The morning air has become noticeably cooler. As I take a walk around the neighborhood before heading to work, I see a few horses grazing with their heads down beyond a white wooden fence.

As the sunlight streams into the field where the fog is just lifting, the horses' backs shine with a golden hue. This view never gets old, no matter how long you look at it.

At this time of year, the atmosphere in the neighborhood starts to change. Customers coming into the shops begin to talk about Keeneland.

So today, I want to summarize why this city is called the Horse Capital of the World and what the October Keeneland racing season is all about.

First, we need to talk about the land. This area is situated on a limestone base, and the grass known as bluegrass grows on top of it.

Locals often explain that the calcium leached from the limestone seeps into the water and grass, strengthening the horses' bones. This is a point that the people of this region never fail to mention when boasting about their land.

Additionally, there is a rich history of old farms. The Runnymede Farm, established in 1867, is still operated by the same family today.

Claybourne Farm, which opened in 1910, is famous for being the place where the Triple Crown winner Secretariat spent his later years. Calumet Farm, founded in 1924, has produced eight Kentucky Derby winners.

While the numbers are impressive, what's even more remarkable is that these farms are still actively raising horses. Continuing the same work for over a century is no small feat.

The Kentucky Horse Park, located to the north of the city, also contributes to this nickname. Opened in 1978, it is not only a working horse farm but also an international equestrian competition venue and a park showcasing the history of horses.

Within it lies the legendary racehorse Man o' War. Originally buried elsewhere, he was moved here in 1977 along with his statue.

Man o' War is the grandfather of Seabiscuit, who is also famous from the movie. Standing in front of the statue, I wonder if there is another city that honors a horse in such a way.

Now, let's move on to the story of Keeneland. The Keeneland Association was established in 1935, and the racetrack opened its doors for the first time on October 15, 1936.

It's notable that it started as a non-profit racetrack. This means that it prioritized preserving the culture of horse racing over making a profit.

This fall season also marks the 90th anniversary of Keeneland's opening. There's a reason the air around the racetrack feels more festive this year.

Many of the racing scenes from the 2003 film Seabiscuit were filmed here. The old stone buildings and tree shade retain the atmosphere of the 1930s.

This year's fall season runs from Friday, October 2, to Saturday, October 24. There will be no races on Mondays and Tuesdays, so it's good to keep that in mind when planning your visit.

During this period, there will be a total of 17 racing days, with 22 stakes races and a total purse of $10.7 million. Half of the stakes races, 11 in total, will take place during the opening weekend from October 2 to 4.

And at the end of this month, a bigger celebration awaits. The Breeders' Cup World Championships will be held at Keeneland on October 30 and 31.

This will be the fourth time Keeneland has hosted the Breeders' Cup. Local reports suggest that around 42,000 spectators are expected each day.

So, if you're looking for restaurants or accommodations in the area that week, it's best to act quickly. While it's great for businesses to have eager customers, be prepared for traffic congestion.

I always choose to go to the racetrack early in the morning. Watching the horses warm up on the track before the races begins calms my mind.

After watching the horses run for a while, I can't help but think that it resembles dance. The rhythm of their hooves hitting the ground is steady, and the jockey and horse breathe in sync as if they are one.

It's not much different from the feeling of matching rhythms with a partner on the dance floor. When you trust each other and let go, the movements become light.

Some people might immediately think of gambling when they hear about horse racing. While there are betting windows, you'll find plenty of families enjoying a picnic as well.

People sitting on blankets in the grassy area, an elderly couple dressed in suits and hats, and a young dad giving his child a piggyback ride create a diverse scene.

I would like to encourage our Korean neighbors to visit at least once. You don't need to place a bet; just watching the horses run under the autumn sun is worth it.

If it were me, I would avoid the crowds of opening weekend and choose a weekday afternoon to visit leisurely. The shade of the trees next to the track is at its best then.

On the way back, take your time driving along the farm fences. The golden clouds spreading over the fields at sunset are the true gift of this season in this land.