Louisville, Kentucky is the home of Churchill Downs, the host of America's most famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby. Horse racing takes place in many cities in America, even Tulsa has a race track. Since I have never attended a horse race I don't have much bases for comparison of race tracks. But I can tell you that one look at Churchill Downs tells you that this is big business.
In addition to the track and stable facilities there is a really nice museum. You can pet a real thoroughbred or one made of resin complete with jockey and garland of roses.
On display are trophys from the 3 races which make up the "triple crown" of American horse racing. From left to right they are the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
These are just a few of the racing silks worn by jockeys to represent the stable of the owner. Youngsters can ride a realistic horse that competes in a race with others on an oversized TV screen. Based on the noise the kids were making it looked like a lot of fun.
Here is the track itself. Four levels of seats and boxes. Very impressive.
4 comments:
We toured the track last year. It was a very well organized exhibit.
I think this may be the place Queen Elizabeth requested putting on her agenda when she was last in America - she's a very great fan of racing and has a very fine stable of racehorses. I'm like you and never been to a race but have to confess I wouldn't mind giving it a go.
Nice museum. I used to love going tot he races and buying a $2 ticket for the favorite to show. Made true race fans nuts for me to do that but I'm not much of gambler. Used to be great people watching but now the simulcast events draw more people and there is hardly anybody watching races.
You guys need to go to the Hot Springs thoroughbred racing carnival in early spring. It's a beautiful venue; nothing like sitting out in the midfield having lunch and watching the ponies. All the trees are in bloom. And then you can genteelly "take the waters".
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