Keeneland Celebrates Summer with Breakfast at the Track, a Keeneland Crafted Event for Fans of All Ages

Tickets for the June and July events on sale today

Keeneland today announced a number of activities to be hosted at the iconic race track this summer, led by Breakfast at the Track, a new Keeneland Crafted event for the public to be held Saturday, June 19 and Saturday, July 10 from 8-10:30 a.m. ET.

An outdoor event, Breakfast at the Track will allow guests to experience the beauty of Thoroughbreds working over Keeneland’s main track while enjoying an array of unique breakfast offerings created by Keeneland Hospitality, highlighted by Buckles Mini Carrot Cake Jacks and a Doughnut Hole Bar for children, as well as a Breakfast Burrito, Everything Bagel Sandwich and more. This family-friendly outing also features pony rides for kids, Paddock Demonstrations from equine partners and interactive equine-themed experiences for all ages.

Tickets for both the June and July Breakfast at the Track events go on sale today at tickets.Keeneland.com. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children and include admission and unlimited breakfast options. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the event.

“Keeneland is excited to open our gates and welcome the community back to the track,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “This will be a fantastic summer as we reconnect with family, friends and those special places in our lives. Breakfast at the Track is a fitting way for Keeneland to show its appreciation for our fans and to thank them for their continued support and enthusiasm, particularly during this past year.”              

In addition to Breakfast at the Track, the Keeneland Crafted event lineup includes a Belt Making Workshop presented by Keeneland Mercantile to be held Wednesday, June 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. 

Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and bourbon cocktails while artisans from Kentucky’s fine leather craftsmen Clayton & Crume explain the techniques of creating authentic handmade leather belts – from cutting the strap to beveling, burnishing edges and securing solid brass hardware. Each guest will receive a handcrafted leather belt.

Tickets are $108 per person and go on sale Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m. at keenelandmercantile.com. 

A National Historic Landmark, Keeneland is open to the public with a number of ways for visitors to enjoy the track’s timeless beauty any day this summer. 

Fans can watch horses train over the main track every morning from 6-10 a.m. or take a self-guided walking tour of the grounds (maps and information may be found here).

Keeneland also conducts daily official guided walking tours of the Grandstand, Paddock and Stable Area during which visitors can learn about the history of Keeneland, get a trackside view of morning workouts and soak in the sights and sounds of the sport. More information on tours and ticketing is available at keeneland.com/tours. Guests are encouraged to book tours in advance as tickets sell out quickly. 

Other aspects of Keeneland that are again open to the public:

·       The Keeneland Shop – Browse the exclusive line of Keeneland-branded merchandise, equine gifts, home goods, bar ware and luxury apparel. The Keeneland Shop is located near the track’s South Gate entrance. Store hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m; closed Sundays.

·       Track Kitchen – Situated among the barns in Keeneland’s stable area, the Track Kitchen has been featured in Southern Living magazine as one of the best places in Kentucky to have breakfast. You don’t have to be a horseman to enjoy the home-style favorites, including plate lunches, sandwiches, soups and salads. Hours are Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 6-11 a.m. Dine in or carry out available.

·       Keeneland Library – Established in 1938, the Keeneland Library is a public research/reference library that is one of the world’s largest repositories of information related to the Thoroughbred. Visitors can trace Keeneland’s history by examining the Library’s scrapbooks, browse displays of racing artifacts and collectibles and view a portion of Keeneland’s equine art collection. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The safety of Keeneland’s guests, horsemen and employees remains the top priority. Keeneland follows the health and safety guidance of the CDC and state and local health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Increased sanitation measures continue to be deployed across the grounds. Capacities for some events are reduced to allow social distancing and masks are required for those not fully vaccinated while indoors.