Keeneland Hospitality, Keeneland’s culinary and special events team, is announcing a number of new offerings in its stable of unique experiences available to the public through its Keeneland Crafted brand along with expanded enhancements for corporate and private events designed to meet the goals of clients at any level.
“Keeneland Hospitality is excited to showcase the creativity of our team through these new experiences and amenities,” said Chef Marc Therrien, Managing Director of Keeneland Hospitality. “From private occasions to Keeneland Crafted events, we’re proud to celebrate the tremendous skills of our culinary and events teams and provide a world-class and uniquely Keeneland experience for our guests.”
Keeneland Crafted to offer new, one-of-a-kind experiences
Keeneland Hospitality, under its popular Keeneland Crafted banner, will offer both new and returning ticketed events for the public to enjoy from May through August. These curated events include:
- A Taste of Keeneland Tour (May-July). Guests will embark on a behind-the-scenes racing tour with a signature race-day cocktail and participate in a mock betting challenge. Tickets are $65 each.
- The Exhibit Dinner (May 24 and July 19). Two dates will be available for this six-course specialty dining experience held at Keeneland Library, which is presenting an exhibit about African American horsemen and -women titled Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers. The tasting menu is inspired by historic race track menus procured from Library archives. Tickets are $200 each.
- The Chef’s Secret Dinner Series (May 18, June 21, July 27, Aug. 23). These intimate, family-style dinners provide an opportunity to enjoy locally sourced cuisine, craft cocktails and live music in surprise unexpected locations throughout the Keeneland grounds. Tickets are $150 each.
- Breakfast at the Track (June 17). Fans of all ages will experience the beauty of Thoroughbreds during the morning works at Keeneland while enjoying an array of unique breakfast offerings from Keeneland Hospitality along with family-oriented activities. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Kids 3 and under get in free.
Tickets for these summer events go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, April 19. For more details, visit Keeneland.com/crafted.
Keeneland Hospitality shares expertise for elevating corporate and private events
The Keeneland Hospitality team takes pride in working with clients to create custom cuisine, menus and experiences for guests that are uniquely them. Traditional celebrations, galas and corporate conferences may be customized with distinctive amenities and unforgettable activities aimed to take events to the next level.
Keeneland has created an Experience Guide to help guests plan their event, large or small. Among the event enhancements available to engage and connect guests are:
- Master Class culinary experiences. Master Class culinary experiences are equal parts educational, engaging and delicious. From unique dining settings to sense-awakening meals led by Chef Marc Therrien, Keeneland Hospitality can provide a one-of-a-kind culinary experience for guests at any price point.
- Team-building elements for corporate retreats and conferences. Activities are led by professional consultants designed to foster workplace connections. Topics include leading with excellence; embracing and navigating change; overcoming perfectionism; and mission, vision and values development.
- “And They’re Off.” Simulated handicapping activities – Bet-to-Win Challenge and Handicapper’s Hustle – bring the excitement of a race day to your event.
- Bourbon tastings and pairings. Because both racing and bourbon are signature Kentucky industries, guests can engage in both iconic experiences in one venue. Bourbon tasting flights are a great way to entertain and educate guests about the favorite drink of the Bluegrass while also providing an activity to spice up the evening. The Keeneland Hospitality team can help craft the perfect pairing for you or choose bourbons based on personal preference.
- Keeneland Scavenger Hunt. Keeneland is filled with stories of the people, horses and memorable events that have graced its grounds. Scavenger Hunts are customized for each group to hit the hots spots that relate to corporate missions, history and interests. This activity works well with cocktail hours and breaks, and the number of clues can be adjusted to fit time allotments.
- Keeneland Tours. A National Historic Landmark, Keeneland welcomes guests to celebrate its timeless beauty. As a special part of your event, experienced guides will give behind-the-scenes tours of Keeneland grounds or Bluegrass horse farms in conjunction with Horse Country Tours.
- “Call to the Post.” Want to add a little fanfare to your event? Whether celebrating an entrance, announcing a speaker in style or transitioning guests to dinner with flair, a resounding “Call to the Post” performance from the Bugler is the perfect addition to any occasion.
- The Keeneland Shop. The Keeneland Shop features a curated selection of gifts, décor, barware, Keeneland-branded merchandise and apparel. Corporate gifting adds an elevated and professional touch to any event, and the Keeneland team will work to source custom-branded merchandise to enhance the guest experience.
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Since its first race meet more than 85 years ago, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts five sales a year, in January, April, September and November. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015, 2020 and 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains the Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.
For more information contact:
Amy Gregory at 859 361-3490
Amy Owens at 859 421-2566
Images available on request