Out-of-towners show up to see the horses but Kentuckians go there to watch the people.
Keeneland Race Track in Lexington is quite a legendary place and horse race aficionados will tell you that there is no place in the world like it.
It is with out a doubt the most beautiful race track anywhere. A jewel-box showcase for owners to present their best horses to well heeled spectators and serious horse people.
It's hard to put it into words, but here it is about pageantry, nobility, elegance and thrill of Thoroughbred racing. The feel here is very much like racing in England. My picture is of the walking ring where the brightly dressed jockeys get final instructions from trainers and get ready to be walked to the track.
This has been the same here since the 1930's. Amazing to many is that it is only open for racing twice a year...in the spring and then in the Fall.
Today when this picture was taken it was a rainy day and the big race was The Bluegrass Stakes...a prep race that sometimes determines what colts are ready to go to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Fillies will prep in the Ashland Stakes. Everything is built with comfort and beauty in mind. I don't think a single drop of rain touched my head once I arrived at the door and had fun all day upstairs in a glass front corporate box overlooking the track. Many people like the Phoenix Room that has a view of this paddock. I visited with good friends and snapped a few pictures from the windows.
What a lovely rainy day it was!
I love Keeneland. It is so nice and a very cool place to hang out
Ben
Bob and Ben, you should have been there!!!
Hi, Lizette! Your pictures are beautiful! The walking ring does look very much like England! I'd love to see more! Do you have Real Estate Shows? If you have more pics from this, they would make a beautiful show to access from your website.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
I have only been to Churchill Downs... it was good people watching though.
Your pictures are great.
Sarah that's a great idea about the show from my website I will have to put that together.
Maureen...Churchill is an amazing place also. The last time I was there I saw the Rolling Stones. It's the first concert to ever be there. Great place to have it.
Tim, I know that will be a HUGE event for NJ. If it had not rained we would have had about 30,000 for the Bluegrass Stakes.
Dale...I can always use a good luck charm. I need all the help I can get!