People travel in to tour Keeneland like a horse owner

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – People come from all around the world to Keeneland just for the legendary horse racing but did you know you can get a tour just like the owners? It’s called the Owner’s Experience Tour.

Christy Marilla, Chief Marketing Officer at Keeneland explains, “The Owner’s Experience Tour is an opportunity for the guests to come here and really get that behind the scenes experience on what it feels like to own one of these race horses.”

Marilla says they created the 90-minute experience in response to demand from fans.

“They want more than just coming out to experience a fantastic day of racing. They want to learn more,” said Marilla.

Tom and Mollie Raih traveled in from Minnesota.

“We’ve just heard wonderful things about Keeneland,” said Mollie.

Katherine and Paxton Campbell traveled in from Raleigh, North Carolina.

“She kept referring to us as if we actually owned a horse in the race,” laughed Katherine, referring to tour guide Carol Sue.

Once the bugle sounds, those in the group get to walk through the tunnel to the Winner’s Circle.

From there, it’s all about enjoying the races and trophy presentations.

“So it really is that exclusive experience,” said Marilla.

Katherine agreed, “It felt pretty exclusive. I thought so. It was just really cool to have kind of an insiders look at it.”

Paxton said his favorite part was the operation as a whole, “They do so much not just for the horses but for all the people coming through here.”

“I think the tour was great. It’s a beautiful track and Carol Sue did a great job on the tour,” said Tom.

“We’ve been over the moon. The weather, the horses, the knowledge, it’s just a wonderful experience,” added Mollie.

The Owner’s Experience Tour only has a few tickets left. You can purchase one HERE.

Marilla encourages visitors to check out a number of other tours they offer year-round. You can find some of them HERE. Keeneland partners with Horse Country to offer tours as well.

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