I haven’t been back in ages but it seems that I have been in the Keeneland Gift Shop when there is not a meet. But I may have dreamed that. I have some recollection of stopping for catalogs for an upcoming sale and the gift shop being open.
If you like bookstores there are nice collectible stores and new stores in Lexington. Glovers and Joseph-Beth among others.
[QUOTE=roseymare;8472659]
I haven’t been back in ages but it seems that I have been in the Keeneland Gift Shop when there is not a meet. But I may have dreamed that. I have some recollection of stopping for catalogs for an upcoming sale and the gift shop being open.[/QUOTE]
You’re right. I was only thinking about horse things and forgot about the gift shop. It’s open all year round, even when nothing else is.
If you are interested in seeing operations that are somewhat different from the norm check out the Eastern Euro Asian owned operation Royal Pegasus. Don’t know that they have regular tours but it might be of interest to compare horse flesh. Nice people.
I can’t say enough about Claiborne. The history is humbling and they are generous about giving you their time and time with their stallions. One of my best memories is feeding Unbridled peppermints. I’ve done a group tour and went once with just a horse crazy friend - one of the guys from the stallion barns showed us around and let us spend so much time with some of the “boys.” I couldn’t believe how friendly everyone was there both times we went.
I’ve been to Claiborne twice and they were great. Back in 1993 they brought out each stallion for us from Easy Goer to Mr. Prospector. The only one they didn’t was Seeking the Gold because he was nasty. They allowed a family picture with Easy Goer. The history is amazing. Highly recommend them. Adena Springs, Lanes End, Spendthrift, Three Chimneys, and Gainesway, all were wonderful. I went to Darley when it was still Jonabell and they were great as well. I don’t think you will go wrong at any of the farms.
We went during Rolex in 2007… took a tour out of the KHP and visited several farms (Winstar and I think Lands’ End - but can’t be sure about this one), Keeneland. It was fun and we did see Tiznow in action!!
Would love to go back and go to Adena, Three Chimneys and/or Clairborne and Old Friends.
I went to Claiborne during my WEG trip, and they were great. Got to pet and get pictures with stallions. The cemetery alone was worth the visit. The only stallions we were warned to stay away from were Arch, who nips, but we got to see him over the stall door while we were on the far side of the aisle, and Seeking the Gold, retired by then but still in the main stud barn instead of being moved back to the retirees section so that the most experienced stud grooms would still be the ones handling him. The groom said they worried for the safety of the retiree grooms with him.
I did ask about Lure, would have liked to see him, but was told he was way back on the south 40.
When we were there, they made us back up about thirty feet when they were bringing Seeking the Gold out of his stall to turn him out. He must really be something!
I appreciate all the suggestions and will be looking at doing the tour and maybe also looking into seeing some farms on our own if we can. This will be the 4th time we have some to Lexington for the RTTH and every year it gets harder to leave. The countryside is so beautiful and the people beyond friendly (this from a New Yorker so Kentucky is a refreshing change).
Just an FYI, Keeneland is going to be renovating their Track Kitchen so it will be closed between 1/18 and 3/15. Food service will move to the Equestrian Room during that time.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/97112/keeneland-to-renovate-track-kitchen?source=rss
