I was fortunate to return to Kentucky for a few days to catch the last days of the spring meet at Keeneland, at a track that is so familiar it still feels like home in many ways.

There were a few changes for this meet, most caused by the new construction project in the works that saw the building that housed the jockeys’ quarters and administrative offices torn down, to make way for a larger and grander building that promises to provide new views of the horses in the paddock. It seems, from what I see of the drawing of the finished product, that it will take the place of temporary chalets that stood overlooking the paddock for several of the Breeders’ Cups Keeneland hosted.

For now, it meant the primary entrance which leads directly to the track apron was unavailable, but other than that for patrons much was the same. Keeneland retains its timeless charm well, even as it innovates. It was good to be back.

I was thrilled to see Jena Antonucci, not a lot of time gone by since she and Arcangelo stood in the winners’ circle at the Belmont Stakes. That historic victory was my introduction to her and her philosophy with horses, and it was an introduction – even through a phone and TV screen – that I was glad to have. Subsequently, I admit I was a little starstruck seeing her saddle a horse in the paddock for the first race I was there for that late April day, fresh off the plane at the airport a short distance from the track. Her horsemanship was evident as the feisty two-year-old she saddled was tacked up on the walk and even required a pony to try to be a calming influence.

The usual rhythm of the race days flowed – the cadence of race calls, the excitement of the crowd, getting a chance to pat famed pony Harley when he was brought over to the rail between races. I had missed the 100th Blue Grass Stakes, won by Sierra Leone, but I soaked in the history of that marquee race in the Keeneland Library’s exhibit reflecting its highlights. With the exception of the time the track was closed to the general public in 2020, even though I have moved away, I am glad I have kept a streak of spring meet attendance intact, attending the spring meet since 2006. It matters, for a track that I love and to be a touchstone of continuity when so much about my life has changed. I guess that is one way a person can go on, by finding those touchstones.

Keeneland featured an interview on their YouTube channel recently with Jill Babe, chef for the jockeys, who has been there for 60 consecutive race meets. She perfectly summed up how I feel about being there when she said, “When you come here, you feel like you’re at home… I want to come here forever. It just puts life in your body. It’s me. It’s part of me, and I hope I always feel that way, and I know I will.”

I couldn’t have said it more perfectly. After watching the horses train one morning and soaking in the peace of the surroundings and another afternoon of racing, the book closed on another meet. It is definitely not just the track that blossoms. It is the people and the horses too. It is a great interlude in the hustle of life, to sit by a rail and watch the horses go by.