The Keeneland Fall Meet Is One of the Most Famed Events in Horse Racing
The Keeneland Fall Meet is where thoroughbred racehorses assemble to compete for the illustrious title of Champion and a chance at a substantial amount of prize money. The Fall Meet–a series of day races held every weekend in October–is held annually and is one of the most prestigious racing series in horse racing. The race meet embodies tradition and provides racegoers with a unique “racing experience as it was meant to be.”
For over eighty years, owners, jockeys, and trainers have raced the best thoroughbreds at Keeneland, an internationally acclaimed racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky. The 2022 Fall Meet will take place over 17 days from October 7-29, with no racing on Mondays or Tuesdays.
During the Fall Meet, Keeneland will offer 22 stakes totaling $8.75 million, a record-breaking amount for the track. The 17-day season will open with 11 stakes, nine of which are "Win and You're In" events as part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series Presented by America's Best Racing. Keeneland has adjusted several stakes on the schedule to attract horses bound for the Breeders' Cup, most notably moving the JPMorgan Chase Jessamine (G2) to opening day. Keeneland is shattering its previous meet record of $7.7 million for 22 stakes during the 15-day Spring Meet in April of this year.
Helpful Tips for a Fun Day of Horse Racing at the Keeneland Fall Meet
From taking tours to placing bets, there is so much for race fans to experience at the Keeneland Fall Meet. Last year thousands of horse racing enthusiasts gathered at the Fall Meet, and many races sold out. To make the most out of your day, plan your trip in advance for a fun and stress-free horse racing experience. Before you purchase tickets, make sure to check the post-time schedule. Simply put, you must find the designated day and post time for the horse races you want to attend. Gates open at 11:00 A.M., and the first post is 1:00 P.M. daily. Once you have selected the race, it's time to decide where to view it.
Keeneland racecourse offers several ticket options, including reserved and unreserved seating with many food and beverage packages that can be booked ahead of time. Racegoers can purchase a ticket for a full day of horse racing or a season pass.
General Admission Tickets
Keeneland’s general admission tickets allow fans to take advantage of open seating on the Track Apron benches, North Terrace, and open indoor seating. This walkabout ticket allows attendees to explore the grounds and access mutuel tellers, concessions, bars, and restrooms.
Reserved Grandstand Tickets
Reserved Grandstand tickets are individual outside seats within the Grandstand with an excellent track view. This seating option offers backs and armrests and is under cover from the elements.
The Grandstand Loge Box
The Grandstand Loge Box is a covered seating area with access to the first and second floors of the Grandstand, including mutuel tellers, concessions, bars, and dedicated cocktail service. The Grandstand has six seats per box and is sold as a two-day package, and fans must purchase all six seats.
The Equestrian Dining Room
The Equestrian Dining Room is located on the 1st floor of the Grandstand. Racegoers enjoy an a la carte luncheon, mutuel tellers, and bar service from their designated table throughout the day. A race day program is provided, and multiple TVs are placed throughout the room to view live racing.
The Phoenix Dining Room
The Phoenix Dining Room offers a stunning view of the Paddock. With a business casual setting, this dining room offers a buffet lunch to guests.
The Lexington/Kentucky Room
The Lexington/Kentucky Dining Room is on the 4th floor overlooking the track with a stunning view of the horses in the final stretch to the finish line. This formal business setting offers a 3-course plated lunch menu and cocktail service.
Spectators can purchase tickets for horse racing through the Keeneland Box Office, online through official websites, and in the Keeneland Race Day app. Available seats are automatically updated online as cancellations and changes occur. If your preferred event date is sold out, check the Official Ticket Office for new ticket availability and sign up for the waitlist to receive the latest notifications. Advance ticket purchases are recommended to eliminate the need for cash transactions at the gate. Show the electronic barcode on your phone and scan it to expedite your entry to the Fall Meet. Make sure to download the Grandstand Map to help you navigate your day at the track. The Keeneland Race Day app is also helpful for expert tips, up-to-minute program details, race results, and video replays.
Parking
Parking at the Keeneland Fall Meet is free and available in several zoned areas across the grounds. Access to the event is recommended through Gates 1 & 2 with a complimentary shuttle service. Visit the Keeneland website for a complete list of available parking options.
Tailgating at Keeneland
Tailgating is a popular activity before horse racing begins, and attendees can tailgate in the paved parking areas on each race day. The Hill is Keeneland's enhanced tailgating area open to racegoers on Friday and Saturday during the racing season with fan-friendly amenities, food trucks, Bluegrass music, and a jumbo television screen to watch live horse racing.
Raising a Champion Thoroughbred
Mill Ridge Farm has been represented at the Keeneland Fall Meet through the years, having raised and sold several of the world’s best racehorses since it was founded nearly 60 years ago. Many notable horses have benefited from the excellent care and boarding services at Mill Ridge. Championship thoroughbreds include 2001 Horse of the Year POINT GIVEN, 2011 Horse of the Year HAVRE DE GRACE, and 2005 Kentucky Derby winner GIACOMO. Since 2000, Mill Ridge Farm has raised or sold seven Breeders’ Cup winners and 36 Grade 1 winners. OSCAR PERFORMANCE won the Breeders’ Cup in 2014 and resides at Mill Ridge, where he is the current record-holding turf stallion. His progeny are now old enough to race, and demonstrated considerable talent with his early runners.
Headley Bell founded Nicoma Bloodstock at Mill Ridge Farm in 1979. Headley has a passion for thoroughbred horses and an eye for winning pedigrees. Through his consulting company, Nicoma Bloodstock, he has assisted his clients in fulfilling their dreams of breeding champion racehorses. Included in these are Kentucky Derby winners BARBARO in 2006 and STREET SENSE in 2007. Also among his matings are 2011 Horse of the Year HAVRE DE GRACE and 2019 Horse of the Year BRICKS AND MORTAR. In addition, his clients have bred Breeders’ Cup winners ARTIE SCHILLER in 2005, OSCAR PERFORMANCE in 2016, and BRICKS AND MORTAR in 2019. An experienced bloodstock agent will guide you through investing and choosing suitable horses for your portfolio.
Whether you are new to the sport of horse racing or a seasoned pro, there are several factors to consider when purchasing a thoroughbred racehorse. Bloodstock agents are experts in industry trends and know when it is the right time to buy or sell. Nicoma Bloodstock has assisted its clients fulfill their highest expectations since 1979.
From the 106 Mares Purchased by Nicoma:
10% of the mares produced a Grade 1 WINNER
20.4 % of the mares produced a Graded Stakes WINNER
32% of the mares produced a Stakes WINNER
47% of the mares produced a Blacktype runner
From the 150 Yearlings Purchased by Nicoma:
69% of the yearlings produced WINNERS
22% of the yearlings produced Stakes horses
14% of the yearlings produced Stakes WINNERS
8% of the yearlings produced Graded Stakes WINNERS
28% of the yearlings produced 100K + Earners
Nicoma Bloodstock has been associated with 14 G1 Winners. A good bloodstock agent understands thoroughbred bloodlines and the complexities of the breeding process. In addition to helping buyers purchase a racehorse, Nicoma provides consulting services, appraisals, and insurance solutions and can act as an expert witness in some instances.
If you would like to begin a conversation with Headley Bell at Nicoma Bloodstock about potentially owning your piece of thoroughbred racing history, contact us today at (859) 224-1000, or learn more here.