Keeneland Horse Park: Opening Day

 

 

People are buzzing, chattering as they go.  You can feel the excitment in the air as the spring scents it with smells of roses.  Roses, roses everyhwere.  White ones, yellow ones, pink ones and red ones.  In with the roses is a mild smell of alcohol, most people holding a glass in their hand.  Women are in brightly colored dresses and high heels ranging from floral prints to pok-a-dots.  Most have big hats on top their heads.  The bigger, stranger and more exotic the hat the better.  Men are in suits or jackets, sporting their fanciest watches and sunglasses.  There is a constant, but mild, ding in the background and spectators place their bets on the horse they favor to win.  There are long lines, each housing twenty to thirty people, anxious to place their bets.  Gathered far right of the entrance is a small horse track where the race horses walk, their owners guiding them through the path and their jockeys upon them.  Their jockeys are in white pants and black velvet helmets.  Each have their own unique satin shirt, usually part white and then a color of their choice.  Owner's faces look calm and cool, showing great confidence in their horse.  Each step the horses take their manes shine in the light.  Their muscles flexing and viens protruding, for they are strong as their tiny ankles hold their weight.  The environment is clean, no trash or dirt to be found.  Above is the clubhouse, playing fun party music.  Some of those who are near inebriated dance and sing, taking their love ones by the hand and making them join in, although they are reluctant.  Continuing inside the long passage way tunnels, you see the race track.  Long, wide and groomed seems an understatement.  There is a thick, white metel bar linging the inside of the track, showing clear boundaries.  The dirt of the track is a carmel brown, recently wet by the grounds team.  At the far back of the track is the race gates where horses will sit uncomfortably, itching to be released.  There is much noise and and laughter, everyone quite happy to be there.  The first bell sounds, asking people to take their seats as the first race is about to begin.  There is hooting and hollering for the rest of the afternoon and early evening.