LEXINGTON, Ky. — 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.
The Fall Meet 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
Once again, all General Admission, Reserved Seat and Dining tickets must be pre-purchased online through the 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).
Keeneland Livestream: Fans can watch all Fall Meet races live and at no charge on Keeneland.com, the Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland’s YouTube channel.
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