Opening weekend debuts new dirt track and features first million-dollar race
LEXINGTON, KY (Sept. 26, 2014) âKeeneland thunders out of the starting gate for its Fall race meet on Friday, Oct. 3, with world-class racing on a new dirt track and continued commitment to enhancing the fan experience.
For the first time, Keeneland will offer a $1 million race, the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1), on Saturday, Oct. 4 as part of the opening Fall Stars Weekend that features nine graded stakes races with purses totaling $3.6 million. Many horses bound for the Breedersâ Cup World Championships on Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Santa Anita will be showcased in Fall Stars stakes.
Keenelandâs new dirt track, which was installed over the summer, comprises sand, silt and clay native to Kentucky, and features a unique drainage system to collect and discharge water away from the track. Conversion of the main track from a synthetic Polytrack surface to a dirt surface began May 19 and construction was completed on schedule in mid-August.
Race fans of all ages can take advantage of a jam-packed special events calendar, including Sunrise Trackside on Saturday mornings, tailgating on The Hill, College Scholarship Day, Make-A-Wish Day and See Blue Day. Details about the events calendar can be found on Keeneland.com.
The Fall Meet runs through Saturday, Oct. 25, with live racing Wednesday through Sunday. Gates open at 11 a.m. ET; post time for the first race is 1:05 p.m.
Win and Youâre In Challenge
The Win and You’re In Challenge gives fans a chance to win a VIP trip for two to the 2014 Breedersâ Cup. The fan who the picks the most winners from the Fall Stars Weekend Breedersâ Cup âWin and Youâre In Challengeâ races will receive clubhouse seating for two, airfare, a three-night stay and Breedersâ Cup merchandise.
The prize package is courtesy of Keeneland, Breedersâ Cup and Blue Grass Airport. More information on the contest can be found at Keeneland.com.
#ILoveKeeneland
To honor its racing fans, Keeneland will continue the âI Love Keenelandâ theme that was launched in the spring. The fan-driven campaign includes over 2,000 social media entries by Keeneland patrons. Fans can submit their photos to Keenelandâs Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts with the hashtag #ILoveKeeneland and might see their images featured on social media and at Keeneland.com/ILoveKeeneland.
Keeneland 2014 Fall Meet at a Glance:
Post time: 1:05 p.m. ET. Gates open at 11 a.m. No racing on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Admission: $5. Children 12 and under free.
Parking: Free (shuttles available from many lots); Preferred parking: $5; Clubhouse valet: $10.
The Hill (Official Tailgate Lot): Located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center. Enter Gate 1 across from Man oâ War Boulevard or via the Van Meter Road entrance.
Simulcasting: Major Thoroughbred tracks in the U.S.
Website:Keeneland.com; Keeneland.com/FallStars
Twitter: Follow @keenelandracing for news, information, real-time Paddock updates and expert picks.
Other: Keeneland is on Facebook (Facebook.com/Keeneland), YouTube (Keenelandfan), Pinterest (Pinterest.com/Keeneland), Instagram (Instagram.com/Keeneland), and has both a mobile site and Race Day app for smartphone users.
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