So went back to Keeneland this afternoon as friends wanted to go for first time. Discovered that 37,000 people are just too many for the place. Can\'t use bathrooms, can\'t move, can\'t get a bet down, can\'t get food, can\'t find anywhere to sit. Especially when I think 15,000 of them are drunk college students standing in the middle of aisles blocking access to ... everywhere.
I guess I\'m getting old and cranky. Or have to stick to the non-general-public areas.
Remember a few years back, Keeneland did a survey, asking patrons if they wanted Keeneland to expand so they could host Breeders Cup. Answer was resoundingly NO - don\'t destroy the ambiance and intimacy just to build a huge paved McTrack Sports Complex. Thank goodness they didn\'t do that - but they have to do something. Or we need more rainy days.
Had $20 on Java\'s War, so day not a total loss. So did my friends - so they\'ll be back next week. Hooked a couple more horse racing fans.
sighthound Wrote:
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> So went back to Keeneland this afternoon as
> friends wanted to go for first time. Discovered
> that 37,000 people are just too many for the
> place. Can\'t use bathrooms, can\'t move, can\'t get
> a bet down, can\'t get food, can\'t find anywhere to
> sit. Especially when I think 15,000 of them are
> drunk college students standing in the middle of
> aisles blocking access to ... everywhere.
>
> I guess I\'m getting old and cranky. Or have to
> stick to the non-general-public areas.
>
> Remember a few years back, Keeneland did a survey,
> asking patrons if they wanted Keeneland to expand
> so they could host Breeders Cup. Answer was
> resoundingly NO - don\'t destroy the ambiance and
> intimacy just to build a huge paved McTrack Sports
> Complex. Thank goodness they didn\'t do that - but
> they have to do something. Or we need more rainy
> days.
>
> Had $20 on Java\'s War, so day not a total loss.
> So did my friends - so they\'ll be back next week.
> Hooked a couple more horse racing fans.
Is what it is, alas . . . only time I was there for BG, was in press box (chart crew) in \'76 . . . love the place, but if you\'re not a privileged character, BG day can be trial.
Topcat,
Where have you been hiding?
Oklahoma opened yesterday; a mere 95 days until opening day.
Keeneland is my home track. Best advice I have for anyone that is there on any Saturday when the weather is nice...head to the 3rd floor. Drunks do not ascend very well! The betting, food, beer and bathroom lines up there are very manageable compared to the zoo that is ground level. The college drunks have taken over that place in the spring on Saturdays when the weather is nice. If memory serves me correct the track record for attendance in \'93 was set when Holy Bull ran in the BG Stakes and it was in the ballpark of 20,000. Now they\'re cramming 40,000+ in there with no expansion in mind. It\'s ruined it for the real bettors in central Ky or anyone that wants to drop in for a visit from out of town. Thank God they\'ve finally reigned in the tailgating drunks in the parking lot. If you\'re a \"people watcher\" you need to add a spring Saturday to Keeneland to your bucket list. Wear sunglasses! If you hate crowds then come to Keeneland on a Sunday...wide open, regardless of weather.