A Thoroughbred Affair

G&G invited guests to an “owner for a day” experience at the prestigious Keeneland Spring Race Meet and Horses of Racing Age Sale. Following coffee at the Track Kitchen, guests met Keeneland’s Buff Bradley, trainer Eddie Kenneally and jockey Declan Cannon to watch the horses at the track and view the morning warm-ups. Afterward, guests joined Shannon Arvin, president and CEO of Keeneland, for an intimate cocktail breakfast. The morning activities concluded with a celebratory bourbon tasting led by Rob Samuels, managing director of Maker’s Mark.

After a mid-afternoon break, the group returned to tour the Paddock, an exclusive Winner’s Circle experience, and to watch the afternoon races from the Grandstand Boxes. After the races, guests transitioned to the Sales Pavilion for an introduction to the Horses of Racing Age Sale, followed by a celebratory toast of Pappy Van Winkle led by Julian Van Winkle III, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery president, in the Northern Dancer Bar.

Special Thanks to:
VisitLex

May 16, 2024

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The sun rises at Keeneland.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Breakfast in the Track Kitchen.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Declan Cannon guides guests through the morning warm-ups at the track.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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A racehorse warms up during morning works.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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A behind-the-scenes tour of the barns.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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An intimate breakfast in the Clubhouse Terrace.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Weisenberger Mill shrimp and grits with Lowcountry greens, Benton’s Bacon jam, and smoked tomato coulis.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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The Maker’s Mark display wall in the Keeneland Clubhouse is prepped for a special tasting.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Rob Samuels leads guests through a tasting of specialty bourbons.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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A tour and photo in the Winner’s Circle.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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GD Hieronymus, Keeneland’s former director of broadcast services, advises guests on the day’s races.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Julian Van Winkle III.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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A selection of iconic Keeneland snacks including Kentucky burgoo, bread pudding, pretzels and beer cheese.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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A special viewing of the stakes race from the Grandstand Boxes.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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Tony Lacy, Keeneland vice president of sales, walks guests through the bidding process before the evening’s sale.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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To cap off the day, guests sample Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20-year in the Northern Dancer Bar.

Photo: Ashley and Zac Brown

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The Horses of Racing Age Sale begins at Keeneland—world’s largest and most prominent Thoroughbred auction house.

Photo: Keeneland

A magazine cover with a cocktail

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