Record-setting Keeneland meet on tap
Press release by Keeneland’s media team (Keeneland photo of Juddmonte’s champion Idiomatic winning last year’s Juddmonte Spinster. The Breeders’ Cup Distaff heroine is expected to shoot for a repeat at Keeneland)
Everything you need need to know about Keeneland logistic as construction continues
LEXINGTON, KY (Sept. 30, 2024) – Keeneland’s 2024 Fall Meet, 17 days of exceptional Thoroughbred racing from Oct. 4-26, will stand out in track history for being the most lucrative racing season with 22 stakes worth a record $9.85 million; for having the richest race, the $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile (G1); and for being held amid the largest construction project since the track opened 88 years ago. The Fall Meet is further enhanced by the return of such popular special events as Make-A-Wish Day, College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane’s End, Heroes Day and Sunrise Trackside as well as tailgating on The Hill and a full slate of wagering options created to appeal to handicappers at all skill levels.
For the Fall Meet, Keeneland has boosted the purses for five stakes races by a total of $800,000. The purse of the Coolmore Turf Mile on Oct. 5 jumped by $125,000; the purse of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Dixiana on Oct. 12 went from $600,000 to $750,000; and the Bryan Station (G3) on closing day doubled in value to $600,000. In addition, two stakes were upgraded, and both received $50,000 purse increases: the Perryville (G3) on Oct. 19 is now worth $300,000, and the value of the Bank of America Valley View (G2) on Oct. 25 is $350,000.
Opening the season is Fall Stars Weekend, three days with a total of 11 stakes worth $5.8 million. Eight stakes are part of the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In,” which awards the winners automatic starting positions and free entry into the 41st Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Nov. 1-2 at Del Mar.
Racing during the Fall Meet will be conducted Wednesdays through Sundays. Gates open at 11 a.m. ET. Post time for the first race is 1 p.m.
Once again, Keeneland will offer complimentary digital programs with Equibase past performances that fans can download. Click here to access.
“With Keeneland just having completed a record September Yearling Sale, there’s so much energy and excitement on the grounds that we can’t wait to share with our fans and horsemen this Fall Meet,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We are thrilled to offer record purse money this race meet, which attractss the best horses in the country to Keeneland, many of them potential Breeders’ Cup contenders. Additionally, fans will see that construction of our new Paddock Building is well underway. This project represents an investment in the future of our sport and will provide unique hospitality experiences for our guests during race meets and sales, beginning this time next year. All this will set the stage for a fun Fall Meet.”
Begun in January and scheduled to be completed in September 2025, Keeneland’s construction project centers on the three-level Paddock Building that will extend the entire length of the Paddock and Walking Ring. The new facility is designed to feature a variety of ticketed experiences available to the public, including traditional sit-down dining, new bar concepts and a panoramic rooftop; the ground level will include saddling stalls (currently located on the north end of the Saddling Paddock) to elevate safety for equine and human participants and give fans an unmatched view of the pre-race activity.
Advance ticket sales required
As usual, all tickets for the Fall Meet must be purchased in advance via Keeneland’s Official Online Ticket Office at tickets.Keeneland.com/racing.
Keeneland offers a return policy of up to 48 hours in advance of race day. Because ticket inventory is updated automatically and available for purchase at tickets.Keeneland.com/racing, fans should check this site regularly and sign up to be notified when tickets become available.
Parking for the races
Free parking: Available at The Hill and The Meadow with no reservation required. Patrons will have access to complimentary shuttling to the track. Customer service representatives will be at each shuttle stop to help with questions.
Green Lot parking: For the Fall Meet, patrons may purchase a Green Lot pass to reserve a spot in the paved parking rows. (Spaces are offered first come, first served and are only for car parking.) Click here to purchase a Green Lot pass.
To reach the Green Lot, enter Gate 2 and follow signage to the right. Green Lot parking will open at 8 a.m. and close 60 minutes after the final race.
Accessible parking: Complimentary accessible parking in Rows 21-25. No reservation or permit is required, and all spaces are located in the paved lot. Complimentary golf cart shuttles from the parking lot to the South Grandstand entrance are available.
Ride Share: Uber/Lyft/taxis, personal pickups/drop-offs and private car services (sedans and SUVs) will be directed to Ride Share, located adjacent to the Shuttle Depot. Because of the construction footprint, there will be NO vehicular access to the North or South Grandstand entrances for drop-off/pickup.
Bus Lot: Parking spaces are for commercial buses and must be purchased in advance by calling the Ticket Office at 859 254-3412. Patrons interested in parking for buses, motor homes, limos, charter buses or school buses should fill out this form.)
Track Kitchen: Most parking is limited to horsemen and barn staff. For those coming to eat at the Track Kitchen, limited parking spots are available to the public directly in front of the building.
Click here for the grounds map with the parking options.
Also visit Parking FAQ: Keeneland.com/racing/parking-frequently-asked-questions
Tailgating offered on The Hill
The Hill will be open for tailgating Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the Fall Meet, weather permitting. No ticket or reservation is required for The Hill, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center and accessible via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland).
Fans on The Hill can watch the racing action via a jumbo TV and place their bets in a wagering tent while they enjoy live music presented by The Burl, food trucks and handicapping assistance from BETologists. Complimentary shuttles to the track are offered.
The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the final race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For fans who want to elevate their experience, Keeneland again is partnering with RevelXP to offer tailgate packages for groups of any size. RevelXP will organize tailgates by furnishing a designated tent, catering, amenities and more. Click here for more details.
Watch races on TV and online
Fans are able to watch all Fall Meet races live and at no charge thanks to the Keeneland Livestream on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland’s YouTube channel.
Other coverage of Keeneland racing includes:
- “Today at Keeneland,” a 30-minute race-day preview show with handicapping picks and discussion of horses of interest. Racing analysts Gabby Gaudet and Scott Hazelton will host the program, which begins at 11:30 a.m. and streams live on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Select, Keeneland’s YouTube channel, WKYT.com and FanDuel TV+. Also airs live on The CW Lexington.
- FanDuel TV, which will present live extensive coverage of every race beginning at noon.
- NBC/CNBC on Oct. 5-6 will have live coverage of five Fall Stars stakes as part of the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In.” On Oct. 5, NBC’s program begins at 4 p.m. ET with the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity, the Coolmore Turf Mile and the Thoroughbred Club of America. On Oct. 6, CNBC coverage will feature the Juddmonte Spinster and the Castle & Key Bourbon starting at 4 p.m.
Visit Keeneland en Español and DRFenEspañol.com for Spanish coverage of the Fall Meet. Hipica TV also will cover opening weekend.
Workout videos enhance online resources
during season full of wagering action
New this season, Keeneland will present morning workout videos of horses training here as a benefit to horsemen and handicappers and a complement to the resources available on the wagering section of Keeneland.com. This sortable database – made possible by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund – will be updated daily at Keeneland.com/workouts.
Meanwhile, a variety of wagering opportunities for handicappers will continue during the Fall Meet:
- The Daily Double wager features a reduced 15% takeout, which Keeneland began during the Spring Meet.
- The popular Keeneland Turf Pick 3 wager will be offered on the final three turf races each day and requires a $3 minimum.
- The Super High Five will be available on the final race each day.
- The New York Racing Association’s Cross Country wager on Saturdays will return and include Keeneland races.
In addition, the opening day Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2), the Jessamine (G2) Presented by Keeneland November and the Darley Alcibiades (G1) will be included in late Pick 4 and late Pick 5 wagers.
On Oct. 5, the All Stakes Pick 4 and All Stakes Pick 5 will conclude with the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1).
That day, Keeneland will offer a new wager, the $1 Future Stars Pick 5, featuring five races for 2-year-olds that are Breeders’ Cup Challenge events: the Frizette (G1) and the Champagne (G1) from Belmont at The Big A; the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) from Keeneland; and the Oak Leaf (G2) Presented by Oak Tree and the American Pharoah (G1) Presented by DK Horse from Santa Anita.
On Oct. 6, the late Pick 4 and late Pick 5 will include the Indian Summer (L) Presented by Keeneland Select, the Juddmonte Spinster (G1) and the Castle & Key Bourbon (G2).
Additional handicapping events during the Fall Meet include:
- Wednesday, Oct. 9, 16, 23: WINS-Day Challenge Presented by Malone’s. This is an inexpensive way for beginner handicappers to give contests a try. Enter for $10 at Wagering Central on the first floor Grandstand and place a mythical $2 win and place wager – no actual money required – on the final six Keeneland races of the day. First 200 participants will receive a free Daily Racing Form and an appetizer card from Malone’s.
- Friday, Oct. 11: Fall $400 Challenge. Registration is open for Keeneland’s live bankroll handicapping tournament, which has a $400 buy-in. Players will wager a live bankroll of $250 on any or all races at Keeneland with no minimums per race. One Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) berth and as many as four National Horseplayers Championship spots are up for grabs. Click here for more information. The Challenge is only available for players who are at Keeneland. Participants may register the day of the contest.
- Saturday, Oct. 12: $3,500 Fall BCBC/NHC Challenge. Registration is open for in-person and remote participation in this live-money contest that Keeneland is holding in cooperation with TwinSpires, XpressBet, NYRA Bets, 4NJ Bets, HPI and TVG. Click here for details and to register. The entry fee is $3,500, with $2,500 going to the live bankroll and $1,000 to the prize fund. Players must wager a minimum of $400 in at least five races at Keeneland and wager a minimum total of $2,500. Prizes include cash and as many as six BCBC berths and and 10 NHC spots (based on number of entries).
Special events combine fun, philanthropy
In a rich tradition that continues Keeneland’s mission to support others, the track will present a slate of special events and activities that enhance and assist the Central Kentucky community and the Thoroughbred industry. They include:
Saturday, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26: Sunrise Trackside. No ticket is required to attend this free Saturday morning program from 8-10 a.m., which is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Fans can enjoy a light breakfast for purchase at the Starting Gate concession stand while watching racehorses train. Children’s activities on the first floor Grandstand will include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting and games. Mini tours will be available at the Tours podium near the Paddock. From 8:30 to 9 a.m., fans can pet a horse in the Walking Ring, and the John Deere Tractor Break will take place during the renovation period on the main track with a drawing for prizes from John Deere/Meade Tractor.
On Oct. 26, a special Halloween edition of Sunrise Trackside with a costume contest and an appearance by the Headless Horseman will take place.
Saturday, Oct. 5: Jockey Autograph Signing. Fans will meet active and retired Keeneland riders and Hall of Famers in an event that benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). Autograph books, caps, jockey goggles and posters to be signed will be available for purchase; personal items may be signed with a donation to PDJF. Event will take place in the North Terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 10: Make-A-Wish Day. This is the 17th consecutive year Keeneland has hosted the event, the culmination of a rewarding experience for a special group of 10 children. Local Thoroughbred farms and organizations team up with Keeneland to grant wishes for these children, who with their families are treated to a VIP experience, complete with presenting a trophy after each race, meeting jockeys and experiencing the excitement of a day at the races. Fans can participate in a silent auction located near the Paddock. Fans may donate to Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana.
Friday, Oct. 11: Big Blue Day. In celebration of Homecoming Weekend at the University of Kentucky, Keeneland will become the center of Big Blue Nation. Fans will enjoy a pep rally and appearances throughout the day by such UK royalty as singer/songwriter Hannah Ellis, who will sing the National Anthem, along with basketball superstar Jack “Goose” Givens, football standout Nate Northington and others. Keep your eye on Keeneland Bugler Steve Buttleman, who is known to lead fans in the UK fight song, “On! On! U of K.” Givens and Northington will participate in book signings on the North Terrace, and other special activities will be announced. UK hosts Vanderbilt in football the following day.
Sunday, Oct. 13: Keeneland Kids Club Family Day Presented by Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Keeneland Kids Club is the Official Kids Club for Keeneland fans 12 and younger. Kids Club members and their families are invited to a special day at the races and will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating when they present their membership cards at admission entrances. Children’s activities in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will include face painting, a sweet treat and activities with local community partners such as Amplify Horse Racing, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, LexArts and Eckert’s Orchard. Sign up for the Kids Club at Keeneland.com/kidsclub.
Friday, Oct. 18: College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane’s End. Keeneland invites college students to enjoy a day of racing, prizes, scholarship giveaways, behind-the-scenes racing experiences, reserved seating and more. By pre-registering, students will receive a free general admission ticket good for Oct. 18 and must be at the track for the opportunity to win one of 10 $2,000 scholarships provided by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Keeneland. Students who attend the race day and have their tickets scanned day-of also will be eligible to win two additional $10,000 scholarships provided by Lane’s End Farm, as well as prize packages from local Kentucky businesses. Activities with Amplify Horse Racing, Drake’s, Rivertown Photo Booths, LexLive and others will take place at the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Keeneland Shop will offer a 15% discount to registrants. Pre-register at www.Keeneland.com/csd.
Sunday, Oct. 20: Heroes Day. Keeneland will honor members of the military (active duty and veterans), first responders, health care workers and their families. Heroes and their families will receive free general admission, reserved Grandstand seating, a complimentary meal at the North Terrace provided by City Barbeque (for the first 2,000 people) and a 30% discount at The Keeneland Shop. Special programming will include a flag rollout on the track and honoree recognitions in the Winner’s Circle.
A POW-MIA Chair of Honor will be displayed on the Paddock Apron to bring awareness to past and current POW-MIA military members through a partnership with The Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 5.
Each hero is eligible to receive up to four complimentary tickets. Click here for more information and to reserve complimentary tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 26: Teacher Appreciation Day. Teachers, educators and staff along with one guest each will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Upon having their tickets scanned, this group will be automatically entered to win one of five giveaways to be drawn at 4 p.m. Through a partnership with Coca-Cola and UPS, educators are invited to visit a tent near the Paddock to sign up for giveaways and receive a complimentary voucher for a Coca-Cola beverage. The Keeneland Shop will offer a 15% discount to any active educator with a valid ID. Click here for more information and to reserve complimentary tickets.
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Keeneland 2024 Fall Meet at a Glance
Schedule: 17 days from Oct. 4-26. No racing Mondays and Tuesdays.
Gates open: 11 a.m.
First race: 1 p.m.
Six Grade 1 stakes: the $600,000 Darley Alcibiades on Oct. 4; the $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile, the $750,000 First Lady Presented by UK HealthCare and the $600,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity on Oct. 5; the $600,000 Juddmonte Spinster on Oct. 6; and the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented by Dixiana on Oct. 12.
Tickets: tickets.Keeneland.com/racing
Patron Experience Guide: Make the most of your day at the races and refer to the latest information about parking and entry atKeeneland.com/welcome.
Parking FAQ: Keeneland.com/racing/parking-frequently-asked-questions
Grounds map: Keeneland.com/racing/parking-and-tailgating
Construction updates: Keeneland.com/paddock building
How to watch: Thanks to the Keeneland Livestream, fans can watch all races live and at no charge on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland’s YouTube channel. FanDuel TV will present live extensive coverage of every race.
NBC live coverage: Oct. 5, NBC, 4-6 p.m.; Oct. 6, CNBC, 4-6 p.m.
Complimentary digital programs: Including Equibase past performances, these will be available for download atKeeneland.com/complimentary-pps
Wagering: Keeneland.com/wagering
The Hill: Popular free tailgating area is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. No tickets or reservations required.
Keeneland en Español: Visit Keeneland en Español and DRFenEspañol,com for information about Spanish coverage of the Spring Meet.
Keeneland Newsletter: Sign up for email updates of your areas of interest at Keeneland.com/newsletter.
Official Keeneland Tours: Click here for description, availability and to purchase tickets.
The Keeneland Shop: Located near the Grandstand South entrance, The Keeneland Shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 30 minutes following the final race and on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On race days, Milliners Corner, Wagering Central and Finish Line locations will be open until 30 minutes after the final race.
Milliners Corner near The Keeneland Shop will feature Christine A. Moore (Oct. 4-6) and book signings with John Paul Miller (Oct. 5) and Tom Hammond (Oct. 12). These events are scheduled for the North Terrace: Castle & Key pop-up location (Oct. 6); book signings with Jack “Goose” Givens and Nate Northington (Oct. 11); Henry Dry Goods pop-up shop (Oct. 19); and appearances by Darling & Co. Hold Your Horses hat bar and Ace Links permanent jewelry (Oct. 26).
The Onward Reserve pop-up shop will be held at The Hill on Oct. 18.
Website: Keeneland.com
Social: @keeneland on Facebook and Instagram and @keenelandracing on X. Use hashtag #Keeneland
