Lexington, KY - Keeneland and KY Horse Park

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This is the fourth time we have stayed at Kentucky Horse Park Camp Ground. It's a great park, lots of space between sites, great playground, basket ball and tennis courts, and a pool if we ever hit this place when it is warm. On the opening day of Keeneland's April meet, we met Michael McMahon at the Thoroughbred Club for lunch and, because of the chilly weather, lingered (there are betting windows at the club). Once the weather changed, we took a shuttle to the track and met up with Kate in the Paddock. After the races, we headed for Versailles for a cookout at Mike and Natanya's home at Winstar Farm. On Saturday, we skipped the races and headed for Kentucky Horse Park. We noticed considerable growth at the horse park since our visit almost 10 years ago. Funnycide, a New York bred thoroughbred who was foaled at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbred Farm, now has a "corner office" in the Champions Barn. "Funny," a Derby and Preakness winner, looked happy and fit. We watched the Parade of Breeds and enjoyed strolling from barn to barn, ending up at the very interesting International Museum of the Horse. Two artists were exhibiting on the lower level gallery. We especially liked the work of octagenerian, Fay Moore. Affordable ($15.) arttractions that one can "do" in a few hours are very appealing. Kentucky Horse Park fits the bill, educational and interesting but not overwhelmingly so! We had dinner at Dudley's in downtown Lexington with Kate and her friend Fergus on our last night here. A fun contintntal breakfast with the McMahons at the RV Park made the weekend complete. On to Gettysburg!

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Photos

Mike and Wes, Keeneland Race Course
Mike is so connected; we had the club, an inside table, and a box. Cool man to know!

Funnycide
Funnycide's "retirement home" is in the Champions' Barn at Kentucky Horse Park. He is in good company; with Cigar just a few stalls away.

Kate and Joanne, Toasting at Keeneland
I could get used to having an executive box at the races!

Last Minute Handicapping
Wes maintained his fine reputation for picking winners here in the Keeneland paddock.

Florentino
Darley had two horses in the ninth race - Florentino and feature Stormalory. Stormalory won the race.

Getting Ready
This bird's eye view of the starting gate is from the Executive Boxes where Kate had entertained clients during the day. We were invited up to finish off the wine after the feature race.

Kate in the Paddock
She looks serious because this is work --- Watching out for the two Darley Horses in this race.

Playground off our Stern
We are here during Kentucky Spring Break and the Kentucky Horse Park RV Camp Ground is full of happy little children! The lots are spacious and there is a pool if the weather ever warms up! Some people parked here are involved in equestrian events and drive RV/Horse Van combinations!

Parade of Breeds
Kentucky takes their horses very seriously. The parade of breeds at Kentucky Horse Park is a nice event with good commentary!

Clydesdale and Handler
Love the way the man had to skip to keep up with "Lightening!"

Family Breakfast at the Camp Ground
Mike and Natanya and the children came to the campground on Sunday for a continental breakfast and fun on our playground. It was a great way to bid adieu to Lexington for another year with promises to return next spring.