Rusty gets win #300 at home track
Thursday’s media notes by Keeneland’s publicity team (Coady Media photos)
RUSTY ARNOLD RECORDS 300TH VICTORY AT HOME TRACK
Keeneland-based trainer Rusty Arnold reached a milestone Wednesday when he sent out Glenn Bromagen II and Michael Dahir’s Neon Icon to win the sixth race for his 300th win at Keeneland. Arnold, who has won five races during the Fall Meet, is second to Bill Mott on the list of trainers by wins here.
“This is showing longevity more than anything else,” Arnold said about reaching the milestone. “I have done this a long time and we have been very lucky here. We train here (all year) and that makes it even better.”
Arnold represents the third generation of his family in the Thoroughbred industry in Central Kentucky. His grandfather James Russell was the broodmare foreman at Elmendorf Farm. His father, the late George R. Arnold Sr., co-owned Fair Acres Farm; bred horses to race or sell; and was a longtime trainer at Keeneland. Rusty’s brother, Terry, is the Rehabilitation and Breaking Manager at WinStar Farm.
Arnold tallied his first Keeneland win during the 1977 Spring Meet. He is an original resident of the Keeneland Training Center, affectionally known as “Rice Road” for its location on the road that borders the west side of Keeneland. The area, which now has nine barns, opened in 1981.
In 1996, Arnold married his wife, Sarah, a former exercise rider who works with him in their training operation. Her roles have included escorting horses to the track while riding the stable pony.
Arnold’s Keeneland record includes 22 stakes wins, including these Grade 1 races: Spinster with Clear Mandate (1997) and Romantic Vision (2017); Breeders’ Futurity with Wicked Style (2007); Maker’s Mark Mile with Karelian (2010); Ashland with Karlovy Vary (2012) and Weep No More (2016); and Jenny Wiley with Centre Court (2013).
“This is great that it was for the Bromagen family because such a big number of these wins were their horses. I have been training for them since about 1986,” Arnold said after Neon Icon and jockey Jose Ortiz captured the 1 1/8-mile race by 1 length in 1:52.16.
“I have to thank all the owners: the Bromagens, G. Watts Humphrey (Jr.), Taylor Asbury from way back,” Arnold said. “I know I am going to forget to mention somebody. Calumet Farm has really jumped on and helped me. So many people through the years, I don’t want to forget anybody. Some have been with me a long time.”
TWO BREEDERS’ CUP CONTENDERS HAVE THURSDAY BREEZES
Two horses pre-entered in the Nov. 1-2 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar turned in half-mile works over a fast main track Thursday morning.
Runner-up in the Oct. 4 Jessamine (G2) Presented by Keeneland Sales, Totally Justified (Juvenile Fillies Turf) covered the distance in :50.40. Rusty Arnold trains her for Bregman Family Racing. (Click here for a video of the work.)
For trainer Rob Atras, Twin Creeks Racing Stables’ Chasing Liberty (Juvenile Turf/Juvenile Turf Sprint) breezed a half-mile in :49.80.
Chasing Liberty was fourth in the Oct. 6 Indian Summer (L) Presented by Keeneland Select.
CLOSING WEEK SPECIAL EVENTS
Throughout the Fall Meet, special events and activities will continue Keeneland’s historic mission to support the Central Kentucky community and the Thoroughbred industry. They include:
Year-round
Official Keeneland Tours: Click here for description, availability and to purchase tickets.
Friday and Saturday
The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for tailgating on 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 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.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Halloween Edition of 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 are 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.
This Saturday’s special edition of Sunrise Trackside will include a Halloween costume contest and an appearance by the Headless Horseman at 9:45 a.m. in the Paddock.
The Headless Horseman will appear that afternoon on the main track after Race 4 (post time is 2:36 p.m.)
Teacher Appreciation Day. Teachers, educators and staff along with one quest each will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Upon having their ticket 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.
