Kentucky - Keenland Race Course & Thoroughbred Farms

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Kentucky celebrates April with Red Bud Festivals throughout the state. Drifts of the more purple than red trees in flower color the road sides. They seem to clash with forsythia and contrast with the bright white of the dogwoods. It looks like spring; but it is cold and it snowed on Saturday while we were at opening day at Keenland Race Course. We are staying at Kentucky Horse Park Campground. We have camped here before and really like it. The Horse Park itself is like DollyWood for Equines - every breed imaginable, horse shows, equestrian demonstrations, carriage rides, etc. Keenland is a beautiful track. This was a wonderful family interlude. We got to meet our new great nephew, Aiden, reaquaint with his big sister 2 year old, Madison and tour their parents' (Mike & Natanya's) farm. It's a work in progress and coming along just beautifully since we were here last there are new fences, beautiful new stalls and a great tack room. Also, our niece, Kate, toured us around the stallion barn and paddocks at Darley, the home of 2006 Preakness, Jim Dandy, and Travers winner Bernardini. On Saturday we went to the races and froze. The boxes were desserted. Saturday night we had a great meal with Kati at Dudley's in downtown Lexington and later on met Mike, Natanya and some of their friends for a drink. It's so nice to visit friends and relatives as part of our travels. On Sunday it's on to Pittsburgh and more lovely family.

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Photos

Holy Bull - Darley

Starry Night in Paddock Keenland
This horse came in second; I had it across the board.

Thoroughbred Club Snowed In
We had expected opening day at Keenland to be a day for spring hats and light jackets. Instead it turned into winter.

Funny Cide and Robin, Keenland Paddock
Funny Cide is as handsome as ever. He didn't have a very good race; but we still love this horse.

Finishline - Keenland