Trip to Keeneland

[Grits]

UK, ALWAYS sucks at football. They really, really do.

[jman5581]

Originally Posted by Grits

UK, ALWAYS sucks at football. They really, really do.

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

Anyway, back to the topic at hand...

[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.

[KY_Sasquash]

Originally Posted by Grits

UK, ALWAYS sucks at football. They really, really do.

Whoa back, Poppa Brooks is slowly turning it around. Always is such a strong word. Might not ever get to BCS status but top 25 isnt out of the question. Will you feel that way when we beat Louisville next year?

[Grits]

Originally Posted by KY_Sasquash

Whoa back, Poppa Brooks is slowly turning it around. Always is such a strong word. Might not ever get to BCS status but top 25 isnt out of the question. Will you feel that way when we beat Louisville next year?

Anytime you beat Lousiville in anything, trust me, I'm pleased for you. It's that Patino thing, you know. Doesn't matter, football, bastketball, baseball, soccer, who cares.

[blackthroatedwind]

If you're a racing fan then you simply owe it to yourself to go to Lexington. Yeah, Keeneland is small, yeah it gets crowded, but in today's world of dwindling attendance Keeneland is one of the few tracks left where people are excited to be at the races. For us, the confused who love something that everyone else seems to have forgotten, this is a place where we belong. Anybody that spends a lot of their time at the NY tracks knows the sad feeling on closing day at Saratoga, the last day for 10 1/2 months when we aren't outcasts, understands exactly what I mean.

[Rootdog1]

very well said.

[Rootdog1]

not sure of the 20 miles comment, which areas are you speaking of? That certainly is not the common place in the area.

[southerndutch]

Interestingly, last year, Maker's Mark Mile Day was worse than Bluegrass Day. Bluegrass Day was not bad at all.

[Rootdog1]

Originally Posted by Grits

I know central Kentucky well, major highways, AND back roads, as well. I've lived there, and I've had a vacation home there for some time.

I live here, and while you could find parts that fit that description it is FAR from the norm. Eastern Ky is what you are talking about.

[estreetposse]

Originally Posted by Grits

I'll note something that enters into, and plays, a large part in why Keeneland conducts such a successful race meet twice a year, and this is certainly not meant to the affront of Kentuckians.

Keeneland does not have to vie for fans as does New York racing, or SoCal racing.

NYers and residents of SoCal have so many sports, thousands of fans of each sport wherein--once again, a matter of horseracing competing for the fan base, for those new to the sport, and for those that have followed for years who remain involved.

Lexington is tiny comparatively. And Kentucky as a whole does not have the sports franchises of larger metropolitan areas.

This, along with the fact that central Kentucky is still known as the hub of this sport, it stands to reason--those at Keenelad will find an ultimate horseracing venue and experience.

Its a lovely and fun place to be.

One can see a countryside that will take your breathe away, and one can also ride 20 miles out of Lexington in either direction and see the poorest of the poor living in shacks with washing machines on the front porch. That grass may well be blue, but its certainly not always greener. Many of those folks have never set foot on Keeneland property.

It's probably like that for most tracks...ever drive 20 miles from the SPA...Some places ain't so pretty either!!!

[Payson Dave]

Originally Posted by estreetposse

[/b]

It's probably like that for most tracks...ever drive 20 miles from the SPA...Some places ain't so pretty either!!!

Where???? (I'll give ya Troy & Schenectady but where else??)

Originally Posted by Grits

In an effort to not cast light that would offend further I'm going to remove posts that I've added in this page of the thread.

Root, I really did not mean to upset you, not at all. This is simply something I have seen.

And Pillow Pants, I've been pleasant to you, I've done nothing to you. You are small, so get off my @$$, as I'm getting real bored with your "I can't stand you!" Keep it to yourself, ignore me, and I'll do the same.

In short, leave me the @#$% alone.

The troll has been revealed.

Done with this. <---lol

[Rootdog1]

Originally Posted by Grits

In an effort to not cast light that would offend further I'm going to remove posts that I've added in this page of the thread.

Root, I really did not mean to upset you, not at all. This is simply something I have seen.

And Pillow Pants, I've been pleasant to you, I've done nothing to you. You are small, so get off my @$$, as I'm getting real bored with your "I can't stand you!" Keep it to yourself, ignore me, and I'll do the same.

In short, leave me the @#$% alone.

No hard feelings here, I just didnt agree with your comment. I dont think we were rude. You made a general comment that I didnt agree with, as I live here I felt strongly enough to call you on it. Without a doubt there are areas of poverty, as with every city but Fayette is rather wealthy in general. Although, the class gaps are very large in all of KY - I agree with that.

The topic was Keeneland, and the area in general. It is very nice. Thats all I have to say.

[Payson Dave]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

... For us, the confused who love something that everyone else seems to have forgotten, this is a place where we belong. Anybody that spends a lot of their time at the NY tracks knows the sad feeling on closing day at Saratoga, the last day for 10 1/2 months when we aren't outcasts, understands exactly what I mean.

I know exactly what you mean....
the old horseplayer says to St Peter after being shown around the grounds up in heaven..."yep it's pretty nice but it ain't Saratoga"