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Keeneland advice needed...

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Coyote89_rivals121762

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May 29, 2001
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We're from Atlanta but my daughter will be attending UK next fall. We have never been to Keeneland but will be in Lexington for opening weekend April 8-10. We were thinking about trying to catch some races on Saturday the 9th. What's the best way to experience Keeneland? Should I just get the best grandstand seats available? Should we reserve spots in one of the restaurants? What are the dining options if you don't get tickets/tables in one of the restaurants? What is general admission experience like? I don't mind spending a few bucks since it's our first time there.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer and Go Cats!
 
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Glenn's Take

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May 20, 2012
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I'll give the first legit response. That is Bluegrass Stakes day which is the biggest day of the year at Keeneland. It is the Keeneland prep race for the Derby. You aren't catching at few races without trouble. It's going to be packed so unless you can get a seat don't do GA unless you want to stand around aholes to elbows. Keeneland is fun but it's small for the crowds it draws. Either spend money (if that's even an option without scapling) or go Friday or Sunday. Even those will be crowded.
 
J

JCatfan77_rivals30675

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Coyote89 said:
We're from Atlanta but my daughter will be attending UK next fall. We have never been to Keeneland but will be in Lexington for opening weekend April 8-10. We were thinking about trying to catch some races on Saturday the 9th. What's the best way to experience Keeneland? Should I just get the best grandstand seats available? Should we reserve spots in one of the restaurants? What are the dining options if you don't get tickets/tables in one of the restaurants? What is general admission experience like? I don't mind spending a few bucks since it's our first time there.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer and Go Cats!
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If you don't mind spending a few bucks, I would recommend reserving a spot in the Lexington/Kentucky room which overlooks the track. As already mentioned, Bluegrass Stakes Day can be a frustrating experience due to the crowd and long lines for everything (betting, food, bathroom) in the general admission areas. It's a day I tend to avoid going unless I have reserved seating. Dining options are numerous in Keeneland..there are food vendors all over serving everything from brats, BBQ and burgoo to Mexican.
 
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dgtatu01

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Bluegrass Stakes day is crazy as its Keeneland's feature race and the biggest Derby Prep race in Kentucky. You will be hard pressed to find a seat and its going to be packed in the general admission areas and the Paddock. You will have fun, but you might miss out on the charm a little bit. Friday might be a better day to go.
 
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ctharris07

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Mar 11, 2005
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For a first time, I would try to reserve a spot either in the grandstands or the Equestrian Room. Saturday crowds can be overwhelming, especially when the weather is nice in the spring.

I personally love being down near the track, but my family and I usually go on Sundays when it is more like 15-20 thousand instead of 30-35.

I do know Keeneland really likes to make folks from out of town on their first ever visit feel very welcome. I think you'll have a great time.
 
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HossCat73_rivals

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JCatfan77 said:
I would recommend reserving a spot in the Lexington/Kentucky room which overlooks the track.
Click to expand...

You should also recommend he wears a coat AND tie as these rooms, along with the Clubhouse, require both for admittance.

OP, I'd go with the Equestrian room which I believe is on the first floor, but good luck getting reservations on that particular weekend. It's worth a shot just the same though. I went to BGS day last year, general admission, and it didnt start getting crowded until the 6th race. I had no problems getting anything, including a bet down with a mutuel clerk. When the crowd picked up, i just used the self serve machines. Also, we always park out by the track kitchen and walk up. Can USUALLY be easier getting in and out.

Good luck.
 
wcc31

wcc31

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Mar 18, 2002
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Coyote89 said:
We're from Atlanta but my daughter will be attending UK next fall. We have never been to Keeneland but will be in Lexington for opening weekend April 8-10. We were thinking about trying to catch some races on Saturday the 9th. What's the best way to experience Keeneland? Should I just get the best grandstand seats available? Should we reserve spots in one of the restaurants? What are the dining options if you don't get tickets/tables in one of the restaurants? What is general admission experience like? I don't mind spending a few bucks since it's our first time there.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer and Go Cats!
Click to expand...

I'd suggest going Friday or Sunday. You'll still have fun but Saturdays are stupid crowded- sure to get bumped into, beer spilled on you, etc. I'm sure many will suggest going to the clubhouse (tie and jacket required), but I think you'd be fine roaming around the paddock area, making bets, watching the races. It's a great time. Get ya a bourbon or two and hopefully you win some money. Hopefully, you get nice weather. Never know about April in Kentucky- could be 75 and sunny or 45 and rainy.

As far as dress, you'll see a lot of suits, jackets, ties, women dressed to the nines but a buttondown/sweater and some slacks will be fine. Of course, I hate getting dressed. Some guys like it.

Also, if you like bourbon and Kentucky horse country, make a stop on the bourbon tour- Woodford Reserve or somewhere.
 
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Violent Cuts

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If it's your first time get there very early, well before the first race and walk around at that point when it's less crowded. Keeneland is unique in that it lets anyone just wander around the paddock right up to the race horses. Watch 3-4 races and plan on getting out before the big crowd hits. You can always stay later if you're having fun. Also, be sure to watch the parade of horses outside the track prior to them coming in. I'm sure there's a name for that but I don't know it.
 
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HossCat73_rivals

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Vandalayindustries said:
Keeneland is unique in that it lets anyone just wander around the paddock right up to the race horses.
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Unless you're with the connections, or a trainer, you're not going to be able to just wander around inside the paddock or walking rings without that little pin that says so.

Vandalayindustries said:
Also, be sure to watch the parade of horses outside the track prior to them coming in. I'm sure there's a name for that but I don't know it.
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That's the walkover from the stables to the paddock, but it's outside the gate. If you time it right, you can be 1 foot from the horses outside the paddock/walking rinG when they lead them through the tunnel onto the main track. You'll be behind the shrubs and rail, or the temporary rope, but you'll be close enough to mention to Jerry Bailey he's a terrible human being and he most certainly can hear it.
 
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