A reimagined Saddling Paddock with centralized saddling stalls and a ceremonial Stakes Winner's Circle, along with the new Show Bet Bonus for on-track patrons, are among the highlights of Keeneland's 17-day Fall Meet from Oct. 3-25. The season is the most lucrative in track history with purses for 22 stakes worth a total of $10.85 million, led by the $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) on Oct. 4 during the signature Fall Stars Weekend—a showcase of horses taking aim on the Breeders' Cup World Championships.
Keeneland also will present such popular special events as Make-A-Wish Day, College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane's End, Kids Club Day Sponsored by Kentucky Children's Hospital, Heroes Day, and Sunrise Trackside and again offer weekend tailgating on The Hill.
"Keeneland's Fall Meet is a joyous celebration of Thoroughbred racing's most cherished traditions brought to life by the people, the moments and the legacy that connect us season after season," Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. "We're thrilled to unveil the enhancements we've made to elevate the race-day experience, bringing fans closer than ever to the excitement and pageantry of our sport. With the richest purses in Keeneland history and the 40th anniversary of our iconic turf course, this Fall Meet is set to be a landmark celebration."
Racing during the Fall Meet will be conducted Wednesdays through Sundays. Gates open at 11 a.m. ET, and post time for the first race is 1 p.m. Complimentary digital programs with Equibase past performances Powered by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) are available to download by clicking here.
All tickets for the season must be purchased in advance via Keeneland's Official Online Ticket Office at Tickets.Keeneland.com/racing. Keeneland offers a return policy of up to 48 hours in advance of race day. Because ticket inventory is updated automatically and available for purchase, fans should check this site regularly and sign up to be notified when tickets become available.
Season passes are available until Oct. 2.
Initial phase of construction enhancements unveiled
Everyone attending the Fall Meet will be the first to experience the initial phase of Keeneland's construction enhancements. They include:
- Centrally located saddling stalls and Saddling Paddock enhancements. Saddling stalls have been repositioned along the east side of the Paddock, giving fans improved visibility of horses and their connections as they prepare for each race. This layout increases safety in the Paddock.
- Jockeys Quarters and jockey entry. A new Jockeys Quarters located beneath the Paddock Building features modernized locker rooms, fitness area, steam and sauna amenities and other race-day essentials. Riders will enter the Saddling Paddock through a new centralized location from the Paddock Building.
- Stakes Winner's Circle. Formerly known as the Walking Ring, this area now is where fans can share in the thrill of victory alongside the winners of graded stakes races. Trophy presentations following graded stakes races formerly were conducted on the Keeneland turf course but now will be held in this area.
Wagering action debuts new on-track Show Bet Bonus
The Fall Meet will introduce a Show Bet Bonus for on-track patrons. Show wagers placed at Keeneland or at Keeneland's simulcast facility at Red Mile will be subject to a 10% takeout versus a 16% takeout off-track, meaning patrons will receive a higher payout for a winning show wager.
"The Show Bet Bonus is a great way to reward horseplayers who wager at the track," Keeneland Director of Wagering Development Jim Goodman said. "The Bonus should be popular with patrons who like show parlays and with big players."
Other wagering options during the Fall Meet include:
- The Daily Double wager with a 15% takeout.
- The popular Keeneland Turf Pick 3 on the final three turf races each day. Requires a $3 minimum wager.
- The Super High Five on the final race each day.
- The New York Racing Association's Cross Country wager on Saturdays, which will include Keeneland races.
In addition, the Oct. 3 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2), the Jessamine (G2) Presented by Keeneland Sales and the Darley Alcibiades (G1) will be included in late Pick 4 and late Pick 5 wagers.
On Oct. 4, the All Stakes Pick 4 and All Stakes Pick 5 will conclude with the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1).
On Oct. 5, the late Pick 4 and late Pick 5 will include the Indian Summer (L) Presented by Keeneland Select, the Juddmonte Spinster (G1) and the Castle & Key Bourbon (G2).
Additional handicapping events during the Fall Meet include:
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 15, 22: WINS-Day Challenge Presented by Malone's. This is an inexpensive way for beginner handicappers to try contests. Enter for $10 at Wagering Central on the first floor of the Grandstand and place a mythical $2 win and place wager—no actual money required—on the final six Keeneland races of the day. First 200 sign-ups will receive a free Daily Racing Form and an appetizer card from Malone's.
- Friday, Oct. 10: Fall $400 Challenge. Registration is open for Keeneland's live bankroll handicapping tournament, which has a $400 buy-in. Players will wager a live bankroll of $250 on any or all races at Keeneland with no minimums per race. One Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) berth and as many as four National Horseplayers Championship spots are up for grabs. Click here for more information. The Challenge is only available for players at Keeneland. Participants may register the day of the contest.
- Saturday, Oct. 11: $3,500 Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge/NHC Fall Handicapping Challenge. Registration is open for in-person and remote participation in this live-money contest that Keeneland is holding in cooperation with TwinSpires, XpressBet, NYRA Bets, 4NJ Bets, HPI and TVG. Click here for details and to register. The entry fee is $3,500, with $2,500 going to the live bankroll and $1,000 to the prize fund. Players must wager a minimum of $400 in at least five Keeneland races and wager a minimum total of $2,500. Prizes include cash and as many as six BCBC berths, 10 NHC spots and three Kentucky Derby Challenge spots (based on number of entries).
Keeneland again will offer these amenities to patrons:
- Complimentary digital programs with Equibase past performances available for download and Powered by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF).
- Morning workout videos of horses training here as a complement to the resources available on the wagering section of Keeneland.com. The sortable database - made possible by the KTDF - will be updated daily at Keeneland.com/workouts.
- Spanish coverage at Keeneland en Español and DRFenEspañol.com. Roberto Rodriguez will provide daily coverage and analysis for the season.
Keeneland Select, the track's advance-deposit wagering platform (ADW), is offering a sign-up bonus for new customers who will receive $100 back after they wager $200 on the Fall Meet. (Use promo code FALL2025).
Parking for the races
Free parking: Available at The Hill and The Meadow with no reservation required. Patrons will have access to complimentary shuttling to the track. Customer service representatives will be at each shuttle stop to help with questions.
Green Lot parking: For the Fall Meet, patrons may purchase a Green Lot pass to reserve a spot in the paved parking rows. (Spaces are offered first come, first served and are only for car parking.) Click here to purchase a Green Lot pass.
To reach the Green Lot, enter Gate 2 and follow signage to the right. Green Lot parking will open at 8 a.m. and close 60 minutes after the final race.
Accessible parking: Complimentary accessible parking in Rows 21-25. No reservation or permit is required, and all spaces are located in the paved lot. Complimentary golf cart shuttles from the parking lot to the South Entrance are available.
RideShare: Uber/Lyft/taxis, personal pickups/drop-offs and private car services (sedans and SUVs) will be directed to RideShare, located adjacent to the Shuttle Depot. There is no vehicular access to the North or South Entrances for drop-off/pickup.
Bus Lot: A permit is required for vehicles such as charter buses, RVs (no overnight parking), school buses, etc. Click here for more information and to purchase.
Track Kitchen: Most parking is limited to horsemen and barn staff. For those coming to eat at the Track Kitchen, limited parking spots are available to the public directly in front of the building.
Click here for the grounds map with the parking options.
Also visit Parking FAQ: Keeneland.com/racing/parking-frequently-asked-questions
Tailgating on The Hill
The Hill is open for parking on all race days from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes following the final race Amenities are available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting.
Located via Gate 1 (at Man o' War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland), The Hill offers two levels of accommodations:
1. Free tailgating. No tickets or reservations are required for fans, who can watch Keeneland racing action via a jumbo TV and place their bets in a wagering tent while they enjoy live music presented by The Burl, food trucks and handicapping assistance from BETologists. Complimentary shuttles to the track are offered. The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the last race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2. Premium tailgating. Tailgate packages for groups of any size are available from RevelXP, which will furnish a designated tent, catering, amenities and more.
Click here for full details.
Watch races on TV and online
Fans can watch all Fall Meet races live and at no charge through the Keeneland Livestream on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland's YouTube channel.
Other coverage of Keeneland racing includes:
- Today at Keeneland," a 30-minute live race-day preview show with handicapping picks and discussion of horses of interest. Racing analysts Gabby Gaudet, Keeneland's new Director of Communications, and Scott Hazelton will host the program, which begins at 11:30 a.m. and streams live on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Select, Keeneland's YouTube channel, WKYT.com and FanDuel TV+. Also airs live on The CW Lexington.
- FanDuel TV, which will present extensive live coverage of every race beginning at noon.
- NBC/CNBC on Oct. 4-5 will have live coverage of five Fall Stars stakes as part of the "Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In." On Oct. 4, CNBC's program begins at 4 p.m. ET with the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity, the Coolmore Turf Mile and the Thoroughbred Club of America. On Oct. 5, NBC coverage will feature the Juddmonte Spinster and the Castle & Key Bourbon starting at 4 p.m.
- Spanish coverage at Keeneland en Español and DRFenEspañol.com.
Special events combine fun, philanthropy
With Keeneland's longstanding mission to support others, the track will present a slate of special events and activities that enhance and assist the Central Kentucky community and the Thoroughbred industry. They include:
Saturday, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Sunrise Trackside. No ticket is required to attend this free Saturday morning program from 8-10 a.m., which is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Fans can enjoy a light breakfast for purchase at the Starting Gate concession stand while watching racehorses train. Children's activities on the first floor Grandstand will include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting and games. Mini tours will be available at the Tours podium near the Paddock. From 8:30 to 9 a.m., fans can pet a horse in the Stakes Winner's Circle (formerly the Walking Ring), and the John Deere Tractor Break will take place during the renovation period on the main track with a drawing for prizes from John Deere/Meade Tractor.
On Oct. 25, a special Halloween edition of Sunrise Trackside will include an appearance by the Headless Horseman in the Paddock.
Thursday, Oct. 9: Make-A-Wish Day. This is the 18th year Keeneland has hosted the event, the culmination of a rewarding experience for a special group of 11 children. Local Thoroughbred farms and organizations team up with Keeneland to grant wishes for these children, who with their families are treated to a VIP experience, complete with presenting a trophy after each race, meeting jockeys and experiencing the excitement of a day at the races. Fans may donate to Make-A-Wish(r) Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana.
Saturday, Oct. 11: Jockey Autograph Signing. Fans will meet active and retired Keeneland riders and Hall of Famers in an event that benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). Autograph books, caps, jockey goggles and posters to be signed will be available for purchase; personal items may be signed with a donation to PDJF. Event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17: Big Blue Day. In celebration of Homecoming Weekend at the University of Kentucky, Keeneland will become the center of Big Blue Nation. Fans will enjoy a pep rally and appearances by the UK Alumni Band, cheerleaders and Dance Team along with appearances by UK legends and special Winner's Circle events. Keeneland Bugler Steve Buttleman is known to lead fans in the UK fight song, "On! On! U of K." Fan engagement activities will take place in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. UK hosts top-ranked Texas in football the following day.
Sunday, Oct. 12: Keeneland Kids Club Family Day Presented by Kentucky Children's Hospital. The Keeneland Kids Club is the Official Kids Club for Keeneland fans 12 and younger. Kids Club members and their families are invited to a special day at the races and will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating when they present their membership cards at admission entrances. Children's activities in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will include face painting, a sweet treat and activities with local community partners such as Amplify Horse Racing, Kentucky Children's Hospital, LexArts and Eckert's Orchard. Sign up for the Kids Club at Keeneland.com/kidsclub.
Friday, Oct. 10: College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane's End. Current full-time enrolled college students will enjoy a day of racing, prizes, scholarship giveaways, behind-the-scenes racing experiences, reserved seating and more. By pre-registering, students will receive free general admission and must be at the track for the opportunity to win one of 10 $2,000 scholarships provided by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Keeneland. Students who attend the race day and have their tickets scanned day-of also will be eligible to win two additional $10,000 scholarships provided by Lane's End Farm, as well as prize packages from local Kentucky businesses. Activities with Amplify Horse Racing, Bad Ass Coffee and LexLive will take place at the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-register at www.Keeneland.com/csd.
Sunday, Oct. 19: Heroes Day. Keeneland will honor members of the military (active duty and veterans), first responders, health care workers and their families. Heroes and their families will receive free general admission, reserved Grandstand seating, a complimentary meal at the North Terrace provided by City Barbeque (for the first 2,000 people) and a 30% discount at The Keeneland Shop. Special programming will include a flag rollout on the track and honoree recognitions in the Winner's Circle.
A POW-MIA Chair of Honor will be displayed on the Paddock Apron to bring awareness to past and current POW-MIA military members through a partnership with The Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 5.
Each hero is eligible to receive up to four complimentary tickets. Click here for more information and to reserve complimentary tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 25: Teacher Appreciation Day. Teachers, educators and staff along with one guest each will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Upon having their tickets scanned, this group will be automatically entered to win a giveaway to be drawn at 4 p.m. Through a partnership with Coca-Cola and UPS, educators are invited to visit a tent near the Paddock to sign up for giveaways and receive a complimentary voucher for a Coca-Cola beverage. The Keeneland Shop will offer a 15% discount to any active educator with a valid ID. Click here for more information and to reserve complimentary tickets.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
