Keeneland Race Course is open for its Fall Meet and there are plenty of races and events to look forward to. Located in the heart of horse country in Lexington, KY, the immaculately landscaped grounds of Keeneland are home to some of the biggest sales and races in the thoroughbred industry.
This fall, Keeneland will hold live races on Wednesday through Saturday each week through October 28. Here are some things to watch for:
- Big Races (all month) - The Fall Meet is only a few days old and there have already been nine graded stakes races, including five Grade 1 races. Eight of the races were part of the Breeders' Cup's Win and You're In Series that automatically qualifies the winners for next month's Breeders' Cup. You can check out all the winners at Keeneland at www.keeneland.com/racing/results.
- Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (Oct 14) - The biggest remaining race on the Keeneland calendar is the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup. This Grade-1 race is named for the British monarch who attended the races at Keeneland in 1984 and presented the trophy. The race is sponsored by Lane's End, a prominent Kentucky breeding farm whose owner, William Farish, was the United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James (England) under President George W. Bush.
- Buffalo Trace Giveaway (Oct. 13) - Patrons may enter to win a VIP Buffalo Trace Distillery Experience that includes a private behind-the-scenes tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky as well as lunch with Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. The Buffalo Trace Franklin County Stakes (Grade III) will also be run this day. You can read about all of Keeneland's promotions and events at www.keeneland.com/calendar.
- Tours (all month) - Keeneland offers a variety of tours, including Year-Round Tours, Backstretch Tours, Behind-the-Scenes Racing Tours, and Behind-the-Scenes Sales Tours. Go to http://bit.ly/2yEH4k6 to learn more about the tours and buy tickets. (Some have sold out already, so check these tours out quick!)
To learn more about Keeneland and the Fall Meet, go to www.keeneland.com.