By Murray Evans
The Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Ah, the sights to be seen during opening day at Keeneland - the green grass, the chestnut horses, the old stone buildings and the guy in the purple outfit.

That would be Richard Brockman of Lexington, who, like many other horse racing fans in the area, took off work Friday afternoon for the start of Keeneland's spring meet, which runs through April 25.

Track patrons enjoyed temperatures in the 60s and managed to stay dry, as light morning showers gave way to mostly cloudy skies with a hint of sunshine peeking through. Thanks in good part to a steady breeze, both the main track and the turf course were listed as fast.

For many fans, opening day at Keeneland is a fashion occasion. Brockman, who designs air handling units for The Trane Co., decided to wear a purple jacket, purple trousers, black shoes and a solid white T-shirt.

"This is everyday attire," Brockman said with a straight face. "It's just what I had. I'll wear it to church."

But Brockman said he was placing his bets based on the skill of the jockeys, not the color of their silks.

The wagering process wasn't quite as scientific for Frank Murphy of Chicago, one of a group of about 70 affiliated with Hanson Brick who came to Keeneland on a company outing.

Murphy said he planned to wager $10 to win on the No. 10 horse in the day's first race. The horse's name? Murph's Encore, which led early, but faltered in the stretch and finished fourth, out of the money.

"I love history, and you can tell there's a lot of it here by the old buildings," said Murphy, making his first visit to Keeneland. "This is a very impressive place. This track here just has that old look to it. We came in and saw the stone stables on the hill."

His co-worker, Bill Bush, said that back home in Chicago, "everything is still dirty and gray. We come here and see all this green. That adds to the pageantry of it."

For the most part, Keeneland showed no vestiges Friday of the severe ice storm that paralyzed Lexington in February. Hundreds of trees on Keeneland's grounds suffered damage during the storm, Keeneland president Nick Nicholson said.

"The Keeneland crew was carrying out branches even as the ice was falling," Nicholson said. "They knew they had to move quick in order to be ready for the spring meeting. They worked very hard, for many long hours, to restore the grounds. We are inspired by their work."

Friday's attendance was 12,441.

TURFWAY PARK: Record-breaking trainer Bernie Flint and rider Jason Lumpkins ended the winter-spring meeting Thursday with 44 and 111 wins, respectively.

Stoneway Farm was the meet's leading owner with nine victories.