Fall in Kentucky is synonymous with the Keeneland Race Meet, which begins on Friday, October 5. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or heading to the track for the first time, Keeneland is a can’t miss experience for anyone traveling to Kentucky in October.
P.S. Every guest who purchases a ticket for a Horse Country tour in October will receive a free general admission ticket for a day at the races, for each guest in their party. Be sure to check your confirmation email for more information!
Morning Training
Enjoy the sights and sounds of morning training at Keeneland, seven days a week from 5:30am-10am. Thoroughbreds are like any athlete, and they work out on a regular basis to prepare for their next race. You might see horses out for a casual jog or completing a more serious ‘breeze’ before they compete in an upcoming race.
After watching morning workouts, we recommend heading to Keeneland’s Track Kitchen to enjoy a Southern, homestyle breakfast. You might even see some of racing’s most well known trainers, owners and jockeys, who are known to frequent this beloved establishment.
For more information on the Keeneland Track Kitchen, please click here
Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Be sure to try the cinnamon apples at the Track Kitchen. They’re the perfect fall treat!
Place Your Bets
Wagering can be a fun way to add some excitement to your day at the races, even if you’re not a seasoned handicapper! BETologists are the resident experts on betting the races at Keeneland. There are a few stations around the track (and the Hill, for those who enjoy tailgating!), where BETologists provide helpful tips about reading the program, how to wager and more. Just look for the folks in the fedoras!
If you’re already betting-savvy, be sure to check out the Keeneland Select app, and view the free digital program provided by Keeneland for each day of the race meet.
Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Grab a few friends and start a show parlay! Put in a few dollars and wager on a horse each race to show, using your winnings to bet on the next race.
Race Day ‘Musts’
On a race day at Keeneland, there are so many things to see, enjoy and experience, it’s almost hard to fit them all in one day! We’ve put together some of our favorite ‘musts’ for your next day at the races.
Our must-have afternoon snack at the races is a cup of warm bread pudding, especially great when enjoyed on a cool, October day. Bonus points if you have burgoo as well!. Be sure to stop by the Keeneland Shop, located near the South Grandstand Entrance, which features everything from stunning race day outfits to home goods that represent the best of Kentucky. Spend some time at the paddock and walking ring to see the horses before the head out to the racetrack. It’s great to see the contenders up close, especially during stakes races when top horses from around the world are competing!
Go Behind the Scenes
Did you know that Keeneland offers tours of their facility, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark? There are a few different ways to go behind the scenes at Keeneland and learn about its history and current operations. The Keeneland Morning Works Tour and Backstretch Tour are both offered early in the day, when horses are training on the track. The Keeneland Owner’s Experience is a truly one of a kind experience, giving guests a feel of what it is like to be a Thoroughbred racehorse owner on race day. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the paddock, walking ring, and even watch a race from the winner’s circle! Learn more about Keeneland’s tour offerings here.
Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Stop by the Keeneland Library while you’re in town for the races. The Library is the world’s largest repository of information related to the Thoroughbred, and often has exhibits relating to the history of the sport of horse racing, and Kentucky.