Exceptional Thoroughbred racing fueled by record prize money along with exciting special events and inviting wagering offerings fill Keeneland’s Fall Meet, which opens Friday for 17 days through Saturday, Oct. 29. The season precedes the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which Keeneland will host Nov. 4-5 for the third time.
During the Fall Meet, Keeneland will offer 22 stakes worth a record $8.9 million, which includes $1.3 million from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF). The season opens with the three-day Fall Stars Weekend, which features 11 stakes, including nine “Win and You’re In” events as part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Presented by America’s Best Racing, with total purses of $5.45 million.
The season’s richest race is the $1 million Coolmore Turf Mile (G1), a Breeders’ Cup Challenge race that anchors Saturday of Fall Stars Weekend. Along with Coolmore’s first year as sponsor of the premier turf stakes, the race is again worth seven figures – a status it held from 2014, when it was Keeneland’s first million-dollar race, through 2019.
The Fall Meet continues a remarkable year at Keeneland, which awarded the previous meet record $7.7 million for 22 stakes during the 15-day Spring Meet in April. A total of $1.5 million of that amount came from the KTDF. Full fields of quality contenders drove all-sources handle to a record $219 million.
Post time for the first race each day of the Fall Meet is 1 p.m. ET. For helpful tips and tools to assist fans during their day at the races, Keeneland offers a Patron Experience Guide to review before arriving at the track.
Fall Meet attendance options for fans
Once again, all General Admission, Reserved Seat and Dining tickets must be pre-purchased online through Keeneland’s Official Online Ticket Office at tickets.Keeneland.com or on the Keeneland Race Day app. Fans also have the opportunity to experience two venues in place for the Breeders’ Cup, the Saddling Paddock Chalet and Loge Boxes, on days when tickets remain.
Demand for tickets is high, but Grandstand reserved seat and General Admission tickets are available. Keeneland offers a ticket return policy of up to 48 hours in advance of race day, so inventory is updated automatically and available for purchase. Fans are encouraged to check tickets.Keeneland.com frequently for updates and sign up for ticketing alerts.
Cash and walk-up purchases on race days will be permitted only at the Welcome Center Ticket Office windows if tickets remain available.
No ticket or reservation is required for Keeneland’s popular free tailgating area on The Hill, which is open Fridays and Saturdays. Fans on The Hill can participate in the racing action via a jumbo TV and wagering, while food trucks and live music presented by The Burl create a festive atmosphere.
Those who wish to elevate their tailgating experience can book a premium package that includes tent, tables, amenities, reserved area for the day and more with REVELxp, the official tent partner for organized tailgates. Visit Keeneland.com/tailgating for details.
How to watch the races
“Today at Keeneland.” This 30-minute preview show includes handicapping picks and discussion of horses of interest. Racing analysts Gabby Gaudet and Scott Hazelton host the program, which airs live at 11:30 a.m. every race day on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Select, Keeneland’s YouTube channel, The CW Lexington and FanDuel+ (FanDuel’s streaming network).
FanDuel TV: Live, extensive coverage of every Keeneland race begins at 1 p.m.
Keeneland Livestream: Fans can watch all Fall Meet races live and at no charge on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland’s YouTube channel.
CNBC live stakes coverage: Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) and Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) on Oct. 8 from 5-6 p.m. and Juddmonte Spinster (G1) and Castle & Key Bourbon (G2) on Oct. 9 from 5-6 p.m.
Keeneland en Español returns for Spanish-speaking fans
Keeneland in partnership with DRF en Español will provide Spanish coverage of Fall Stars Weekend with host and handicapper Roberto Rodriguez and race caller David Merida. Their “Keeneland en Español” will provide full race-day coverage including race calls, analysis and interviews beginning at 12:30 p.m.
The “Keeneland Hoy!” daily preview show will take place for the remainder of the Fall Meet beginning Wednesday, Oct. 12.
For more details, visit the Keeneland en Español page on Keeneland.com. The live broadcast of opening weekend is available on YouTube on the Keeneland en Español channel and the DRF en Español channel.
For the entire Fall Meet, tools for Spanish-speaking fans of Keeneland include:
- Keeneland’s popular Race Day app, which is available in Spanish for fans whose native language is set to Spanish on their iPhone or Android device;
- La Referencia, a complimentary publication with analysis and detailed handicapping information, which is being presented by Keeneland and DRF en Español for fans to download; and
- Rodriguez’s race-day Spanish analysis, which will be posted on the popular Expert Picks section of Keeneland.com.
Wagering action is abundant
The Fall Meet offers special wagers and competitions for casual to experienced handicappers.
Returning this season are the popular Keeneland Turf Pick 3, which requires a $3 minimum and is offered on the final three turf races of the day’s card, along with the Super High Five on the last race each day.
In addition, the opening-day Darley Alcibiades (G1), Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) and JPMorgan Chase Jessamine (G2) will be included in late Pick 4 and late Pick 5 wagers. The next day, the All-Stakes Pick 4 and All Stakes Pick 5 will conclude with the Coolmore Turf Mile.
Additional handicapping events during the meet include:
- Wednesday, Oct. 12, 19, 26: 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 receive a free Daily Racing Form and appetizer card from Malone’s.
- Friday, Oct. 14: 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 berth and as many as four National Horseplayers Championship spots are up for grabs. Click here for more information. Players may register the day of the contest.
- Saturday, Oct. 15: $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 XpressBet, NYRA Bets, 4NJ Bets and FanDuel (formerly 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 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge berths and 10 NHC spots (based on number of entries).
Special events combine fun and philanthropy
In addition to presenting outstanding Thoroughbred racing, Keeneland has scheduled a full calendar of special events during the Fall Meet that continue the track’s mission to promote the industry and support the Central Kentucky community:
Saturday, Oct. 8,15, 22, 29: Sunrise Trackside. This Saturday morning program is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Children’s activities from 8-10 a.m. include a meet and greet with Keeneland’s mascot, Buckles, along with face painting, games and more. Fans can enjoy coffee and donuts at The Starting Gate stand while watching horses train. A 30-minute Paddock demonstration by an equine-related organization takes place at 8:30 a.m. Mini tours will be available at the Welcome Stand near the Paddock. A special Halloween Sunrise Edition will take place Oct. 29. This event is open to the public and does not require a ticket to attend.
Thursday, Oct. 13: Make-A-Wish Day. This is the 15th year for this event, the culmination of a rewarding experience for a special group of deserving children. Local Thoroughbred farms and organizations team up with Keeneland to grant wishes for the children, who with their families are treated to a VIP experience, complete with presenting a trophy after each race, meeting jockeys and experiencing all the excitement of a day at the races. Fans are encouraged to support Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana by placing a donation into the “Wishing Well” near the Keeneland Paddock. Click here to donate.
Friday, Oct. 14: College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane’s End. Full-time college students can enjoy a day at the races and the chance to win scholarships and prize packages from local businesses. Any student who pre-registers is eligible to win one of ten $2,000 scholarships provided by Keeneland and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. Students present at Keeneland that day can win one of two $10,000 scholarships provided by Lane’s End. Pre-register online at www.Keeneland.com/csd before 5 p.m. on Oct. 14. Admission is free with a college ID.
Sunday, Oct. 16: Kids Club Family Day Presented by Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Keeneland Kids Club is the Official Kids Club for fans 12 and younger. Kids Club members and their families are invited to enjoy this special day at the races with free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Children’s activities will take place in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include local community partners such as Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Amplify, Living Arts & Sciences Center, Explorium and Eckert’s Orchard.
Friday, Oct. 21: 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. Signing takes place near the Walking Ring from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 23: Heroes Day Presented by Rubicon. Heroes Day honors members of the military (active duty and veterans) and first responders (law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and health care workers) and their families with free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seats. The Family Zone will offer free lunch provided by City BBQ and children’s activities for those families in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keeneland will showcase a POW-MIA Chair of Honor to bring awareness to past and current POW-MIA military members through a partnership with The Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 5. Heroes Day also will feature a flag unfurling on the main track between races, and local heroes will be recognized in the Winner’s Circle throughout the afternoon.
Saturday, Oct. 29: In October and through Nov. 12, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is supporting Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA), a non-profit that benefits Thoroughbred aftercare organizations, through its Race to Give campaign. To help, visit racetogive.org. At Keeneland on Oct. 29, day of the $350,000 Hagyard Fayette (G2), fans may donate wagering tickets to Race to Give by dropping them in the donation box near Wagering Central.
Saturday, Oct. 29: Teacher Appreciation Day Presented by Coca-Cola. New this Fall, Keeneland will honor educators and staff by granting free admission with a valid ID. Teachers only will receive free admission; guests are encouraged to purchase tickets only ahead of time at tickets.keeneland.com.
Keeneland Fall Ale benefits Blue Grass Farms Charities
Keeneland and Country Boy Brewing of Lexington once again have collaborated to create Keeneland Fall Ale, which is available around Kentucky and will be sold at the track in cans and on draft. Country Boy Brewing, Kentucky Eagle and other distributor partners will donate $1 per case to Blue Grass Farms Charities (BGFC) to support its Back-to-School Backpack Program, which provides school supplies for nearly 1,000 children whose parents work in Keeneland’s stable area and on Central Kentucky farms.
****************
Keeneland 2022 Fall Meet at a Glance
Schedule: 17 days from Oct. 7-29. No racing Mondays and Tuesdays.
Gates open: 11 a.m. First race: 1 p.m.
Watch races: Thanks to the Keeneland Livestream, fans can watch all Fall Meet races live and at no charge on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland’s YouTube page.
Website: Keeneland.com
Social: @keeneland on Facebook and Instagram and @keenelandracing on Twitter. Use hashtag #Keeneland
Drive-thru wagering: Open every race day from 8 a.m. until the feature race.
Official Keeneland Tours: Visit keeneland.com/tours for availability and to purchase. New this Fall are the Road to the Breeders’ Cup Tour and the Breeders’ Cup Experience Tour.
The Keeneland Shop: Located near the Grandstand South entrance, The Keeneland Shop is open on race days from 9 a.m. to 30 minutes after the final race and on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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 four 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 and 2020 and is holding the event again on Nov. 4-5, 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