(WKYT) – Keeneland kicked off its Spring Meet on Friday.
“You just can’t beat a Friday afternoon at Keeneland,” one fan said.
It’s a feeling many fans share on opening day.
Last year, the season was delayed a few days because of bad weather. Despite some early morning showers, it turned out to be a sunny day.
“We looked at the radar on our phones and then we saw it was gonna clear up about 11[a.m.] and we’re like, we’re good to go, we didn’t even bring an umbrella,” another fan said.
Opening day brought in thousands of fans. Many were eager to place their bets, spend time with family and friends and enjoy some signature Keeneland snacks.
For some race fans, Keeneland is a yearly tradition. But for others, it’s their first time.
“I’m loving it so far. I’m still trying to learn the experience but everyone here has been super helpful and helping me along the way,” a fan said.
Some fans said they bought their tickets months in advance.
“We’ve been really excited about this day for a long time,” a fan said.
It’s not just fans that have been preparing for opening day, medical professionals with the Horse Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) help prepare and support the jockeys.
“The riders are going about 40 miles an hour on an animal that’s between 1,200 and 1,400 hundred pounds,” HISA Medical Director, Pete Hester said.
Hester said horse racing is a high exertion sport where injuries are common.
“It’s a tough demanding sport, physically and mentally, and so what we’re doing with HISA medical safety team is addressing everything that affects the rider’s mental and physical health,” he said.
Hester said it’s a team effort to keep riders safe.
This spring meet and at every horse race, Hester says the best thing fans can do is respect the riders.
Opening day races at Keeneland just finished up for Friday, but will continue again tomorrow.
Tickets are sold out for opening weekend, according to Keeneland’s Senior Director of Community Relations, Kara Heissenbuttel. But, she said The Hill will be open for tailgating.