Need a racing fix? Kentucky tourist attractions are reopening
Racing fans suffering from withdrawal as spectators are banned or limited at tracks now have a few other options to get their Thoroughbred fix as tourist attractions reopen in Kentucky.
The Kentucky Derby Museum, on the grounds of Churchill Downs in Louisville, has reopened after closing on March 16 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The museum is offering new “experiences” for visitors, according to a news release. These include visiting its stable area for the museum’s Thoroughbred Care program, which typically is reserved for school groups.
The museum also is bringing back its Inside the Vault tour, exhibiting curated artifacts that otherwise would not be on display. And it will offer a guided visit to a chosen exhibit of the day, such as the Triple Crown and how a jockey weighs in and out of races.
Safety measures will include providing a stylus for guest to use touch-screen exhibits. The number of guests will be limited, face masks and social distancing will be required, and traffic will be routed in a one-way pattern.
In Georgetown, Ky., the Old Friends Thoroughbred retirement facility will partially reopen to tourists on Monday for small, private tours.
The agri-tourism operation closed to the public on March 15 because of the pandemic. Until then, it had hosted daily guided walking tours to allow visitors to meet the retired champions at the facility, including 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm.
Old Friends will offer 90-minute walking tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to groups of as many as five people. The cost is $25 per person, and reservations may be made by phone only at (502) 683-1775. Children under 12 are not allowed. Face masks and social distancing are required.
"We are so happy to be able to welcome back small numbers of guests with this partial reopening," said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen said in a news release. "We miss everyone, and the horses really miss their fans.
“We hope folks will join us but respect the limitations and maintain best practices," Blowen added. "We are working very hard to comply with health and safety protocols, and we still very much need to protect our staff and volunteers, as well as our visitors."