LEXINGTON, KY. (LEX 18) — Opening day brought out the crowds to Keeneland and the track did not disappoint. The track brought out the fresh paint and bells and whistles for all to enjoy.
A day at Keeneland is all about the racing (and the bread pudding). But a trip to the track is also about the fans, which is why for the Fall Meet, you'll notice a few updates. When you walk in you'll likely notice the New Saddling Paddock Chalet. It's a ticketing dining room with views right into the paddock. On the first floor, there's also a new East Gate Shop open until 30 minutes after the last post.
"Fall Stars Weekend kicks off opening weekend at Keeneland. We have 10 graded stakes races, millions of dollars in purse money that we're giving out. So some of the best racing in the country. We have Breeders Cup 'win and you're in races.' So you're gonna see some of the best horses from all over the world that are going to be participating in our races this weekend," Kara Heissenbuttel,
Keeneland Patron Experience Director told LEX 18.
Meanwhile, Chef Marc Therrien was busy in the kitchen. "Well, the Keeneland Dog! We've got burgoo. We've got a hot dog. They met. And I'm surprised nobody's come up with this combination before but we did this meet. So it's a soft potato roll, an all-beef hot dog. It's got our signature burgoo and banana chilies for a little bit of acid and zing really," Therrien said, displaying his work.
The dog is available at the news starting gate concession stands as well as around the track. And of course, there is a Bourbon Bar.
"So this bourbon bar was a concept we came up with--something that we can give back to the community and I think this does that. We serve all of our bourbon list on this from high end to the low end. We sell nothing but bourbon and a few draft beers and some cigars so our tag line is 'I'll meet you at the bourbon bar!" said Therrien.
The Fall Meet runs until Oct. 26. There is no racing on Mondays or Tuesdays. Gates open at 11 a.m. First post in 1:05 p.m. daily.
