Keeneland 2024 Fall Meet will have the highest race purses in track history

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Keeneland is looking ahead to one of the most lucrative racing seasons in track history for the Fall Meet.

Keeneland’s fall meet begins Friday.

“The Keeneland Fall Meet is an exciting celebration of Thoroughbred racing’s brightest stars competing at the highest levels of our sport,” said Shannon Arvin, Keeneland President and CEO. “With our beautiful fall landscape as a backdrop, the atmosphere of Keeneland creates an unparalleled experience for our riders and fans.”

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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“As Keeneland just completed a record-breaking September yearling sale, there is so much energy and enthusiasm in the field that we can’t wait to share this fall competition with our fans and riders,” said Shannon Arvin, President and CEO of Keeneland. “We are thrilled to offer a record purse for this competition, which attracts the nation’s top horses to Keeneland, many of whom are 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 at competitions and sales, starting this time next year. All of this will set the stage for a fun fall meetup.

In a press release, Keeneland said it increased the purses of five entries by a total of $800,000. This resulted in an increase in the Coolmore Turf by $125,000, the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) purse to $700,000 and the Bryan Station (G3) to $600,000. Two stakes were also increased 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 winners are awarded automatic starting positions and free entry to the 41st Breeders’ Cup World Championship to be held on November 1st. 1-2 at Del Mar, according to the release.

Special Events at Keeneland:

Keeneland is hosting a few special events and promotions for the fall season.

Sunrise Trackside (Saturday October 5, 12, 19, 26)
A jockey autograph signing (October 5)
Make-A-Wish Day (Thursday, October 10)
Big Blue Day (Friday October 11)
Keeneland Kids Club Family Day (Sunday, October 13)
University Scholarships Day (Friday October 18)
Heroes Day (Sunday October 20)
Teacher Appreciation Day (Saturday, October 26)

A digital schedule is available on the Keeneland website.

Tickets for the Fall Meet must be purchased in advance through the official Keeneland online ticket office.

Tailgating at Keeneland

The hill will be open from 8 a.m. to one hour after the final race on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the fall competition, weather permitting. Fans can watch the races on a giant TV and place their bets in a betting tent.

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