While in Kentucky what are the things a race fan has to do?
 

Hey guys I really need some help. I'm planning to spend a week in Kentucky this year. I've never been. I'm going Breeders Cup week and I'd love to know what horse-racing related stuff I should check out while I'm in Kentucky.

I was thinking I should go to Three Chimney's Farm, The Kentucky Derby Museum, The Keenland Library and The Kentucky Horse Park.

What other horse related things should I check out while I'm there?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If you are planning on going to any stallion farms I would inquire now as they do tours only by appointment and they are sure to fill up with the Breeder's Cup.

Louisville is likely to have Breeder's Cup activities going on that week.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a must. I did the horse farm tour they offer through the park and it could not have been better. If you plan on booking a tour through the horse park call ahead, make a reservation and make sure Shaun is the tour guide. Shaun is the dude of tours. He has first hand stories you would not believe. Plus he's lucky. He took me to Winstar 3 weeks before the Derby. As we were driving there I said to myself, note to self, you're heading to Winstar, everything happens for a reason.

Have a blast in KY.

A few years ago we visited Three Chimneys and they were a bit more formal than the others. They asked who we were with and basically told us it wasn't possible that day. I don't want to knock them because we showed up unexpectedly.

Lanes End,Winstar and Darley were all great. I would heed Sightseek's suggestion and call.(I should do the same) If you plan on going to Coolmore ask which stallions will be down under.

There will be more than enough horse related things to do. If you have an extra day check out Mammoth Cave National Park. It's about 1 3/4 hours south of the track.

Mammoth Cave is super cool!

Bourbon tours!!

Freddy at Buffalo Trace is awesome. The Woodford Reserve tour is good. Maker's Mark is a little out of the way but, ....

You can always stop at the Red Star Tavern at 4th Street Live. The bartender is a dead ringer for Ben Roethlisberger and it's fun to give him $hit about - well, things....

Agree that Three Chimneys is a little uptight and the other farms are more relaxed.

If you are into baseball at all the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory on Main Street in downtown Louisville is a fun visit. You can even get a bat with your name on it.

The Thoroughbred Lounge on Dixie Hwy.

It really is. They reminded us not to carry the miniature souvenir bats through security at the airport and sure enough there was a barrel size basket with hundreds of bats in it as we went through.

:tro:

I went in there two Derbies ago. REAL comedy

teeth optional

The Horse Park is great. While you're in the area, visit Old Friends
http://www.oldfriendsequine.com/index.shtml

Can't agree more about the Buffalo Trace tour - I went myself one day when on business in Frankfort and there was a woman in the tour group with a bad hip. Sure enough, they pulled around a massive golf cart for like, 20 people and, we had a much more comprehensive tour than the "typical." Up hills and down dales, and all in all, just a really cool experience. Plus...free samples of their many varied products.

Cheryl works there?

She may be an alumni

Plan ahead because places like the horse park start limiting their hours in the fall. Usually right after halloween. If you are staying a few days after the BC and have never been to a sale you should check out either the FT or kee fall sales.

Resurrecting this great thread of things to do if you're coming here..

and the casino over in indiana. over the bridge