Home » Keeneland Spring Meet offers new special events

Keeneland Spring Meet offers new special events

Spring Meet opens with popular College Scholarship Day; Introduces Hall of Fame Jockey Day and Milliners Corner 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 7, 2016) – Keeneland’s Spring Meet offers a wide-ranging calendar of unique special events, featuring such popular fixtures as College Scholarship Day, Sunrise Trackside on Saturday mornings, tailgating on The Hill and the commemorative Maker’s Mark bottle signing, and highlighted by several new features that include Hall of Fame Jockey Day, Milliners Corner and a special Big Apple/Bluegrass Pick 4.

Keeneland Spring Meet 2011
Keeneland Spring Meet 2011

The 2016 Spring Meet kicks off Friday, April 8, with College Scholarship Day, hosted by Keeneland and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, that attracts thousands of students from state and regional colleges and universities. Students can register to win one of ten $1,000 scholarships and prizes to be given away following each of the day’s races. This year, a $10,000 Runhappy Scholarship will be given away to one lucky student following the post parade for the 8th race.

Experience the beauty of Keeneland and Thoroughbred racing through two unique experiences: Sunrise Trackside and tailgating on The Hill. Sunrise Trackside and Breakfast With the Works on Saturday mornings provide a family-friendly opportunity to go behind the scenes for morning training and take part in a number of fun activities for kids and adults alike. On Fridays and Saturdays, Keeneland takes the tradition of tailgating to a new level on The Hill, which features local food trucks, a jumbo television screen to catch all the racing action, wagering, bluegrass music on Saturdays and free shuttles to the track.

From classic to couture, the Keeneland Shop’s new Milliners Corner offers a variety of styles to complete any outfit. Milliners featured during the Spring Meet include celebrity designer Christine A. Moore; Louisville designer Jenny Pfanensteil of Forme´ Millinery; and the popular Dorfman Pacific. Milliners Corner is located adjacent to the Walking Ring and open every race day from 9 a.m. until the final race.

Keeneland offers a full menu of wagering options on Toyota Blue Grass Day, Saturday, April 9, headlined by the new Big Apple/Bluegrass Pick 4 Wager. Created by Keeneland and the New York Racing Association,  the Big Apple/Bluegrass Pick 4 wager kicks off with the Bay Shore (G3) (4:52 p.m.), followed by the Madison (G1) (5:20 p.m.), Wood Memorial (G1) (5:30 p.m.) and Toyota Blue Grass (6 p.m.).

That day, Keeneland also will feature an All-Stakes Pick 4 Presented by TVG on races 7-10 and an All-Stakes Pick 5 Presented by TVG on races 6-10, both $300,000-guaranteed.

New this Spring will be Hall of Fame Jockey Day at Keeneland on Friday, April 22, during which a number of racing’s history-making jockeys will be honored with special events, autograph signings and appearances at the track. A specially designed poster created by renowned artist Peb will be sold, with all proceeds benefiting the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

A number of racing’s all-time leading riders and Keeneland fan favorites are scheduled to attend and include Pat Day, four-time Eclipse Award winner and all-time leading rider at Keeneland; five-time Eclipse Award winner Laffit Pincay Jr.; two-time Kentucky Derby winner Chris McCarron; and 1978 Triple Crown winner Steve Cauthen.

This Spring Meet, the Keeneland Kids Club is partnering with The Salvation Army on Kids Club Family Day, Sunday, April 17, to help support local homeless children. The Salvation Army will serve free lemonade in the North Terrace from noon to 3 p.m. as part of its LemonAiD fundraiser to benefit children staying at The Salvation Army Emergency Homeless Shelter in Lexington.

As part of the day, Kids Club members and their families receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Children’s activities include face painting, crafts and more in the North Terrace from noon to 3 p.m. The Keeneland Kids Club, which has more than 6,400 members, is the free Official Kids Club for Keeneland fans 12 and under. Members of the Kids Club will receive a personalized membership pass, birthday card from Buckles, invitations to exclusive Kids Club events and more.

Once again, Keeneland has teamed with the HERO Campaign to promote the use of safe and sober designated drivers. The HERO Campaign will launch Saturday, April 9, at the HERO tent on The Hill where patrons can pledge to be a designated driver. Registrants will receive a “Be a HERO” wristband and a voucher for a free soft drink at any trackside concession stand, and the chance to win additional prizes. Patrons also can sign up for the HERO Campaign at the East and South Gates throughout the race meet. More information is available at Herocampaign.org.