Keeneland 2024 Fall Meet to have highest racing purses in the track’s history
LEXINGTON, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Keeneland is looking at one of the most lucrative racing seasons in the track's history for the Fall Meet.
Keeneland's Fall Meet will begin on Friday.
"Keeneland's Fall Meet is a thrilling celebration of Thoroughbred racing's brightest stars competing at the highest levels of our sport," said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. "With our beautiful fall landscape as the backdrop, the atmosphere at Keeneland creates an experience for our horsemen and fans that is second to none."
According to Keeneland, there will be 22 stakes worth $9.85 million, with the richest race being Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) at $1.25 million
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"With Keeneland just having completed a record September Yearling Sale, there's so much energy and excitement on the grounds that we can't wait to share with our fans and horsemen this Fall Meet," Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. "We are thrilled to offer record purse money this race meet, which attracts the best horses in the country to Keeneland, many of them potential Breeders' Cup contenders. Additionally, fans will see that construction of our new Paddock Building is well underway. This project represents an investment in the future of our sport and will provide unique hospitality experiences for our guests during race meets and sales, beginning this time next year. All this will set the stage for a fun Fall Meet."
In a news release, Keeneland said they have boosted five stakes' purses by a total of $800,000. That resulted in a boost to the Coolmore Turf of $125,000, the purse of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) to $700,000, and the Bryan Station (G3) to $600,000. Two stakes were also upgraded by $50,000. The Perryville (G3) is now worth $300,000, and the Bank of America Valley View (G2) is now worth $350,000, Keeneland said.
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The season will open with Fall Stars Weekend. The three-day event will host 11 stakes worth $5.8 million. Eight stakes are part of the "Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In," in which the winners are awarded automatic starting positions and free entry in the 41st Breeders' Cup World Championship that is set to take place on Nov. 1-2 at Del Mar, according to the release.
Special events at Keeneland:
Keeneland has a few special events and promotions planned for the fall season.
Sunrise Trackside (Saturday, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26)
A jockey autograph signing (Oct. 5)
Make-A-Wish Day (Thursday, Oct. 10)
Big Blue Day (Friday, Oct. 11)
Keeneland Kids Club Family Day (Sunday, Oct. 13)
College Scholarship Day (Friday, Oct. 18)
Heroes Day (Sunday, Oct. 20)
Teacher Appreciation Day (Saturday, Oct. 26)
A digital program can be found on the Keeneland website.
Tickets for the Fall Meet need to be bought in advance using Keeneland's Official Online Ticket Office .
Tailgating at Keeneland
The Hill will be open for tailgating from 8 a.m. to an hour after the final race on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the Fall Meet, weather permitting. Fans can watch races on a jumbo TV and place their bets at a wagering tent.
