Transylvania University in Lexington and nearby Georgetown College are often strong contenders in their divisions. And many Kentuckians would argue that the high school game in Kentucky is almost as sweet as college ball. The track is located on land granted to the Keene family by Patrick Henry. Horse racing has been an important part of Lexington since the city's earliest days, when Main Street itself served as the track. Now safely confined to Keeneland Race Course for Thoroughbred racing, and Red Mile Harness Track for trotting and pacing, horse racing remains one of Lexington's most beloved and thrilling traditions.
Regular folks are just as welcome, however.
Keeneland is one of few tracks where you can visit the barn areas and have a good view of the horses being saddled in the paddock area. The track is home to a number of major stakes races, including the spring Blue Grass Stakes, a major prep race for the Kentucky Derby. Visitors are welcome to watch morning workouts and dine at the Track Kitchen, not just during race meets, but year-round. Known as Chittlin' Switch, the track operated for over a century. There has been harness racing at The Red Mile Harness Track since 1875, making it Lexington's oldest existing track and one of the oldest in the United States.