I’m popping over from eventing land to pick your expert brains on Keeneland if you don’t mind sharing! I’m in the Lexington area for the next couple days and convinced DH to go to Keeneland tomorrow. We’re looking at all the dining/admission options, are the more expensive ones worth it? Or is $5 general admission all you really need (assuming weather is decent)? Any other insider advice? Thanks so much!
It’s always nice to have a guaranteed seat. GA is great if you don’t mind standing all the time (or hunting out the occasional bench corner or concrete step), but if you’re like me, you have to take a break periodically and know it’s available when you need it. I find a grandstand seat to be well worth the extra cost. Crowded and cramped, but good to have.
I have done the dining rooms, but it’s not really my cup of tea. Probably a ‘personal preference’ thing. Mileage may vary.
Keeneland can be one of the coldest wind tunnels on Earth; dress warmer than you think you’ll need based on the expected high.
Get the bread pudding.
You need reservations to get into any of those restaurants and the dress code and food varies for each room. Only the Lexington/KY room has a view of the track and you will only get a good view if you’re next to the window. Other then that you’re watching the races on tv. General admission is dress however you like and there’s plenty of concession stands as well as bars. Now matter where you end up, the food is really good. Chef Ed and his staff do a wonderful job creating and preparing the meals.
I love the burgoo, too, and it tastes even better when it’s chilly.
Some neat little tidbits about Keeneland, standing in the paddock looking at the grandstand, look towards the elevator shafts. You will notice the stones are two different shades. The darker stone is part of the original grandstand/clubhouse from the 1930’s and so is the stalls in the paddock. Now do a 180 and look towards the main entrance on the other side of the paddock. Look up and you will see blacked out windows. That’s the jockey’s room (which is nothing spectacular). Another thing, if you want to sit by the rail for the races, you have to get there early, like way before 1pm. If you pick a spot about 50 ft from the winner’s circle you will have a side view of horses breaking from the gate in some races. If you can get up early in the morning, you can go to clocker’s corner for some coffee/tea/hot cocoa with pastries and hang out with trainers, owners, and riders while watching the horses work. The breakfast at the track kitchen is really good too.
Usually the dining options would be all sold out by now, especially on a Saturday. General admission will get you a place to stand on the apron–which in good weather is usually very very crowded. I would go for grandstand seats if you can get them in a good spot (they may be sold out too.)
Breakfast with the works on Saturday mornings is great and has not been very well attended this meet so far (although the weather has also been poor.) You might have fun giving that a try in addition to (or instead of) the races.
Did you freeze your butt off like I did yesterday? Lol
I hope you guys had a great time. Keeneland made itself my new favorite place, when I visited last April. I got up at 5am and drove from Louisville to the track to watch the morning workouts. Enjoyed breakfast at the track kitchen, and loved the hospitality. Hands down friendliest staff!
