An Ode To Keeneland On Opening Day - If Heaven Ain't As Pretty, I Don't Want To Go

And today is one of the most glorious days. Why? Because it's Keeneland Opening Day. It's a day that matters in Lexington and a spot that will always, always hold a special place in my heart. Keeneland is only open two months out of the year - April and October. 

I know horse racing isn't for everyone. I know people only like the Triple Crown. It's as niche as niche gets. But let me tell you something, if you have never been to Keeneland, you haven't lived right. It's the perfect mix of partying and class. It's exclusive because of the two months but it's cheap to go to. As a friend told me the very first time I went there in college - if heaven ain't as pretty, I don't want to go. 

You wanna do the fourth turn? Go ahead. You want to sit up in a box? Great. Wander around with general admission? By all means. But here's the thing. When you're in college there's one rule. Don't you even dare think about going to Friday class. It's one of the first lessons you learn. Friday classes are pointless anyways and a good friend will sit outside your dorm and tell you to get your ass in the car. 

Then there's the burgoo. 

It's by far the best stadium food in the country. I know, I know. Keeneland isn't a 'stadium' but you get what I'm saying. It's beautiful and glorious. Listen, it doesn't sound like things that would go together, but it does. It's a magical mix of multiple taste profiles that you eat in the Keeneland breeze and it's heaven. It's like a meaty stew with a tang. It can also be used with squirrel and rabbit and such, but this is Keeneland. They class it up with stew meat.

You don't have to be a horse racing fan to enjoy Keeneland either. But the moment you make the drive up the long path and you start to see the horse farms, you know you're somewhere special. 

Shit, over the weekends you can just go to the Hill and tailgate. They have big screens and you can still bet on the races. There's no better spot in America than Keeneland in late April. Sun dress city. Nice suits. Yet mayhem wherever you want. The perfect mix of rich and trash. 

Oh and you start right away. Blue Grass Stakes runs tomorrow and the Ashland is today. 

Like my friend Billy told me back in 2005. If heaven ain't as pretty, I don't want to go.