Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Keeneland Basics

Written by: Chelsey Duncan, Marketing Intern


Spring is finally here! Which means a celebrated Kentucky tradition is quickly approaching. That’s right; Keeneland Race Track opens Friday, April 6. Here are some tips to remember for the fashion-conscious and money-minded in the upcoming days at the track. 

Fashion
Ladies, wear color! Although Keeneland season always marks the start of vibrant spring attire, color blocking is back as an essential trend this season. This means pairing up bold, complementary colors within outfits and accessories. However, there is a method to the madness and colors should not just be “thrown together.” Carefully think about how the colors balance out, and consider referring to a color wheel for guidance.  The “rule of two-thirds” should be employed when pairing up colors from a color wheel, meaning to utilize 2/3 colors from an equilateral triangle formed within the wheel. Be sure to keep this season’s colors in mind when shopping. These include pastels, metallics, sheer whites and tangerines.

Show off bold prints! Floral dresses are always a go-to for Keeneland season, which is perfect amidst Easter. Keep a conservative length and cut in mind when shopping, and dresses can be re-worn for the Sunday holiday. Art deco graphics, tribal and animal prints are also hitting the stores this season, which provides much leeway for fashionistas to get creative with spring wardrobes.

Peplum accents are a must-have for Keeneland this spring, meaning a ruffled overskirt is attached to the waistline of jackets, blouses and dresses. This trend is figure flattering for all body types and will definitely be spotted around the track. As for accessories, crazy-shaped and patterned sunglasses are all the rage. Wedges, chunk heels, pointed-toe shoes and loafers will also most likely make their way from the runway to the racetrack. Don’t forget to top off outfits with big earrings and bangle bracelets.

For the gentlemen, Keeneland fashion tends to remain simple. Lightweight suits or khakis and blazers are always appropriate. Sunglasses, dress shoes and bow ties are also essential, unless a regular necktie is preferred.

Betting
Here is some common betting jargon so the well-dressed can put their money where their mouths are!
  • Straight: Choosing a horse to only win. Straight bets are the most popular and are usually made in $2.00 increments.
  • Win bet: Choosing a horse to finish first.  
  • Place bet: Choosing a horse to finish first or second.
  • Show bet: Choosing a horse to finish second or third.  
  • Across-the-board: Combining Win, Place and Show into one bet. A $2.00 bet will cost $6.00 across-the-board. If your horse wins, then the three combined payoffs are collected. If your horse places second, place and show payoffs are collected.  If your horse places third, the show payoff is collected.
  • Exacta/Perfecta: Choosing two horses to come in first and second, in a specified order.
  • Quinella: Similar to an Exacta, choosin two horses to place first and second, although in no certain order.
  • Trifecta: Choosing three horses to finish first, second and third in a specified order.
  • Superfecta: Choosing four horses to finish first, second, third and fourth in a specified order.
  • Boxed bet: Choosing every possibility to win in a multi-horse bet (costs more).
Keeneland gates open at 11 a.m., Friday, April 6. The first race post time is 1:05 p.m., and races are run approximately every 30 minutes. General admission is usually $5.00 per person; however opening day is also College Scholarship Day. Full-time college students will be admitted for free and have the chance to win one of ten $1,000 scholarships after each race. Hope to see everyone there (unless you have class)!

***For more help with speaking the lingo, check out these links!
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/betting-on-horse-racing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html

Below is a color wheel for reference and some outfit ideas to consider while shopping for a day at the races:

Keeneland Colorblocking
Keeneland/Easter Floral


Keeneland Tribal


Keeneland- Men's

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