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Heroes Day
October 19, 2025
Heroes Day at Keeneland honors members of the military (active duty and veterans), first responders, healthcare workers and their families each spring and fall race meets.
On this day, heroes and their families receive free general admission, reserved grandstand seating, and access to the North Terrace family zone including activities and a complimentary meal provided by City BBQ and complimentary beverages provided by Coca-Cola Consolidated. Throughout the day there will be special programming on the track including a flag roll out and honoree recognitions in the Winner's Circle.
A POW-MIA Chair of Honor will be on display 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 4 complimentary tickets for this day. If you have questions, call (859) 254-3412.
FAQ
- When is Heroes Day?
One Sunday each spring and fall race meet, Keeneland honors heroes and their families. The Fall 2025 Heroes Day will take place on Sunday, October 19. Activities will take place in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- How do I receive free admission?
All members of the military (active duty & veterans), first responders, healthcare workers, and their families can receive up to (4) four complimentary general admission tickets to enjoy the race day. Registration opens Tuesday, Aug. 19.
- What programming can I look forward to throughout the day?
Heroes and their families can visit the North Terrace from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. for a complimentary meal provided by Marriott Griffin Gate for the first 2,000 people. Sections A, B & C in the grandstand are available for heroes and their families to enjoy the race day. Seating is limited and available on a first come first serve basis.
The National Anthem and Presentation of Colors will take place in the Walking Ring at 12:00 p.m.
The Henry Clay JROTC will assist with the flag roll out on the track after Race 5. Be on the lookout for special presentations in the Winner’s Circle throughout the day following Races 1-4.
The POW-MIA Chair of Honor will be on display in the Paddock.
Heroes can receive 30% off their purchase at the Keeneland Shop with a valid I.D.
- Where can I park?
Free, Public Parking: Free, public parking will be available in The Hill and Meadow by entering Gate 1. Patrons will have access to complimentary shuttling to shuttle depot. Customer service representatives will be at each shuttle stop to help with questions.
Permit Parking: All paved parking rows will be for permit parking and free accessible parking only. No reservation is required for accessible parking.
Patrons who are attending the Spring Meet are able to pre-purchase a parking space in the Green Lot. These parking spaces will be limited each day and are expected to sell out.
Fall Heroes Day Honorees
ONE Lexington
ONE Lexington is a city initiative that leverages government resources and community partnerships to address gun violence impacting youth and young adults (ages 10 – 29). One Lexington looks to work upstream and treat the sickness of gun violence, not just the symptoms. After 3 straight years of record gun violence in our city, Lexington has seen a 60 percent decrease in homicides and nonfatal shootings since 2022. This progress can be attributed to the “all hearts on deck” approach that our city has adopted. Together we are ONE, Lexington!
Lexington FD Community Services Team
Honoring Battalion Chief Derek Roberts, Ms Katrina Mullins, Captain Steve Lewis, FF Todd Houston, FF Jerome Brown, FF Shane Burger and FF Martin Ashford
Keeneland is proud to recognize the Lexington Fire Department’s Community Services Bureau! This dedicated group teaches CPR, fire extinguisher, and first aid classes across Fayette County. In just the past three years, they’ve installed more than 15,000 smoke alarms, and since 2015, their work has been credited with saving 20 lives. Let’s give a big round of applause for the men and women of the Lexington Fire Department’s Community Services team!
Bruce Gordon
Bruce Gordon was in Honolulu on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He was seven years old, and remembers it well. He spent most of the war in Honolulu, where he watched with interest the great numbers of ship, planes, and men who poured into Honolulu. After the war, he went with his family to Hong Kong, where he watched British Spitfires flying overhead. He returned to the USA and complete AFROTC. He became a fighter pilot in the US Air Force, flying four different kinds of fighters, and had 132 fighter combat missions in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross medal for a combat mission. He now lives in Georgetown, Kentucky and has three children, six grandchildren, with two great-grandchildren on the ramp and one more still in the hangar!
Thomson-Hood Veterans
Thomson-Hood Veterans Center provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation and has served more than 3,600 Veterans from all branches of the armed forces since opening in 1991. Thomson-Hood is dedicated to promoting and maintaining excellence in the care of Kentucky Veterans with emphasis on preserving residents' rights and helping Veterans maintain the highest possible level of independence. We honor the healthcare members and veterans both for their service and dedication.
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