1st Time Keeneland
 

going to keeneland for the first time next saturday....any tips???

planned on getting a room somewhere friday night....breakfast with the works saturday morning.....then general admission for the days racing..

flaws in the plan? things im missing?

Inside speed on the dirt track rules.

Eat at the track kitchen. It is great but it isn't like Churchill where it is right on the track on the backside. It isn't like Saratoga where you can eat while watching the works.

I would bring coffee and watch the works and then go to the kitchen to eat. It is just a short walk and you walk by all the barns on the left. Usually there are some big name horses out and around.

It can be cold there too so bring a coat.

Get there Friday and bet Normandruth.

get there for friday racing if possible.

Be ready for long lines,cars and people.Be ready for lots of drunks,but the good thing is a lot of them will be college girls.Good luck finding a table to set down your racing form,or your beer and food.They are non existent.I would get there super early and make your bets way ahead of time.Keeneland still does not understand that there should be a SAM machine every ten feet.You will see some nice horses and good races,and Ken Ramsey will be everywhere.

No burgoo recommendation?

I had it recommended to me when I was down there for the first time, it is really good.

But it is one of those things that is just called different things all over the country.

Their 'burgoo' was a weekly staple when I was growing up.....

***HATER ALERT***

Dont let this post ruin your first trip to Keeneland. Its a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Fantastic horses and a truly picturesque setting. I especially enjoy the paddock area where they saddle the horses under the trees. Dont forget to mosey on over the the sales ring and check that out too. Check the weather as it can get kinda cool during the fall meet. Have a great time!

Uh he's right.

It is enjoyable after a few tasty beverages though. Especially when you "accidentally" spill beer on cleavage.

There was truth in that post though because outside a day like the Derby you're not going to encounter that sort of traffic, crowds or drunk people. :D

I avoided the crowd by going on the second floor and viewing the paddock from the balconies and then you can cut across to the other side to view the races..there is usually standing room behind the seats and it provides a better view of the race and the apron is impossibly crowded.

Oh, and pack your sunglasses because the sun is right in your eyes for the better part of the afternoon while watching the races.

I think it's supposed to be a bit rainy next Friday, so that keeps the college kids home. Keeneland has improved the entrance/exit to multiple lanes, and is supposed to have a trolley service to help shuttle you from the parking to to the gate. It's still horribly crowded inside. But Keeneland's beauty is that it is rather small and intimate, to me. Just grin and bear it if you want to go opening day.

If you are going to bet, just do it early and be done with it. Take the visit as a chance to get right up next to the horses in the paddock, then view their races. You'll see so many future stars there. If you can come early one morning to watch the works, even better. Just walk right in the front entrance.

I always stay at the Marriot Griffin Gate. I love that place. The food is great. It's about 15 minutes from the track.

You'll have a great time at Keeneland. It's a beautiful place and the atmosphere is great.

Keeneland is so fun, have a great time! I can't bet there anymore because Veitch dq'd me 3 times in 2 days!

Never had a problem getting a bet in at Keeneland even with a minute or two too post....there are tellers everywhere and many machines also....keeneland is amazing, if you have a car get there early bring some beer and food so you can tailgate and handicap before the races....enjoy there is nothing quite like Keeneland.

Shoulda said to place

1st Race

Next Post 2:47 Off: 2:16 | 7 Furlongs | 3 Year Olds And Up | Maiden Special Weight | Purse: $49,940

# Horse Jockey Weight Win Place Show
10 Moon Town Albarado R J 118 11.40 6.40 4.20
2 Normandruth Castanon J L 118 26.60 16.80
6 East to West Borel C H 120 4.20

Props!

Don't try to enjoy too many adult beverages...the ridiculous 2 drink rule means that if you order a double you can't get anything else. I know its dstupid that it bothers me but come on, one glass is one drink regardless of what's in it.

Depends on who you are hanging with. Our friend, you know who, seems to get preferential treatment at the bar there. Of course he is a professional.