Horse Workouts at Keeneland – Beauty in Movement

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Early Morning Horse workouts at Keeneland Race Track are something everyone should see at least once. These morning workouts help racers keep their horses in peak condition and reinforce their training. For the racers and horses, this is an important part of their training and eventual victory in races.

For visitors, it’s an opportunity to take in the majestic beauty of thoroughbreds as they stretch and run. You can get pretty close to these beauties.

We’ve had the pleasure of watching the morning horse workouts at Keeneland on more than one occasion, and it’s a wonderful experience every time.

The beauty of the horses as they move and run under their trainer’s direction is just breathtaking. It’s a relaxing way to start the day, and the horses themselves are absolutely beautiful.

Because it’s open to the public, you can enjoy these workouts, as well. 

As a little side note – I lived on thoroughbred race horse farms for many years of my early life, some before I actually remember.

About Keeneland

Keeneland first opened in 1936. Founded by horsemen then, it continues to be run by horsemen now, its mission to improve safety for both riders and horses, promote integrity in the sport of horse racing, and strengthen the sport through those values of safety and integrity still as strong as it ever was. 

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the heart of horseracing and bluegrass country, Keeneland is a National Historic Landmark and the quintessential thoroughbred racing facility, complete with stables, tracks, and arenas.

The facility offers tours in its continuing effort to make racing more accessible and transparent, allowing visitors to see the horses in action as well as where the magic happens.  Check out the tours HERE.

 Horse Workouts at Keeneland

Keeneland’s main track is open seven days a week from 5:30 AM to 10 AM with two breaks in the morning – one from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM and the other from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM.  Early mornings can especially be nice in warmer weather.

 

During these breaks is the perfect opportunity to explore the barn areas and the grandstands.

The facility offers morning workout viewings for guests to enjoy these beautiful animals in action. This outside walking tour includes a guided tour through the Keeneland paddock, grandstand, grounds, and Keeneland Sale Pavilion when available.

Of course, you’ll also be able to see the horses in action! Throughout the tour, your guide will share the story of Keeneland and its ongoing mission to make racing safer for the animals and their riders and to promote integrity in the sport. 

Visitors must book tours in advance, and guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There’s no charge for children under 12. However, they’ll still need a child’s ticket. Be aware that the health and safety of the horses is always the number one priority for the facility, so showings are fully dependent on the health and daily activities of the horse.

You can watch the workouts without a tour, just be mindful of the horses, they have the right of way.  Also, stay on the roads.  You aren’t allowed into the barn or paddock areas.

Enjoy the Keeneland Horse Workouts

For us, the morning horse workouts are the stars of the Keeneland show, and anyone in the area should make sure to see them. However, there are other tours available, and of course, they hold many races throughout the season for racing enthusiasts to enjoy. If you’re going to be in the Lexington area, we can’t recommend viewing the horse workouts at Keeneland highly enough.

With the beauty of the horses and the educational aspect, it’s a tour that will produce a better understanding of the sport and the horses that race down the track. 

Here’s a few more photos of these beautiful creatures to enjoy.

On the track – I love I caught a shot with all four legs in the air.

Horses of all colors.

Love to see these horses, at any speed.

There was a little excitement the morning we were watching.  A jockey got thrown by his mount – wasn’t injured.  When this happens, an alarm is sounded to notify the other riders.  The horse immediately returned to his barn by himself.

 

We happened upon this mural near the airport.  From a distance it was hard to tell it was a painting and not a real bridge.  Even the horse statues were so lifelike.

Take some time to drive around the area and enjoy all the other beautiful horse farms. 

Miles of fences

 

If you are looking for something to do a little north of Lexington, The Ark Encounter is a must visit.

 

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