Lexington Things to Do

Though I live five hours away, I still hold season tickets to UK football. Other than the fact that it makes me certifiable, its also a good way to spend a fall afternoon in the blugrass. In addition to the fact that UK football is doing fairly well this year, you can always see some of the best teams in the nation bring their wares to Commonwealth Stadium with LSU, Florida, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Arkansas being frequent visitors.

The Red Mile is the second oldest harness race track in the United States opening day was Tuesday, September 28, 1875. This race track is especially for Standard Bred horses but during the summer there is a special event for Quarter Horses. Standard Breds run during Aug., Sept., and Oct.

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Keeneland Track and the white-fenced and lush bluegrass grounds pretty much epitomize the local claim that Lexington is the "Horse Capitol of the World." Locals will be quick to tell you that it is much better than Churchill Downs in Louisville and you may detect a small note of envy that thier sister city has the greatest race in the US, the Kentucky Derby. However, it is hard to argue against the superior beauty of the whole facility. While it is a very traditional track (much of the movie, Seabiscuit, was filmed here because it has changed little in the last several decades) but it has a pretty new type track, PolyTrack, which is a synthetic substance which looks and acts a lot like real dirt but is softer and diminishes the injury rate to horses and riders.

Our visit was unfortunately not during the racing season which runs October-April. Also, we had planned to visit early and watch the horses working out but there were thunderstorms that morning so all such activity was cancelled. We still enjoyed visiting the grandstands and grounds, the stables and the Track Kitchen for breakfast and even watched a few races from around the country on their simulcast facilities.

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Old Friends Farm is a retirement and rescue facility for pensioned Thoroughbreds. The impetus for its start came when it was learned that the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner, Ferdinand, had been sent to a slaughterhouse in 2002. Now they have about 20 stallions as well as at least a couple of mares and one minature horse.

One of the neat things about Old Friends that I discovered by accident has to do with the funerals for the horses that come to their end here. on the mantle in the house that serves as their visitor's center sit several mostly consumed bottles of Kentucky Borbon Whiskey. Most had a wooden frame and plaque on them. Whenever one of their horses passes on to the great paddock in the sky, a burial service is held and those attending take a dram of bourbon to toast the horse. The bottle and whatever remains is kept as a memorial. The burial grounds are lovely as well.

One example of the fine horses that reside here is Fortuate Prospect who, while holding a respectable track record, is most noted for siring 537 winners some of whom have had winnings in the multiple millions of dollars.

Another interesting horse is Popcorn Deelites who is shown in the main photo here. You can see behind and to the left a movie poster for Seabiscuit. Popcorn Deelites was one of the horses who played Seabiscuit in some scenes.

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One of the more unusual barns you will see among the many beautiful ones is at Normandy Farm. It is patterned after a barn the owner, Joe Widener, had seen in France during WWI. The L-shaped structure includes a clock tower (still working), a slate roof and beautiful porcelain figures of birds, cats and others on the roof.

Another lovely feature of this farm is the horse burial ground. It is the final resting spot for Fair Play and Mahubah who were the parents of Man O' War and features a beautiful bronze statue of Man O'War as well as plaques of other fine thoroughbreds.

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If you are an accomplished horseback rider, you might not be interested, but for amateurs or beginners there is a 45 minute trail ride available several times a day. These are quite popular so purchase your timed ticket upon entrance to the park. This also gives you a discount as tickets here are $15 when purchased with the entry and $22 otherwise. Tickets are limited and can be purchased only at the park. Rides There are also pony rides available for kids for only $5 for 3 times around the paddock.

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The Kentucky Horse Park is a huge and varied venue for things equine. One of the daily features is the Parade of Breeds in which a number of selected breeds are put through their paces by authentically costumed handlers. Then everyone has a chance to meet and pet their favorites. The day we were there we saw the following breeds: Friesians, English Shire, Morgan, Tennessee Walking Horse and Thoroughbred as well as a very attractive and popular Mule. The show is twice daily at 11:00 and 14:00 and takes about a half hour plus petting time. Admission is included in your park admission. This is a very colorful, entertaining and informative program

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You won't miss the arena or the convention center they're together there is a big long wall of water in front of the place with places to sit just beautiful The Red Mile Harness TRack is right down the road from here also stay on Broadway and it's on the right. Also the UK Hospital is right past here turn left Virginia ST. across from the Red Mile entrance road


The Radisson Plaza Hotel and Hyatt Regency Hotel offer convenient accommodations, accessible to the convention facilities and performance areas. Shops and restaurants are also easily accessible, via covered sky-walks which connect the entire complex area. A central location, first-class facilities, unique recreational opportunities and Southern hospitality make Lexington an ideal location for your meeting or convention!