Keeneland Diaries: Lovely Lexington

This morning dawned chilly but crystal clear in Blue Grass country, and as I made my way to Keeneland for Coolmore Lexington Stakes day, I could tell that the afternoon itself would be spectacular. When I arrived at the track at about 10:30 in the morning, people were already lined up under a clear blue sky to start tailgating and take in a perfect spring day of horse racing.

Since so many people were already here for the tailgating scene, I decided the first thing I would do today was head to the hills surrounding the racetrack and take a look at the party. I’m so glad I did: everywhere I turned, there were people who were having a blast; college students were playing cornhole, families were barbecuing and there were even a few guys who looked ready to luau.

I spotted a few little girls who took the opportunity to climb the freshly-budding trees, and had a poignant flashback to my own skinned-knee childhood.

I also spotted what is possibly the best-furbished Bloody Mary bar I have ever seen. I mean, it looks like an illustration from a “How to Tailgate Like a Boss” pamphlet. (Side note to pamphlet makers: let’s get that printed, mmmmkay?)

My favorite tailgating destination is the area that’s right next to the turn for home: not only is it the ultimate party destination, but it also affords unparalleled views of the track, the grandstand, and the heart-pounding action of the races.

When I tore myself away from the tailgating and got back to the grandstand, people were pouring into the track, which was already bustling with activity by the time the second race rolled around.

Fans had arrived at Keeneland to have fun, enjoy some cocktails, bet some money (and hopefully win some, too!) and see some beautiful Thoroughbreds on a picture-perfect afternoon.

Before I knew it, it was time for the first stakes race of the afternoon. A stakes race is the highest level of competition in horse racing, and there are four different categories: Grade 1 (think the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont, Breeders’ Cup), Grade II (still tough competition but not on par with Grade 1), Grade 3 and listed stakes.  The Ben Ali Stakes is a Grade 3, and it’s for horses who are 4-years-old and up traveling 1 1/8 miles on the dirt. This year’s edition had attracted six talented Thoroughbreds, and I couldn’t wait to see who would come out on top in the first big event of the afternoon.

After a lap around the main track, Protonico proved to be much the best, winning the race by an impressive five lengths.

The next major race of the afternoon was the Jenny Wiley, which is a test for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up travelling 1 1/16 miles on the turf. As the fillies and mares filed into the paddock, the crowd around the walking ring swelled to take in the view. At Keeneland, horses act as the moon that pulls the tide of humanity from the paddock to the racetrack as the races ebb and flow; and today was no exception with a crowd of more than 37,000 present.

They were treated to a show today, with the Jenny Wiley contenders shining in the late afternoon sunlight.

One of my favorite horses in the race, Filimbi, was kicking up her heels in pre-race excitement:

As the horses headed onto the track toward the starting gate, fans packed the rail to get the best view:

One of my favorite little details about Keeneland is that the track provides box seat holders with parasols to protect them from the sun that streams in during the later races; it provides a charmingly old-fashioned backdrop to the high-paced on-track action.

After the post parade, it was Jenny Wiley Stakes time; even though she was facing a talented group, Ball Dancing won with incredible ease.

Jockey Javier Castellano had a huge grin on his face after the race, and was sure to give Ball Dancing lots of congratulatory pats as they headed to the winner’s circle.

Finally, it was time for the crown of the day: the Coolmore Lexington Stakes. This is a last-chance race for horses trying to get a place in the starting gate of the Kentucky Derby, and there were seven horses set to take their shot at potential glory. As the Thoroughbreds paraded in the paddock prior to the race, it was impossible to pick out the best looking horse of the bunch.

Before I knew it, it was time for the Lexington to kick off. With a clang of bells and a roar from the crowd, the starting gate doors sprung open and the seven 3-year-olds leapt onto the track.

After a lap around the track and 1 1/16 miles of running, it was Divining Rod who led the pack, opening up to win the Lexington by three lengths.

It was a very impressive victory for the colt, and his jockey Julien Leparoux looked incredibly pleased as the duo returned to the winner’s circle to get their official photo taken.

As Julien lifted the Coolmore Lexington Stakes trophy in celebration, I got even more excited for the weeks ahead of us as we travel even further down the Triple Crown trail.

While owner Roy Jackson said that it was unlikely that we’ll see Divining Rod in the Kentucky Derby, it looks like the Preakness – the middle jewel of the Triple Corwn – may be in this talented colt’s future. Be sure to follow along, and thank you, as always, for joining me on my adventures! Now that we’re just three weeks from the Run for the Roses, who’s your Kentucky Derby pick?