Trip to Keeneland

[Grits]

Originally Posted by jman5581

The curse of being TRUE BLUE. But we won a damn bowl this year!!!

Anyway, back to the topic at hand...

Did ya now? I'm happy for ya!!!

Y'all stayed in post season basketball play around 3 nights longer than "DOOK" did this year, so I know that one made ya smile!!

During the fall meet, when Keeneland is running and UK is playing at home, Lex is not only aggravating to drive around, but don't plan on dining without a reservation.

You won't eat until midnight....which, now and then, is fine, when with friends.

[jman5581]

Originally Posted by Grits

Did ya now? I'm happy for ya!!!

Y'all stayed in post season basketball play around 3 nights longer than "DOOK" did this year, so I know that one made ya smile!!

Curse the Laetner-ites!!!

[citycat]

Don't let any negative threads here discourage you from going to Keeneland. If you get the opportunity to go please do. It is a wonderful experience. Probably the most beautiful setting to watch horse racing.

Yes on some days there is some traffic (but we are not talking about Atlanta, Chicago, NYC, etc) and yes it can get crowded on some days.

My advice is to go and relax and enjoy the beautiful track setting and some of the most talented horses in the world. Walk around the grounds and enjoy some local painters or a small bluegrass quartet or slip into the sales pavilion to see where the big money is really spent. Stop in the gift shop and get you a nice hat or jacket. The new video screen and tote board are amazing.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

[Rootdog1]

Agreed, anyone on here that says Keeneland is not a great experience either hasnt been or just likes to complain. I spend time inside, outside, upstairs, and downstairs..........unless you dont like beautiful women and good racing, it is always a great day. True, it draws more of a social crowd then most, but I dont see the harm.

[phystech]

I agree with Citycat - Keeneland is what you make it.

I go to Laurel frequently and dread the sight of a rundown facitlity that is lifeless. Then I get to see a bunch of crappy maidens, or beat up open claimers, ad naseum.

But when I go to Keeneland, I get to see decent horses and people enjoying the experience. I'm not into the snobby bluebloods either, and the well-to-do obnoxious kiddies can be a pain, but if you spill a little beer on them - oops - it's all good.

I wouldn't go on a weekend simply because I don't like big crowds, but that's just me. Last year I phoned ahead of time and was able to procure an owner's box the last Thursday of the meet. It was under cover out of the sun and comfortable, and the bar was close by so it was a fun day. I plan on being there April 26 and then I'll make Churchill on Opening Day for the Trial. And both of those places beat the hell out of going to Laurel, anyday.....

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by phystech

I agree with Citycat - Keeneland is what you make it.

I go to Laurel frequently and dread the sight of a rundown facitlity that is lifeless. Then I get to see a bunch of crappy maidens, or beat up open claimers, ad naseum.

But when I go to Keeneland, I get to see decent horses and people enjoying the experience. I'm not into the snobby bluebloods either, and the well-to-do obnoxious kiddies can be a pain, but if you spill a little beer on them - oops - it's all good.

I wouldn't go on a weekend simply because I don't like big crowds, but that's just me. Last year I phoned ahead of time and was able to procure an owner's box the last Thursday of the meet. It was under cover out of the sun and comfortable, and the bar was close by so it was a fun day. I plan on being there April 26 and then I'll make Churchill on Opening Day for the Trial. And both of those places beat the hell out of going to Laurel, anyday.....

I think this is key to whether or not someone would enjoy attending Keeneland during live racing. No question the track is smaller, which is why I prefer a more expansive track like Saratoga, Belmont and Churchill. Keeneland at it's best in my opinion is early morning during the sales...so beautiful and peaceful. I also greatly enjoyed going there in a summer afternoon to watch the simulcast in their outdoor tv's on the ground level. My heart belongs to Saratoga though.