Aunt Pearl had lengthy run-up when breaking Jessamine record

LEXINGTON, Ky. – No doubt that Aunt Pearl went fast in smashing the Jessamine stakes record Wednesday when getting 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:40.86, but it must be noted the swift clocking followed an unprecedented 216-foot run-up before official timing of the race began.

Partly as a result, and at the behest of the Thoroughbred Idea Foundation, Keeneland has begun publishing the run-ups for all races every race morning on its website, keeneland.com, effective Friday, according to Bob Elliston, Keeneland vice president of racing.

Elliston said additional gaps for entry to the turf course have been added this fall “in an attempt to try to preserve the surface by not placing the starting gate at the same position on the turf course at [often-run] distances. The gate can rough up the course through that kind of repetition.”

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For the Jessamine, the gate was “placed the farthest back of all the gap options,” Elliston said. “Obviously, this is the kind of thing handicappers have a right to know about beforehand, so we’re making that information available on a regular basis.”

On another note, Elliston said the temporary stadium-style seating now in place on the Keeneland apron was erected prior to the Sept. 12 announcement that no spectators will be allowed at the Nov. 6-7 Breeders’ Cup. The stands won’t necessarily go unused, however, depending on how many owners and guests are permitted entry to the two-day event.

“Everyone will be very well spaced in accordance to social-distancing guidelines, so we might actually need that inventory,” Elliston said.