Woodford County natives Joseph Jackson and Mary Blaydes on the super-sunny first day of Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland.
Sovereignty, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, was foaled at Gainsborough Farm in Woodford County in 2022.
By Bob Rouse
When I heard it was possible to sign up as a volunteer at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, I jumped at the chance. I didn’t know if I’d be Bob Baffert’s personal driver or Golden Tempo’s personal pooper scooper, but I loved the idea of being at Keeneland for what’s called horse racing’s Super Bowl.
And I learned that, while I’d see people from all over the world, I would also catch up with friends, family and local celebs.
The chief volunteer recruiter was Amanda Hicks Wallin, who I’ve known all my life. She signed me up for both afternoons, and, at a two-hour training session, I learned that my assignment was to be a floater, filling in as needed.
Hey, I love floating.
I studied the 48-page handbook for Breeders’ Cup volunteers to familiarize myself with Keeneland’s setup for the big weekend: parking areas, dining rooms and entrances, plus two “chalets”—temporary, multistory structures with luxury suites.
Friday’s weather was spectacular, and every volunteer who signed up showed up, so … I floated. I connected with some college friends in the paddock, witnessed a far-out fashion show in a grandstand box near the finish line, and assisted other volunteers at the main entrance.
Saturday was more demanding. I worked on the second floor of the Trackside Chalet, making sure everyone who tried to enter either of “my” two luxury suites had a ticket or a wristband.
Mostly, I smiled. I smiled at people catching their breath after climbing two flights of stairs. I smiled as people fumbled with phones to show their tickets. I smiled at people who seemed cross about being too hot or having uncomfortable shoes … or losing the last race.
And you know what? They smiled back.
I stood at my post from noon to five, and I saw some familiar faces among the remarkably well-dressed chalet crowd. I chatted with my cousin, my dentist, and my former governor Steve Beshear. I said hello to UK Coach Will Stein, and I even grabbed a photo with racing’s newest star, Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Cherie DeVaux. (I did not ask her who was scooping Golden Tempo’s poop.)
I also saw a lot of Woodford County friends, including Amanda, several of her teaching colleagues, and her sister Mary Hicks Blaydes, all volunteering. I also ran into WoFo folks who work the Keeneland meets, including Cornelia Ethington and Joseph Jackson.
I was in the Woodford County High School band with Joseph and caught up with him later. Joseph has been with Keeneland for five years, working during meets and sales. He’s now a supervisor over guest service. I asked Joseph what’s different about Keeneland when the track hosts Breeders’ Cup, and daily attendance jumps from 15,000 or 20,000 up to 45,000.
“Keeneland’s whole atmosphere changes, and it becomes like a Broadway play,” he said. “The colors change from green to purple. Flowers are draped from balconies, lamp poles and every railing.”
Joseph also worked the 2022 Breeders’ Cup, and he said the expanded paddock and new restaurants and bars have made Keeneland even more elegant. For Joseph, though, it’s a people event.
“I love meeting and talking with people from all over the world, and it’s great to see and understand cultures from all nations,” he said. “Also, there’s real excitement in seeing those world-class thoroughbreds, horsemen and jockeys.”
Hey, what about us lowly volunteers, Joseph?
“Keeneland would not be able to successfully host the Breeders’ Cup without the support of volunteers,” he told me. “From greeting, giving directions, handing out programs, opening doors and assisting people with a smile.”
Ah, yes. The smiles.
I agree with Joseph that the people make Breeders’ Cup a phenomenal experience. But I saved my biggest smile of the weekend for a horse in the last race. I had backed up my picks both days with $1 bets, but for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, I went all in ($5!) on Sovereignty, the WoFo wonder who I had miraculously picked to win the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Sovereignty finished his racing career with a huge win in the Classic. And he topped off a fantastic experience for me. I went to Keeneland as a volunteer, but I left feeling like the biggest winner in the world.
Bob Rouse, a writer and Midway native, serves on the Woodford Sun Advisory Board.