Trip to Keeneland

Antitrust32 · #1 03-20-2007, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzig188

shame...dads dog woulda thanked you for the seconds.

oh dear lord someone save me from this madness!

SniperSB23 · #2 03-20-2007, 06:14 PM

I actually didn't like Keeneland at all. The sun shining in your eyes the entire time was so incredibly obnoxious that it could have ruined the whole experience by itself. In addition to that it was way too crowded and the majority of the people there seemed way more interested in being seen and looking important than in actually being there to view the races. They also let any yahoo wander into the paddock that wanted to (mostly the people wanting to be seen) so you wound up with about 200 people in the paddock for every horse. So if you are outside of the paddock you can't possibly see anything which kind of defeats the purpose of the paddock in the first place. Placing bets was also a pain in the butt. There were several other things I didn't like about it but those are the ones that immediately jump to mind.

Bigsmc · #3 03-20-2007, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

I actually didn't like Keeneland at all. The sun shining in your eyes the entire time was so incredibly obnoxious that it could have ruined the whole experience by itself. In addition to that it was way too crowded and the majority of the people there seemed way more interested in being seen and looking important than in actually being there to view the races. They also let any yahoo wander into the paddock that wanted to (mostly the people wanting to be seen) so you wound up with about 200 people in the paddock for every horse. So if you are outside of the paddock you can't possibly see anything which kind of defeats the purpose of the paddock in the first place. Placing bets was also a pain in the butt. There were several other things I didn't like about it but those are the ones that immediately jump to mind.

You basically summed up my Keeneland experience.

Give me Saratoga anytime over Keeneland.

AeWingnut · #4 03-20-2007, 06:56 PM

Thanks all for the sincere responses. I'm pretty certain he is driving to Keeneland. (I will be driving when I go.) He's going April 7th. I assume that's a Saturday. I'll try to go during the week or when Sumwonlovesyou is running. He's never been to any track before and all of this is new to him. God help him, I'm going to try and tell him what to look for in a horse without readig the PPs. His first time I don't want to turn it into homework. He likes the event. The party. While I am content to yell at a TV but will go to Kentucky horse park and Keeneland this year.

Thanks again you're a big help

Cajungator26 · #5 03-20-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grits

AEW, a lot of questions about Keeneland have been covered downstairs in the Get-Together thread. You may want to read that those posts as well.

It can be stuffy, but ignore them all. See-and be-seen is all they have going for them and that's surely not your concern. Who cares?

You can enjoy your time by the saddling ring, while the swells and the hangers-on flood the paddock, but still the horses are your interest. And that rail is the place to see everything you want regarding horseflesh. Then, make your wager and head out front to the apron on your bench, on the rail, or in reserved seats in the grandstand. It doesn't matter.

You'll have a great time.

Amen. Best piece of advice I've seen on this thread.

I've never been to Keeneland, but hope that everyone has a great time!

Bystander · #6 03-20-2007, 07:29 PM

Although I agree somewhat with the negative comments, esp the crowding and the windows, Keeneland is great beyond the track because of the whole Lexington experience- and when you pick the right day, as in when there isn't a big college/high school crowd, it's a lovely place to see live racing. The surrounding area with incredible stud farms, Old Friends, great towns like Midway, the KY Horse Park, all makes a trip worthwhile.