October 15 & 16 - MCMC is OFF to the Races at Keeneland - Sponsored by the Rowletts
So you say you've never seen the Thoroughbred Ponies run at one of the most beautiful race courses in the country. Well they don't call it the 'Sport of Kings' for nothing. You haven't lived till you've seen a real Kentucky Thoroughbred race horse snorting and kicking up the turf as he/she thunders down the stretch toward the finish line. And Keeneland Race Track, at
4201 Versailles Road in Lexington,does know how to 'throw' a race, er Party. The track is 'wet' in case you wish to toast your 'winner.'
Keeneland only races two months out of the year, with the remaining ten months active in selling/auctioning horses, many of them triple crown racers. This year's top three horses at the Preakness Stakes were sold thru Keeneland and the April racing at Keeneland is known as a stepping stone to the Triple Crown. We will see 'top of the line' horse racing, as well as some of the most beautiful grounds and architecture in the sport.
The Rowletts are issuing a personal invitation for all MCMC club members to join them for this weekend adventure into Kentucky Thoroughbred Horse Racing at its finest. Central Kentuckians say that "Louisville may have the race, but Lexington has the party."
They will be gathering for the weekend's festivities at 6:30AM CDT at the Cracker Barrel at I-65 & Long Hollow Pike (Exit 97) for breakfast. We should be prepared to pull out for Lexington at 7:30AM CDT with a full (topped off) tank, a full belly & an empty bladder. The most direct route to Lexington will require almost (3) hours, plus at least one rest stop, and we also lose an hour moving into Eastern Daylight Time. Our ETA at the track is between 12 Noon & 12:30PM EDT. We'll park at the Track Library on the grounds, take a shuttle to the track and lunch at the track.
Denny & Cheryl have made arrangements for all participating club members to be seated in the outside reserved seating section (under an awning). Dress is pretty much the same as any other sporting event. anyone can step inside the clubhouse for food, betting, rest rooms, etc. Reserved seating tickets go on sale on line on August 1st. And since this is the 75th Anniversary of the Keeneland Track, there is bound to be a 'sellout.' So, Denny is requesting that you mail or get your check (made out to Denny Rowlett) in the amount of $10 per person, for your reserved seat(s) to him no later than July 25th, to assure reserved seating with the group. Mail your checks to 1099 Nealcrest Circle, Spring Hill, TN 37174.
For those of you who might not be able to commit by July 25th for the reserved group seating, No Problem! Standard gate admission in the amount of $5 will be available for purchase on October 15th. We might suggest you bring your chair-in-a-bag to assure a place to sit. No coolers or outside food or drink is allowed inside the track gates. Another option is tailgating on the grounds outside of the track. It's a huge thing with monitors and betting stations available thruout the grounds, outside of the gated track area, where you can have coolers, food & drink. For option info go to: http://www.keeneland.com/racing/lists/copy/guestinfo.aspx. Note that a Keeneland Brochure is attached above.
The program consists of (9) races, with approximately 30 minutes between races. This provides plenty of time to get some food, check your horses, programs, jockey, place your bets, chat with your neighbors, enjoy the atmosphere and people watch between races. And, of course, cheer on your favorite nag. Other races across the country will be simulcast for the racing "diehards" in the group.
Following the races, between 5:00 & 5:30 PM EDT, we'll leave for the short drive to Ramsey's http://ramseysdiners.com/to continue the party & enjoy dinner. Ramsey's has become the home of Kentucky cooking featuring "meat and three" (choice of 13 country style entrees combined with a choice of three out of 20 fresh veggies). Ramsey's has a full selection of sandwiches, salads and serves breakfast all day. Ramsey's has been noted as having the best hot brown in the Bluegrass, and has recently been voted 'Best' in six different categories. And by all means, save room for Missy's Pie ! ! ! http://www.missyspieshop.com/
After dinner we're off to the Ramada Limited at 2261 Elkhorn Road in Lexington (15 rooms) for a well deserved rest ($54.99 plus Tax) at $62.38. (Denny's quite the negotiator.) No need to contact the hotel or make a deposit. Just let Denny know you are going, and he will hold a room in your name for guaranteed late arrival. Just remember to let him know if your plans change, so he can release your room without penalty.
Denny suggests a 'light' breakfast on Sunday morning at the hotel, or within walking distance at Mickey 'D's, C.B. or Waffle House, as we will have an early Lunch. We will depart the hotel at 9:30AM EDT (with a full tank & empty bladder) for a drive on one of the KY Miata Club's favorite roads as listed in the Miata Manual. Around 11:30 or Noon EDT, we'll do Lunch at Acres of Land Winery at 2285 Barnes Mill Road in Richmond KY www.acresoflandwinery.com. Check out their Lunch menu: http://www.acresoflandwinery.com/images/LunchMenu.pdf
We'll depart following lunch and wander home. Members can feel free to stick with the group or find their own paths home.
So, there you have it. And quite a plan it is. If you decide to accept the Rowletts invitation just RSVP to Denny at
dennyrowlett@hotmail.com or (615) 618-5403 (C). They would love to have you along for this Run to the Races in Keeneland.
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