Get ready, it's picture time!
Last Friday, I spent an awesome day at Keeneland with friends. Every April and October, it's guaranteed I'm searching for ways to get out to Keeneland for the races. It's a reason to get dressed up and outside (though dressing up is totally optional – I've gone in jeans and a sweater before and snagged one of the benches by the track). You usually run into at least 5 people you know, and it's unlike any other experience around.
For this visit, however, I was in a clubhouse box, so I wore a dress and Steve wore a suit with a springy tie.
I'm not going to even pretend to connected to the horse racing industry enough to be a Keeneland Clubhouse member, but Keeneland reached out and generously offered a box for my use. For the Clubhouse, there is a strict dress code that says jackets and ties for men, and no revealing clothing from women (though I saw varying degrees of this). And for sure no denim. My gauzy pom pom dress from ELOQUII that I wore here was a great option as it was a cool spring day.
Flower goals
My lovely friends!
My friend Nanci also got the white lace memo. #twinning
I mean, where else can you shade yourself with a parasol and not get a funny look?
The paddock area where the horses walk around before each race. The landscaping, limestone, brick, and fashionable people make Keeneland stand out like no other race track.
Dear Elaine from Race 9 showed off her teeth in the paddock 😀
To end the day with a cherry on top, my friend Mindy offered to grab some jockey's for a photo. She works with them – I wouldn't ever ask for a photo while they're on the job! Right before the 9th race: Mike Smith and John Velazquez.
These 2 jockeys went 1-2 in the race right after this photo. Who came out on top: Mike Smith or John Velazquez?
John Velazquez on Unbridled Mo, his mount for the 9th race — the Hilliard Lyons Doubledogdare. Fun story: In 2011, Velazquez won the Kentucky Derby on Animal Kingdom. He was supposed to ride Uncle Mo – the sire (dad) to Unbridled Mo pictured above – but he was scratched from the race. Animal Kingdom's original jockey was Robby Albarado, but he had an injury so it opened up a spot for Velazquez to ride… and win.
He came out on top in this race with Unbridled Mo, and Mike Smith placed with Power of Snunner.
You can watch the replay of the 23rd running of The Hilliard Lyons Doubledogdare here.
With all the chaos going on with getting my house ready to sell, this was a much needed outing. Keeneland's last day of racing for this Spring meet is this Friday, April 28th.
Thank you Keeneland for the experience!
