Attendees came to Keeneland Opening Day to celebrate and enjoy the atmosphere of the historic landmark.
On April 3, attendees participated in the tradition of visiting Keeneland and appreciating what Kentucky has to offer.
Opening day is when Keeneland opens to the public where many visit to watch horse races. Keeneland first opened in October 1936 according to their website.
People were walking around taking photos and talking with others. Opening day serves as an opportunity for attendees to celebrate their love of horses.
Joe Riddell, a real estate broker, said he has been visiting Keeneland for 75 years because he believes Keeneland is what horse racing should be.
Riddell said he has experience in developing and selling horse farms, so he wants to support the industry by coming to Keeneland.
“I come out here in the morning and check horses privately. My brothers and I like to lose our money here, so we support the industry,” Riddell said. “The people who buy my farms have to have money going into the well. And so what I do is supply water for the well.”
Keeneland was filled with attendees taking pictures, socializing and admiring the horses at the park.
It is important to recognize why Keeneland is so popular, Riddell said. It is a landmark because of the role it plays in the horse industry.
“All roads lead to Keeneland in the thoroughbred industry … We’re gonna have the Breeders’ Cup this year, here and I can’t tell you how much I look forward to seeing those quality horses. It doesn’t get any better than this. These horses are my passion,” Riddell said.
Keeneland serves as a major social event for all Kentuckians, Riddell said, and people make sure to look well wearing suits and dresses to show they are prepared.
Jack Peffer, BETologist, said he is at Keeneland to create a positive experience for people, which includes teaching them how to bet, because the park can be intimidating.
Peffer said he enjoys talking to people because he enjoys sharing his love of horse racing and helping them feel welcomed.
“I grew up in Louisville. I went out to Churchill Downs,” Peffer said. “I like Churchill Downs, but the experience at Churchill Downs is just different than it is here. It’s an experience that’s just in the fall, just in the spring, and so it’s really special.”
George Bradvica, a California native, said he is from California but makes a point to visit Keeneland because he believes Kentuckians appreciate agriculture and horses.
“People are having a great time. It’s the greatest sport in the world, horse racing,” Bradvica said. “People here in Kentucky appreciate agriculture, and they appreciate horses.”
Bradvica said Keeneland is important to Kentucky, and without it, the state would be less appealing.
“It’s a legacy, it’s a fixture you know, Lexington, with all the horse farms, and with Keeneland,” Bradvica said. “It’s a great compliment. You can’t have a better compliment than that.”
Sam Patterson, assistant supervisor at Keeneland, said he has been visiting Keeneland for over 60 years, and believes it is a family-oriented location. He and many others try to help people feel comfortable by giving directions and chatting with them.
“Our job is to answer questions and help people find the things they want to find and just give information when they need it,” Patterson said. “That’s why you see so many green coats. Their job is to make people feel welcome.”
The green coats belong to Keeneland workers who are in charge of maintaining the location and aiding attendees to help the park run smoothly.
Joel Braun, vice president of GCG Industrial Automation, said he owns several horses because of the joy horse racing provides him, and he came to Keeneland to watch his horse win today’s race.
Braun said he loves horse racing, and he travels wherever his horses go to keep track of how they are performing.
Having visited the track for over 30 years, Braun said he enjoys the environment and understands why other people also visit repeatedly.
“It’s just a beautiful track. It’s old school. It’s a very quaint and a very engaging environment,” Braun said. “Keeneland is less bureaucratic and has a more hometown feel.”
Coming to Keeneland is important, Braun said, because it allows people to support a major part of Kentucky.
“I believe it’s important to support the horse industry. It’s an industry that is fun,” Braun said. “Everybody can participate, and the more people that get involved, the better the industry will grow for the future.”