'The Hill' at Keeneland: Tailgating as it was meant to be

Oh, my gosh.

That’s really all one can say. And, in this case, write.

Oh, my gosh.

For some time now, I have heard about the tailgating parties that are alive and well on “The Hill” at Keeneland. I have heard how much fun it is. I have heard how much “the kids” love going; parking; eating; dressing up; and enjoying a day at Keeneland — even if it is about two miles from the entrance to the racetrack.

For some time now, I have heard nothing but raves about how this “Celebration of the Horse” was drawing crowds; buses; RVs (as Cousin Eddie would like to say), and tons of race fans.

For some time now, I have pledged to go.

Saturday, Leigh Ann, my beautiful wife, and I finally went. And?

Oh, my gosh.

Everything I have heard? Multiply by about a zillion. A zillion laughs that you hear, drowning out the race calls. A zillion cars, all parked in unison rows and all toting youngsters and oldsters (like us), alike. A zillion solo cups, the vessels of suds and in the hands of buds. A zillion good times, and a zillion memories being burned.

You see kids dressed in their Sunday best. All hoping to make their way to one of the greatest racetracks on earth, and hoping to join the scene of some of the most beautiful people around.

You see adults dressed in blue jeans and boots, hoping to avoid the hustle and bustle of the crowd and just wanting to sit, eat, socialize and enjoy a day at the races in civil style.

You see children, hustling up to listen to the Bluegrass band and dancing the day away.

There are large screen TVs situated in the main area, covering both the races and the football games. There is a tented betting area, where all can go and place a wager on their favorite horse. There is a gift shop with the fashionable Keeneland wear for sale. There are shuttle buses by the dozen, transporting the peeps over to the track for some closer action. There are food trucks, peddling the hot dogs and cold drinks in abundance.

Most of all, though, there was nothing but fun. Every where you turned.

A group of college kids laughing.

A group of old folks handicapping.

A table full of outdoor foods.

A picnic basket full of indoor goodies.

The most important thing, though, all of this jubilation and celebration was going on at a Thoroughbred race track.

For those that like to think otherwise, horse racing is not dead. It is alive and well. And if you want some evidence of it, just go to “The Hill.”

It is a masterpiece of what can be done to make racing more fun, and more viable. It is a celebration of good times and great cheer. It is an amazing day at the races.

Here’s our look:

Let’s go racing.

Let’s go to “The Hill.”