Keeneland

by btalbert29 on Apr 5, 2011 2:12 PM EDT

Saturday, I'll be experiencing a place I've never been before. I'll be making my first trip to Keeneland. Everyone wants to go there for the beauty, both the track and girls in skimpy sundresses. I can't explain it, but I have never been interested in going to Keeneland. Turfway is my home, and I love Churchill Downs. I've even been to River Downs a few times. One time on a trip to San Diego I briefly visited Del Mar. I have never, despite living 70 miles from the place, been to Keeneland. Am I crazy? Can I call myself a racing and not want to attend one of the sport's most beloved venues? It's kind of like a baseball fan not wanting to go to Fenway. What NFL fan doesn't want to see Lambeau field? As Saturday approaches, I'm kind of dreading the trip more than looking forward to it. Why do I feel this way?

I'm really not sure what my deal is. In general, I don't care for Lexington too much. The traffic always sucks down there, and outside of going to a UK game, I've never had much reason to go down there. I do get tired of people from the rest of the state ragging on Northern Kentucky where I live and I suspect that has a little bit to do with it, as Lexington seems to be the crown jewel of KY.

Perhaps it's that I enjoy slumming it at Turfway. Turfway, is nothing special. It's really an ugly building and there's just nothing nice about it really, but it's where I came to love racing and have many fond memories. As Kentucky tracks go, it's probably the 3rd or 4th best. I've never been to Ellis or KY Downs so I don't have any reference but it certainly isn't Churchill or Keeneland. At any rate everyone who goes to Keeneland from this part of the state, always finds a way to bash Turfway and praise Keeneland. That gets under my skin!

The last and probably least important reason is the crowd at Keeneland. I like to look at the book, make my decision and boom, make my bet, I don't want to have to wait for 15 minutes in line. I know it doesn't make sense but I'd rather bet Keeneland at Turfway and go home and watch the race on TVG! Maybe I'm lazy, or just getting old and don't want to deal with the other stuff I don't know. I also have zero interest in wearing a suit to the track lol, and one of my friends insists that I dress up. Not going to happen!

So I have my biases, and I'm reluctantly going. My best friend is turning 30 and I do want to be with my friends to celebrate. I'm sure we'll have a good time, but is Keeneland really so nice that it's going to change my mind? I just don't see it, but hopefully I'm pleasantly surprised and I come around on everyone's favorite track. Also, has anyone been before and do you have any great suggestions of must dos for my trip?

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I've never been

But it is high in my “to do” list of tracks to see.

I can understand your point about crowds; I love to find a spot at the track where I can sort of sit alone with my form and a beer. And long lines to bet can get frustrating.

"A bad day at the track is better than a good day at the office."

And Down The Stretch They Come | @PressThePace

by Matt Gardner on Apr 5, 2011 2:40 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Don't think I'll ever get there.

But thats just due to the fact that it would so friggen expensive for me as I live way out west.

However, I know the feeling as the Del Mar meet is kinda like my Keenland or Saratoga.

I’ve driven 27 hours to get to Del Mar.. and it was worth it. Have Fun.

by Lucky Duck on Apr 5, 2011 4:20 PM EDT reply actions

I know I'm going to have a great time

I think I’ve just never made an effort to get down there. It’s never really been convenient. I made it down to Churchill for the first night they did night racing and it was awesome. I’ve been to Churchill one other time and had a great time. I know Keeneland is kind of a like a party every day since the meet is so short.

Turfway and River Downs are perfect tracks to get your form and beer and be left alone. I’m thinking about going to my first derby this year too. I have never had that experience and would like to cross it off the old bucket list. I have alot of sports and no sporting events I would like to attend. I knocked off World Series last year, Derby would be awesome to get this year.

by btalbert29 on Apr 5, 2011 10:17 PM EDT reply actions

Keeneland Is One Of My Favorite Places On Earth...

…seriously. There is just something about the place.

Now is the time boys to make a big noise.
No matter what the people say,
For there is naught to fear, the gang's all here,
So hail West Virginia, hail.

by JP Fanshawe on Apr 7, 2011 10:05 AM EDT reply actions