Tips for visiting Keeneland??

Question

I am going to the Keeneland Fall Meet on Oct. 7 and it is my first horse race to go to. If you have any tips please answer. I would highly appreciate it! Thank you!

What time should I get there??

Can you go back in the barn area and see or even pet some of the horses??

What horses are planning to run in the Spinster Stakes (when I go)???

SHARE YOUR TIPS PLEASE!

Answer 1

Lola C has a great answer for you. I just want to add that I was there twice in Oct 2003 and It's beautiful.She is on target when she says "get there early".I arrived at 11.00 am and got my seat and had a great time.I didn't check out the barns,but that sounds nice too. Have fun!!

Answer 2

e-mail me direct on the 6th, and i will send you my picks for the 7th.

Answer 3

I would get there no later than 11:30 am. It isn't so bad inside, but parking is h**l. There's usually guys riding around in golf carts to take you to the front gates, make sure you tip them, usually $1 per person.

You can go into the barns to see the horses, petting is a no no. Thoroughbreds can be tempermental and a lot are likely to take a bite out of you. Owners/trainers can't risk that kind of liability. I know you may think "Oh I wouldn't sue," etc... but there are millions of people who would.

If you pay to get in, THEN decide to go look through the barns, make sure you get your hand stamped so you won't have to pay again. There's a special gate in the back by the barns that they stamp you for reentry.

The list of the mares running in the Spinster Stakes won't be out til about 2 days before the race. Last time I looked at Keeneland's webpage, the nominations weren't even listed.