Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Keeneland's Breakfast with the Works

I love Keeneland. It's arguably the most beautiful race track in the country. They host a very popular Breakfast with the Works program every Saturday morning during their spring and fall meets. This year, for the first time, we took advantage of it. I can't BELIEVE it's taken me this long to attend!

We joined Melissa and Sophie early Saturday morning to take it all in.

Sophie is one of Oakley's dearest friends. They get along beautifully and they have so much in common. Not only are they the same age, they are both from China, and they resided in the same welfare institute. We have photos of them taken together when they were just babies -- sitting in their little bamboo chairs in Zhangzhou.

I cherish their friendship and the bond they are creating. I also cherish my friendship with Melissa, Sophie's Mom. She's not only a great parent, she's a great friend, she's funny, and she's witty! We always seem to have a good time when we're together! So we planned a morning at the track. 7am came early ... and it was still dark outside! But it was so worth it to get to experience the sunrise, sights and sounds of Keeneland at Breakfast with the Works.

We watched world-famous Thoroughbreds workout in preparation for their next big race, listened to trackside commentary, enjoyed a delicious breakfast and the girls got to participate in free children's activities.

Thanks to Melissa and Sophie for rising so early
to join us. We had a FABULOUS time!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

World Equestrian Games

Lexington was proud to host the 2010 World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Attendance at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games topped half a million. We had the honor of being the first city outside of Europe to ever host these prestigious world championships.

A record twenty-seven teams competed in eight disciplines. Fifty-eight countries were represented with 632 athletes and 752 horses.

We were fortunate to get to spend the a day at the park and we had a wonderful time. We attended the Individual Vaulting Event, marveled at the horses, the competitors, the beautiful grounds, the exhibits and vendors and all the languages being spoken.

What a fantastic event -- makes me proud to be a Kentuckian!