To paraphrase the poet who once penned, “In spring, a young man’s thoughts turn to love É “, in Lexington in the spring, a young man’s (and woman’s) thoughts turn to Keeneland Race Course. This year, the spring race meet at the iconic track runs from April 2nd to 23rd, and it is a sure bet that nattily clad patrons of both sexes will be out in full force to admire the flowering dogwoods, sip mint juleps, show off their seasonal attire, and, oh yes, cheer on their favorite ponies. For Lexingtonians, a visit to Keeneland is an annual rite of spring.
The track, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is often said to be the most beautiful racecourse in America, and even allowing for partisanship (I’m a huge Keeneland fan), I’m in agreement. From the moment you turn into the tree-shaded drive leading up to the stone clubhouse, you know you’re in for a special treat. That sense of “specialness” continues once inside the clubhouse, with its massive fireplace, abundant floral arrangements, and elegant dining rooms overlooking the track (the second best place for watching the horses as they parade around the paddock before their race; the first is, of course, in the paddock area itself).
Keeneland has been a Lexington landmark since its opening in 19aaep-2006, and its mantra remains the same as it was on that opening day Ð “racing as it was meant to be.” The full schedule of races this spring will culminate, as always, in the Blue Grass Stakes, one good indicator of which 3-year-olds will be in the running in the Kentucky Derby a few weeks later.
If you’re planning to attend any of the races during the spring meet, here are a few fun facts to know:
á    There is no maximum bet at Keeneland. If you have the cash on hand or the credit line, you can bet $1 million (or more) on your favorite horse.
á    The laurel wreath with the KA insignia on the gateposts does not stand, as you might think, for Keeneland Association, but rather for Kentucky Association. It was appropriated by Keeneland’s founder Hal Price Headley for his track’s use after the closing of the Kentucky Association’s track in 1933.
á    There are more than 250 gallons of burgoo served at the track each race day. For the uninitiated, burgoo is a hearty stew made from several different types of meat. The recipe supposedly came from Jim Looney, one time manager of Idle Hour Farm, now Darby Dan Farm.
Finally, there is one thing, aside from beautiful horses and thrilling races, that is guaranteed during Keeneland’s Spring Meet. The ladies will be sporting their finest millinery creations Ð all in preparation for America’s most famous hat day Ð the Kentucky Derby.
 
– Patti Nickell –

Anne M. Eberhardt photos
 
Upcoming Horse Lover’s Events:
Free Equine Veterinary Seminar with Molly McCue, DVM, of the Univ. of Pennsylvania on Polysacharide Storage Myopathy, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington: March 25
American Classic Championship Futurity Alpaca Show at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington: March 26
Paul Frazer Memorial Dressage & CT at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington: March 27
Kentucky Derby prep race, the Lane’s End Stakes at Turfway Park, Florence: March 27
Keeneland 2-year-old in training preview day, Lexington: April 1
Keeneland Spring Race Meet, Lexington: April 2-23
KPHC Spring Paint-O-Rama (APHA, 4 judge), Lakeside Arena, Frankfrot: 4/3-4
Keeneland 2-year-old in training sale, Lexington: April 5
Lloyd Kelly’s “The Equestrian Games” Exhibit at the Humana Festival of American Plays Louisville: Now through April 11.
Headley-Whitney Museum presents El Caballo: The Horse in Mexican Folk Art, Lexington: March 26-April 30
 
View of Manchester Farm from Keeneland; A