Kat’s Eye: Savoring Opening Day at Keeneland

When you’re a Thoroughbred enthusiast, opening day of any race meet is cause for celebration. But I was particularly giddy Friday morning — even as I braced for sub-50 degree temperatures and the possibility of rain — it was opening day of Keeneland’s spring meet.
Keeneland Race Course is special. To my mind, it’s what a racetrack is supposed to be — like the ballpark in “Fields of Dreams.”

In one of the quintessential baseball movies of this era, Kevin Costner’s character, Ray, is asked by the ghost of his father, as he takes in the perfection of the baseball field where he is standing, “Is this heaven?” And Ray responds, “No, it’s Iowa.”  That’s how this racetrack makes me feel. I can imagine the ghost of Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker asking, “Is this heaven?”  I would reply, “No, it’s Keeneland.”  But the truth is … Bill knew.
Keeneland is where I first started to “get serious” about photography. It’s where I took candid photos of frat boys and kids attending the races with their parents, shots of outriders, jockeys and racehorses for the first time and pictures of my family enjoying a warm fall day at the track. Had my older brother not moved his young family to Kentucky almost 25 years ago, I might not have been introduced to this center of the Thoroughbred racing world in its absolute glory.
I share all of this with you, hopeful that it will help you to understand what would compel me to climb out of a warm and decidedly comfortable bed in the cozy guest room of my niece’s home, just before sunrise, on what promised to be a frosty morning.
Rain or shine, freezing cold or sweltering heat, morning work goes off without missing a beat on the racetrack. So, when I rolled up Friday morning just after daybreak, the track was busy with workers and trainers, and plenty of spectators were lining the rail that separates the grandstand from the dirt track.

This can be a chaotic or an incredibly peaceful place in the morning, where you can immerse yourself in the busy energy that exists among those present, or you can completely separate yourself and find an unspoiled corner of this equestrian palace to call your own while you watch some of the finest equine athletes on the planet stretch out and find their pace.
On this morning, I embraced both faces of Keeneland — enjoying the banter between trainers who had clearly known each other for decades and relishing the serenity of the dew-covered lawn outside the rail at the far turn of the track. For those who have never visited a racetrack for morning workouts, it’s something that should be on your “to-do” list.

The beauty of this facility is certainly notable, but the hospitality of its people is not to be ignored. I could barley walk 50 feet this morning without someone in a green Keeneland jacket tossing me a cheerful “good morning!”

Before it could even register with me, morning had turned to afternoon and entries for the first race were being called to the post. With experience at what would be considered some of the country’s “major” racetracks, this was my first time shooting photographs at Keeneland. Being a relatively “boutique” meet, a new face was more than obvious to the staff trackside, who cheerfully introduced themselves to me as we commiserated over the small but significant ice pellets that were dotting our clothing as we waited for the starting gate to open for first race.

Young people — children — crowded the rail each time I walked to my spot, just past the finish line, and I playfully chatted with them about how their handicapping was going for the day. If you want to smile, come to the racetrack and ask a kid about their betting philosophy. Whether they focus on names or on silks or if they actually “break it down” — understanding a little or a lot of what goes into odds-making — the answer will be a delight.
The weather on this opening day, while less than perfect, cooperated with those in attendance until the entrants for the seventh race were called to the post. It was around that time that the rain came down harder, then turned to a wintery mix. That’s when I headed for my car, followed closely by a hot shower.

Saturday is a big day, with stakes races taking place at racetracks across the country that will help 3-year-old horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby. Keeneland will be host to many top 3-year-olds, and with its close proximity to the home of the Kentucky Derby — Churchill Downs in Louisville — many will be anxiously watching to see who emerges victorious.
Regardless of the race card, workers will take to the track before sunrise. I’ll be there again Saturday, as soon as day breaks. A cold, rainy day at Keeneland is better than a regular day just about anywhere else.