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.

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.

Purchase Permit Parking

View Parking and Tailgating Info  

Equine Safety Response, April 26, 2023

Horse Name: Wolfe County

Race: 3

Age: 4

Trainer: Kenny McPeek

Details: Wolfe County was pulled up by the jockey shortly after the start of the race. After being evaluated by the KHRC, attending and Keeneland veterinary teams, radiographs were taken and revealed an injury to left front leg which proved to be catastrophic.

April 23, 2023

Keeneland Race 7

A Stewards Inquiry was posted involving the stretch run and, in addition, an objection was lodged by the rider of sixth place #2 “Encourage” (David Cohen) alleging interference by the rider of fourth place #1 “Buy Me Candy” (Vincent Cheminaud) near the 1/16 pole. After reviewing the race replay and interviewing the riders, the stewards determined that #1 angled in near the 1/16 pole and caused #2 to steady and lose momentum. For the interference, #1 wasdisqualified from fourth and placed sixth, behind #2.

Official order of finish: 6-7-3-4

Horse Name: Cowichan (IRE)

Race: 2

Age: 3

Attending Veterinarian: Dr. Tami Gillon

Trainer: Wesley Ward

Details: Cowichan (IRE) demonstrated unsoundness upon exiting the turf course and was transported back to the barn by the equine ambulance after the race. She was evaluated by attending veterinarian Dr. Tami Gillon and the KHRC veterinary team with mild lameness (grade 2 out of 5) observed in the right forelimb with no obvious cause for the lameness. She will receive a follow-up diagnostic examination and will be monitored closely for any changes, and recovery is favorable at this time. She is cooling out comfortably and fully weight bearing in all limbs.

Horse Name: Jubilant Joanie

Race: 6

Age: 3

Attending Veterinarian: Dr. Nicole Weinstein

Trainer: John Ortiz

Details: Jubilant Joanie was fractious and flipped in the gate before the race. She was transported back to the barn in the equine ambulance where she was evaluated by attending veterinarian Dr. Nicole Weinstein. Superficial lacerations were found on her right shoulder and legs and a poll injury on the top of her head. She was taken to Rood & Riddle for evaluation and it was determine there were no bone injuries to her head or neck. She will have a CT scan to determine if there is any soft tissue damage. She is currently acting normal and alert and will continue to be monitored at Rood & Riddle.  

Horse Name: Devious Stares

Race: 7

Age: 3

Attending Veterinarian: Dr. Tami Gillon

Trainer: Wesley Ward

Details: Out of an abundance of caution, jockey John Velazquez pulled Devious Stares up after the start of the race. She was evaluated back at the barn and found to have superficial lacerations in her right foreleg, which she is being treated for, and lameness noted in her right front and right hind leg without obvious signs noted clinically. Follow-up digital radiographs were taken the following morning and did not reveal any significant cause for lameness. She remains comfortable and fully weight bearing in all limbs and will continue to be closely monitored at the barn. 

Equine Safety Responses, April 21, 2023

Horse Name: Green Up

Race: 9

Age: 4

Attending Veterinarian: Dr. Ashley Hamilton

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Details: After crossing the wire, jockey Irad Ortiz pulled Green Up up, where it was determined the filly was experiencing EIPH. She was assisted back to the barn for further evaluation by the attending and KHRC veterinary team. She cooled out uneventfully as the condition was resolving at the barn and under the care of Dr. Hamilton who continues to monitor for any additional changes. Prognosis remains good at this time.

Horse Name: Reckoning Force

Race: 10

Age: 3

Attending Veterinarian: Dr. Holly Brown

Trainer: Brendan Walsh

Details: On the gallop back after the race, the state veterinarian observed that the horse was off in the left front leg. The rider jumped off the horse and Reckoning Force was loaded uneventfully on to the equine ambulance to be transported back to the barn for further evaluation. After evaluation at the barn by Drs. Brent Cassidy and Sarah Padilla of KHRC Vet Team and Dr. Holly Brown, a diagnosis was confirmed of a mild lameness noted in the left forelimb as the horse was cooling out and walking the shedrow. Dr. Brown will continue to monitor and follow up with additional diagnostics to determine the source of the lameness. Prognosis remains favorable at this time.