Spring Meet First-Timers: Witness Horse Racing History in the Making
Calling all horse racing history enthusiasts and thoroughbred admirers! It’s that time of year again when Lexington, Kentucky, transforms into a hub of activity, welcoming thousands of visitors who descend upon the town to attend the Spring Meet at Keeneland. Whether it's your first trip to the "Horse Capital of the World" or your fiftieth, there's always something exciting to do besides watching those expertly trained athletes round the racetrack. We've gathered the top must-see or do things—from visiting a Kentucky horse farm to taking a bourbon tour—to inspire your visit to Keeneland in April. But first, a little history.
The Spring Meet at Keeneland: A Slice of Horse Racing History
The highly anticipated Spring Meet at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, began in 1936 and has been a springtime fixture at the racetrack ever since. The number of races varies yearly, with the most recent Keeneland Spring Meet in 2023 featuring nineteen stakes races, including prominent ones like the Toyota Blue Grass and the Central Bank Ashland. The event showcases top-tier horse racing and is also particularly notable as it leads up to the Kentucky Derby, making it a crucial part of the racing calendar. Attendees have witnessed many memorable moments, including when all-sources wagering reached a new high of over $224 million. With this year’s event running from April 5 to April 26 (except for Mondays and Tuesdays when no racing occurs), there’s even more opportunity to witness history in the making.
If you’re a first-timer, you may not know that the Spring Meet is about more than just the races; it's also a time when Keeneland emphasizes its philanthropic mission. In the past, Keeneland has hosted numerous special events to support the community and the Thoroughbred industry, including a Jockey Autograph Signing to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, Sunrise Trackside events for families, and College Scholarship Day, which offers scholarships and prizes to students. Visit during Spring Meet, and you'll have a chance to learn more about this year's philanthropic focus, as Keeneland works to give back and enhance the welfare of those involved in horse racing and the local community.
The Top Recommendations for Your Lexington, KY Visit
Visit a Kentucky horse farm.
In the Bluegrass region, there are approximately 450 Kentucky horse farms, with about 150 located within Fayette County. Tours are almost sold out for Derby week, but there are still a few openings for Spring Meet. Act fast to book a one-of-a-kind experience at Mill Ridge Farm, where you can see a working thoroughbred nursery in action (and even feed them some carrots).
2. Stay at a landmark of horse racing history.
Because of the area's equestrian prominence, many lodging options can enhance the horse racing history vibe of your trip. Choose to stay in downtown Lexington if you want to be thisclose to urban amenities and Keeneland Racecourse. Or post up in nearby towns like Versailles, Paris, and Midway, which offer a more scenic and tranquil experience that gives you a front-row seat to the picturesque landscapes of Kentucky horse farms.
3. Take a bourbon tour.
The only thing Lexington might be as famous for as its Kentucky horse farms is its association with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The Bluegrass area's limestone-rich water is excellent for making whiskey. Wet your whistle and stop by one of the many well-known distilleries—like Woodford Reserve, Town Branch, Bardstown Bourbon, Castle & Key, and Buffalo Trace—for an in-depth look at the history and craftsmanship of bourbon production. These often sell out during Spring Meet, so book now!
4. Eat well.
Lexington, KY, is celebrated for its Southern cuisine, particularly dishes like bourbon-infused specialties, hot browns (an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon, tomatoes, and Mornay sauce), and burgoo (a thick stew made with various meats and vegetables). The city's culinary scene also embraces farm-to-table dining, highlighting locally sourced ingredients. Make reservations ASAP if you want to dine at hotspots like Carson’s, Malone’s, Keeneland Track Kitchen, or the Kentucky Castle (get your camera ready for that last one!).
5. Visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House.
Horse racing history isn’t the only part of Kentucky’s past to learn about. This historic house museum is dedicated to the life and history of Mary Todd, Abraham Lincoln’s wife, showcasing her early years, family life, and connection to one of America's most significant presidents. Visitors can explore the restored 19th-century home, which contains period furniture, personal items, and exhibits related to the Todd and Lincoln families. Fun fact: it’s the first house museum in America to honor a First Lady.
6. Book a tour of Keeneland.
Immerse yourself in the world of Thoroughbred racing and auctions with a behind-the-scenes look at the Spring Meet. You'll experience Keeneland's stunning grounds and facilities, learn about its rich history, and get up close with the majestic horses. Each tour offers unique insights, from morning workouts to behind-the-scenes views of the racing and auction operations. Like most events during Spring Meet, you’re encouraged to book tours in advance due to high demand.
7. Hit the Keeneland track for some races.
There’s nothing like witnessing these equestrian athletes in action, having gone from a Kentucky horse farm to the infamous Keeneland facility. Hear the thunderous gallop of hooves, the excited chatter and cheers of the crowd, and the announcer's voice booming across the stands when you book tickets for one of the many races during the Spring Meet (April 5-26). Don’t forget—there’s no racing on Mondays and Tuesdays! If you're feeling lucky, you can bet on your favorite equines. You'll need to specify the type of bet, the race number, and the horse's number. It's also possible to bet on multiple races or horses in specific combinations, depending on the type of bet you choose.
8. Get in touch with nature.
Take a break from horse racing history and head outdoors. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a unique, 734-acre park located just outside Lexington, KY, with over 10 miles of hiking trails through meadows, woodlands, and along streams. Or visit The University of Kentucky Arboretum—a public garden and educational facility with diverse plant life, walking paths, and themed gardens, including one designed specifically for children ages two to six.
Don’t Miss Your Visit to Mill Ridge Farm
Simply coming to Lexington for the Spring Meet at Keeneland is enough to keep you busy. But if you're trying to pack your itinerary with some additional activities, it helps to plan ahead during this high-demand season. Mill Ridge is no different. This working Kentucky horse farm is one of the more popular locations for visitors and is rated as the #2 thing to do in Lexington by Trip Advisor. Learn about the farm's horse racing history, the intricate process of horse breeding, and the deep care involved in raising thoroughbreds. Visitors can engage closely with the horses by feeding and petting them. It’s the perfect way to create lasting memories and gain a unique insight into the world of Kentucky horse farms.
Have you ever fed a carrot to a thoroughbred broodmare or foal? Here’s your chance! We schedule group tours and private showings through Visit Horse Country. We’d love to see you at Mill Ridge Farm!