I saw a post on FB today from Stonestreet Farms that asked the following question:
“If you could go to any racetrack in the world, where would you go and why?”
I thought this was a fun question, so I pose it to you COTHers. So, which one would it be?
I’ll go first…
My picks would be Meydan for the Dubai World Cup or if I could travel back in time, Hialeah in its heyday 
Ascot would be so tempting if I didn’t have to get too dressed up for the Royal Ascot meet.
I’ve always loved Keeneland along with the Santa Anita hill turf course.
Aintree, for the Grand National.
I’d go to Meydan for the Dubai World Cup.
Since I forgot 
Ascot for the Royal Ascot meet. Love the pomp and circumstance along with 5 day of racing of some of the best to be had on such a lovely, versatile course.
Keeneland and ‘down the hill’ at Santa Anita… just think the track settings are such beautiful settings to watch fantastic horses race I have a print called ‘Silks of the Field’ by Mary Nickell which shows the horses coming off the far turn at Keeneland and the trees in full spring flower in the background. This is what the print looks like but my print is more like 3’ x 3’6" (without measuring but much larger than the print for sale here).
Saratoga, because I have never been. I have been fortunate to see races (big and small) at Santa Anita and many East Coast and KY tracks.
But everyone says you have to go to Saratoga and I believe it.
Saratoga… for the history and the picnic atmosphere. Ditto for the history at Belmont.
Sha Tin… for the experience on a grand scale.
Don’t hold your breath for the Saratoga picnic atmosphere - that place is so full of smokers you literally cannot breathe.
I think Haileah takes the cake - beautiful facility, and an easy drive to the beach, restaurants, shopping.
I’m not big on watching races all day, I’m a better participant than spectator. Is there shopping at Meydan?
I never got to experience Hialeah in its heyday - I was too young and lived too far away. But I remember the glitz and glamour that seemed to surround it and the pink flamingos were so iconic. If I had a time machine, I would definitely go.
I love all the answers. So fun! Keep 'em coming!
I don’t know, but I have heard there are camel races and Arabian races, which I for one would love to see. And it seems so atmospheric, especially on World Cup Day. That imposing grandstand – the longest in the world, I hear – and the track glowing under the lights in the desert. I know I’ll never make it there, but one can dream…
“Don’t hold your breath for the Saratoga picnic atmosphere - that place is so full of smokers you literally cannot breathe.”
So very true! I often get pretty sick from being around smoke which is unfortunate for someone who likes to go to the races. (I try to go on breezy days and I take an antihistamine, which they say helps people who have problems with cigarette smoke.)
Get this, here is another example of how awesome Keeneland is. When I was there, I was thrilled that there basically wasn’t any cigarette smoke. I asked one of the lovely green jacketed ushers how they do that. He said if people smoke, they ask them not to. I so adore Keeneland.
We had a horse run two different times at Saratoga this year, and boy was it awesome. I had been to Saratoga before, but never during the race meet. So, to get to go twice as an owner was really amazing and has probably spoiled me for life, especially considering this is our first horse to make it to the races. The track itself is beautiful and historic, and is big enough that it never really feels that crowded, even on the weekend days. I was not there on Travers Day, so I can’t speak to what the crowds are like that particular weekend. The town of Saratoga Springs is just packed with charm, unbelievable restaurants/bars and lovely shops. It is just wonderful, and now that there is Uber up there is much easier to get around without worrying about parking.
I also really love Keeneland as well, and would tell anyone who hasn’t been that it is a MUST. I have been going for about 10 years for the races, and fall in love with the track and the City of Lex a little bit more each time I am there.
Meydan is definitely at the top of my bucket list. I hear that it is something you have to see to believe. Ascot would be amazing as well, I’m sure.
I adore Keeneland and miss living close enough for regular visits. I think it is an especially great venue for first-time track visitors; it just makes such a lovely impression all around.
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