Sixteen Reasons to Love Keeneland

Keeneland provides fans top-notch places to tailgate and watch racing. (Photo by Penelope P. Miller)
In Lexington, Ky. April and October are the best times of the year with some of the finest racehorses in the nation coming to the track for a few weeks of prestigious racing. This year, Keeneland's fall meet will end with Breeders' Cup fireworks as the biggest event of the year comes to the track for the first time.
With fantastic racing and high quality tailgating, there isn't a reason not to love Keeneland but if you need to be convinced that it is the track for you, here are 16 reasons it is one of the best tracks in the nation.
1. For just $5 fans get to spend a day with some of the best athletes on the planet at one of the sport's most historic and picturesque venues.
2. Have you seen the paddock?

Photo by Melissa Bauer-Herzog
3. Fans applaud the winner after each race, whether it's the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes or a claiming race on a Wednesday.
4. Proof that real, actual customer service does exist.
5. There is a teller who gives out Tootsie Rolls to each bettor.
6. Fantastic people watching.

Photo by Penelope P. Miller
7. Free parking!
8. Sunrise trackside: Every Saturday during the race meeting, experience the sunrise, sights and sounds of Sunrise Trackside at Keeneland featuring Breakfast with the Works, children’s activities, tours and handicapping seminars.
9. Keeneland is racing's only venue where you can walk around the backside to see what goes on in horse racing’s “locker room.”  
10. Grab a tasty, greasy spoon breakfast at the track kitchen after watching morning workouts. The food is good, the price is right and the company includes many of the famous horseman you see on TV.
11. The Three Bs: Burgoo, bourbon and bread pudding
12. The best trainers, jockeys and owners come for the spring and fall meets.
13. Bring your own chair and park it by the finish line.
14. Novice fans have an opportunity to learn about wagering from the track’s popular BETologists, who mingle with the crowd inside the racetrack and out to help answer all of your racing, handicapping, betting and even general questions.
15. College Day! Keeneland awards 10 $1,000 scholarships to full-time students, one after each race throughout the day
16. Where else do you find a college-football-quality tailgate at a racetrack?
TAILGATING AT KEENELAND

Photos courtesy of Eclipse Sportswire