eat breakfast in the track kitchen; you never know who will be at the next table. "I had breakfast with Nick Zito, you know." Civilians welcome.

I second that, ate there many times working the Keeneland Sales, you might never who will join you at your table. For the most part they all are very friendly.

blackthroatedwind · #11 03-20-2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docicu3

Andy

I am still somewhat baffled by Formulator4 having the value you tout (maybe a little strong use of the word as I know there is no reimbursement for you)....but I picked up "Formulator for Dummies" or "trainer angles"...have you read it and what do you think of it??

Where would you fly into, to have the best travel to KEE.

And if I might ask where would you stay if you wanted to enjoy the stay......not the cheepest place but not the Taj of Kentucky either???

I will ignore the Formulator question for now if you don't mind.

As for Keeneland, I usually fly into Cinncinnati as I have few available direct flights to Lexington, and as I hate flying, prefer not to switch planes.

As for staying there, the Hyatt or Radisson downtown is fine. Book in advance.

Bystander · #12 03-20-2007, 05:40 PM

Jacket and tie are absolutely required in the Clubhouse, and NO denim whatsoever. That's something I really wish I had known before my first Keeneland visit...

Kasept · #13 03-20-2007, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

And, oh yeah, avoid the burgoo.

No burgoo @ KEE.. Check.

No cobbler @ SAR.. Check.

Anything else?

blackthroatedwind · #14 03-20-2007, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bystander

Jacket and tie are absolutely required in the Clubhouse, and NO denim whatsoever. That's something I really wish I had known before my first Keeneland visit...

You and the rest of Lexington.

blackthroatedwind · #15 03-20-2007, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasept

No burgoo @ KEE.. Check.

No cobbler @ SAR.. Check.

Anything else?

No Gary Sciacca horses on any of my tickets.

You happy now?

paisjpq · #16 03-20-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bystander

Jacket and tie are absolutely required in the Clubhouse, and NO denim whatsoever. That's something I really wish I had known before my first Keeneland visit...

I'm safe...no one wants me in the clubhouse

blackthroatedwind · #17 03-20-2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paisjpq

I'm safe...no one wants me in the clubhouse

That gives the two of you something in common.

#18 03-20-2007, 05:47 PM

I wear a tux so I standout from the rest of the $10,000 millionaires.

paisjpq · #19 03-20-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

That gives the two of you something in common.

I KNEW IT!

Bystander · #20 03-20-2007, 05:50 PM

Trust me, the Kentucky gentry weren't too pleased with me being there, but one of my best friends is from Lexington and can get me in- and that year I went Bluegrass weekend, and it was a godssend. My two friends were unprepared for the clothing issue, though, and had to buy ties and "rent" kelly green sports coats... and one of them, who is Greek, turned at one point to say "I am the closest thing to a person of color in this entire place."

But that's a whole other conversation.