Keeneland Celebrates Opening Day

– Story & Photo WTVQ TV 36 –

Opening day at Keeneland is officially a wrap and boy was it a fun one.

Thousands of fans put on their best racing attire, grabbed a cold drink and packed the stands at Keeneland Friday afternoon to take in opening day.

“We are just going to have a good time. We’re going to see some beautiful horses. That’s a good time,” said Felicia Heil, a spectator.

The racing didn’t begin until the early afternoon but that didn’t stop fans from getting there hours early to grab the best views.

“He made us come out really early so we could get a really close seat. 10 a.m. So we grabbed these benches to get up close,” said Emily Smith, a spectator.

Of course betting is one of the major draws for fans at the track and some were crossing their fingers opening day would be a big pay day.

“You know, hopefully trying to win some good money, not lose too much. Just having a good time. That’s what it’s all about,” said Fernando Mercado, a spectator.

That good time includes some good weather, good drinks, good odds and of course good tradition.

“It really holds a special place in a lot of peoples memories and in their family traditions and you really do see that,” said Amy Gregory, director of communications for Keeneland.

Saturday is another big race day with the Bluegrass Stakes kicking off around 6 p.m. but the public can come as early as 7 a.m. to see the early morning warm ups.