Last Saturday was spent soaking up the sun with my husband and our friends from West Virginia. We opted not to go to Churchill downs this year. The seats were going to be pricey and we didn't really care to see the crowd explode when John Calipari arrived. Instead, we watched the races for the day at Keeneland racetrack here in Lexington. They have the Derby simulcast on several screens throughout the clubhouse and on the track. It was close to home, less expensive, and more casual. It was fantastic.
You have the option to buy a table in one of the clubhouse rooms but we just brought our lawn chairs and sat down by the track. While the atmosphere is a bit more chill, you still get that same Derby experience, only you don't have to wait in line to use the bathroom and the Mint Juleps taste just as good. You can still dress up in your Derby hat, or you can wear shorts. It was very comfortable for an all day event.
We sat and talked and walked around the vendors. We proudly put our bets down on horses we just knew would win. When the Run for the Roses came up Jordan and I talked about who to pick. We did our research and read the experts opinions. Between the two of us we picked Union Rags to win, Bodemeister to win and place, and we bet on Dullahan and Gemologist to place or show.
Once you here the trumpet "call to the post" everyone cheers as the most anticipated race is about to begin. The crowd cheers as their horses appear on the screen in hopes that they beat out the competition. I recorded my groups reaction during the race....which went to I'll Have Another. Where did he come from anyway? Bodemeister and Dullahan came in second and third respectively. So, Jordan and I did win some money, which we gave to our babysitter once we returned home!
