Keeneland Sales & Racing Update, July 1

To our customers:

Like most of you, we at Keeneland are very much looking forward to the return of racing here in Lexington one week from today. It has been a challenging few months for all, and the disruption to all of our calendars in 2020 was certainly unexpected. But with this return of live racing – while under unique conditions – comes a sense of normalcy as well. True to Keeneland’s mission, we will once again be able to conduct these races that are so important for Keeneland, and distribute purses to our horsemen.

We were thrilled to share late last week that Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear approved Keeneland’s request to allow a limited number of owners to attend our Summer Meet. Keeneland officials collaborated with the governor’s office and state public health officials to develop a plan that ensures the safety of horsemen and track employees under the Healthy at Work guidelines.

We imagine that many of you may be curious on how this will operate and we wanted to take this opportunity to share a bit of detail on this front.

Credentials and Ticketing

Keeneland's Horsemen's Hospitality team will contact owners to arrange credentials as the race fields are set. Four credentials will be assigned to owners of horses entered in undercard races for the day their horse is running. Six credentials will be granted for entries in stakes races. Owners will receive an assigned indoor and outdoor seat on the race day.

Horsemen Access

All guests are required to wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds. Health screenings, including a series of questions and a temperature check, will be completed on each guest before entering the Keeneland grounds. Guests should enter the grounds through Gate 2 and enter the facility through the South Gate entrance near the Welcome Center. The Saddling Paddock will only be accessible to trainers, grooms and jockeys.

Amenities

Keeneland will offer limited food and beverage service during these five days. Wagering will be available only through live tellers on the grounds, or online with Keeneland Select.

We encourage you to visit the following web page for full details on these protocols and review frequently asked questions | Horsemen Details for the Summer Meet

We ask you to read on for a few additional updates for this week. Please also note that Keeneland’s offices will be closed this upcoming Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.

Best,

Bob Elliston

Upcoming Details

Please make note of several upcoming deadlines related to the September Sale:
July 1 – Jockey Club Registration Papers due for September Sale
July 1 – Consignor’s Authorized Agent Forms due for September Sale
July 6 – Changes in Proof Pages due for September Sale

November Sale Entries

As we begin July, a reminder that the entry period for the 2020 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale is now open, and will be available through Monday, August 3. The Keeneland November Sale begins Monday, November 9, directly following Keeneland’s hosting of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.