The Keeneland Experience

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It was closing day at Keeneland's spring meet today and the Space gang was lucky enough to take in today's card. Case the Race says we're a little windy here on the blogfront, so I'll keep it short and sweet and share some of the day's pictures which tells a story all its own. I definitely have a new 2nd favorite track (the Spa will always be #1) as the hospitality shown by all of the Keeeneland staff and the tradition of the place shows through wherever you go. The ladies in Guest Services took care of the Space Gal and even gave her a room to feed and change the S-Kid, that's going out of your way.

Ironically, we don't know a soul in these parts, but we ran into our tour guide from Old Friends, Mercer, in Section E before the first race and ended up spending the day with him, which was very enjoyable. He took us down in the paddock for the 4th and we procured some nice pictures down in one of my favorite paddock areas.


The day started off on a great note with an opening trifecta after the ML favorite scratched, who we planned on keying over three horses, so we just boxed the three. We ended up the day at break even and just enjoyed the experience for what it was: a beautiful sunny, windy day at one of the country's best racetracks.



























Julien Leparoux getting ready to take the mount on Nickle Pickle in the 4th.

Edgar mounting Knack before the fourth.






















Kent Desermeaux up on Skim Scam, the winner of the 4th ($10.60) and third leg of my about to be blown apart Pick 4 ticket.





















Overheard in the paddock, bodyguard to NTRA Prexy "I heard that Space guy is here today, I'll punch him in the face if you want me to?"

Gate break in the 4th (see Trakus and straight view on jumbo tron - very cool)





















Auctioneer: "Do I hear $10,000 for the box at Keeneland?"





















Star power: 10yo Better Talk Now before the Elkhorn (G2)





















Grade I winner Champs Elysees before the big race.



























Calling it in: "Key the 2 (Woodford Girl) over the 3 and the 4." Space Kid: "Dad, don't forget the 5." Oh yeah, "and the 5" Race result: 2/3/5....you go Baby B. The kid was a champ all day long (thanks of course to the Space Gal). Not bad that his first track visit is Keeneland and his next is under the twin spires...sa-weet.

Tomorrow's invasion: Churchill Downs Opening Day!