During our visit to Lexington, KY we took a Unique Horse Farm Tour with tour guide extraordinaire, Shaun Washington.
He shared with us that we needed to come back to see a race at Keeneland. We didn’t know what to expect for our first race and I wanted to share useful tips before your visit.
Keeneland Has A Short Racing Season
A horse race at Keeneland is a Lexington tradition. Keeneland has a short live racing season on select dates during the month of April in the spring and October in the fall.
What’s amazing is that Keeneland generates the majority of its income from their Thoroughbred auction house. Their auction house has sold more champions and stakes winners than any other sales company.
That’s why they can afford to have a shorter live racing season than most race tracks.
Parking at Keeneland
When you arrive at Keeneland, you can choose to pay for parking or there is plenty of free parking in several grassy areas that are not far from the entrance.
If you opt for free parking the walk might be more of a challenge if you are wearing high heels.
Tours at Keeneland
If you get to Keeneland really early, I would suggest watching the early morning practice and taking the self-guided walking tour.
Tailgating is also really popular on race days. We attended a Sunday race which was less crowded and a bit more of a kid-friendly atmosphere.
Pre Race Activities at Keeneland at the Paddock
Before each horse race, patrons can view the horses and watch the jockeys mount on the horses at the paddock.
Post time for the race is 1:05 and races are about 30 minutes apart which gives you time to see the horses before each race.
It’s great to see the beautiful horses up close.
The paddock also allows you to observe what the horse’s temperament is like that day which could affect how he races that day.
Food & Drink Options at Keeneland
There are a lot of different food options while at Keeneland. Keeneland has concession stands and several restaurants on site.
There is a dress code for some of the upscale restaurants.
We opted to try the Kentucky Burgoo which is a soup made from meats and vegetables that was really good.
Keeneland also sells a specialty drink called the “Keeneland Breeze” that is made with Kentucky Bourbon so we had to sample it too.
(1 part Maker’s Mark Bourbon, a splash of orange liqueur, and a squeeze of fresh orange. Top off with ginger ale and serve in a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange wedge. )
The Dress Code at Keeneland
Race attendees wear a variety of clothing attire from shorts to dresses. I will say that overall it was a dressier crowd.
I wore a dress and my husband and kids wore khaki pants with a colored polo shirt and we felt like we fit in.
What to Wear to Keeneland
I would recommend dressing a little nicer with business casual or above style. It’s fun to dress up a little and I think it’s better to be a little overdressed than underdressed.
Depending on where you will be dining, you will need to dress accordingly.
*The nicer the restaurant and seating area, the more formal the dress code.
What is the Dress Code for the Keeneland Clubhouse?
Men- Suits or sport coats, dress slacks, dress shirt with collar and tie. Dress shoes and dress socks.
Women – Clothing of comparable formality to gentlemen, including but not limited to skirts, dresses, tailored pantsuit or dress slacks.
Clothing NOT permitted at the Keeneland Clubhouse – Denim – regardless of color, slacks that are designed to resemble jeans, shorts (including rompers), clothing or shoes that resemble athletic attire, abbreviated or revealing attire.
Gambling at Keeneland
A program from Keeneland will tell you the distance length of each race and all of the information you need to know associated with the horses.
If you are the betting type, you can talk to a betologist and you also have multiple areas where you can place your bet.
My friend gave me a great tip for the kids. She said that when she went as a child, her dad would give her and her siblings a bag of coins so that they could bet between themselves on the races.
My older son used a strategy and read all of the stats in the program and my younger son picked horses with cooler names.
Guess who won the most money???
You will notice that the grounds around Keeneland are absolutely beautiful. There is history and Kentucky pride at every turn.
The statues of the jockeys near the paddock are repainted each year to display the winning colors of the silks of all of the grade races.
A race a Keeneland is a great way to see why Kentucky is the Horse Capital of the World.
How Much is Admission to Keeneland?
You can purchase tickets online and you’ll want to plan ahead because some races and seating sections sell out.
$7 General Admission
(If you are sitting in the lower level you can also bring a lawn chair or get there early to reserve a bench)
Grandstand Reserved Seating is a more comfortable seating option with a back and armrest that’s under cover.
More Information
You can find out more about Keeneland from their website.
Where is Keeneland Located?
Keeneland is located at 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, Kentucky
Kathy
If it rains Saturday, are umbrellas allowed?
Bo
Hi! There a chance Olof rain for the wknd… can a small canopy be set up at my tailgate at the paved parking area?!
Jamie
Probably not by 4. Take your time driving along Frankford Pike. Look up Minns Steak House while in lv.
Nedra McDaniel
A diaper bag is allowed at Keeneland, though it will be checked at the gate for safety.Keeneland.com/safety gives further information!
John Creech
Can we bring bags? We have a baby coming with us and need to prepare bottles, toys, etc and what we can pack it in.
Nedra McDaniel
Are you possibly attending an event at Churchill Downs?
Vicki
My son and daughter in laws family will be attending on mothers day at tables in the clubhouse.Can you advise me as to the dress code.I understand it is dress but how formal of dress.Can you help me?
Nedra McDaniel
I’ve taken pictures and video with my phone without a problem. What type of camera? I don’t think that it would be an issue.
Greg Colegate
More question than comment. Just curious can you bring a camera into the racetrack. Thanks
Nedra McDaniel
It really depends on your kids attention spans. Our kids competed against each other to guess the winner which made them more interested in each race. It’s also nice to watch the horses in the paddock before each race. The time goes by pretty fast
Chad
My family and I are going for Spring Break. None of us have attended a live horse race. How long should we plan to be there? I see the track opens at 11am and then starts at 1:00pm. I’m curious if this will be the only thing we do that day or if we can get to Louisville by 4:00pm…
Nedra McDaniel
I’ll see what I can find out.
Gil
any areas for smoking ? particularly cigars ?
Jan
Loved you information and tips for having fun!!! Going today and I have decided to dress up because of your post!! Thanks for keeping people like me “ in the loop”.
Nedra McDaniel
They have a designated parking lot for buses and Rvs. The lot is adjacent to barns 1-3. Here is a link for addition information on parking http://www.keeneland.com/racing/parking
Nedra McDaniel
That’s a good question- I will look into that and get back to you
Steve Lane
Can we park an RV on the grounds during race days.
Nedra McDaniel
Thanks for catching the error. My spellcheck didn’t pick it up and I missed it. Hope you have a fun visit to Keeneland.
Janis Guinchigliani
Your site is very nice but you should correct the spelling of Gambeling to correctly be Gambling to enhance the accuracy of the site. I came to your site to check dress code and what to expect when we come and quickly noticed the typo.