Huge paydays, low takeout at Kentucky Downs meet

The annual September lovefest at Kentucky Downs gets going Saturday when four stakes anchor a 10-race opener.

Gigantic purses and a quaint country-fair atmosphere are among the turn-ons for horsemen and fans who will travel to the south-central turf-only track over the next two weeks, while simulcast bettors also will show their appreciation for the full fields and competitive racing that have become hallmarks at Kentucky Downs.

Dates for the five-day meet are Sept. 1, 6, 8, 9, and 13. Daily purses exceeded $1.7 million last year, an all-time high for any North American track, and record numbers are projected again this year with some $10 million in total purses. Revenue generated by the slots-like historical racing machines, which have been operational at Kentucky Downs since 2011, accounts primarily for the outlandish purse structure.

:: Wager on Saturday's pick four at Kentucky Downs with DRF Bets

Purses for non-claiming races include sizable bonuses restricted to horses registered to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, and most starters are KTDF-eligible. Maiden specials start at $130,000 and allowances at $140,000, including bonuses.

The $750,000 Tourist Mile (race 8) is the richest of the four opening-day stakes, all of them carded as the late pick four (races 7-10). The others are the $250,000 One Dreamer (race 7), the $400,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile (race 9), and the $400,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies.

Takeout on both the pick four and pick five is just 14 percent, and takeout does not exceed 19 percent on any wager at Kentucky Downs, accounting partly for its huge popularity with horseplayer groups.

“We want to be known as the horseplayers’ racetrack,” said track spokesman C.J. Johnsen.

In all, 14 stakes are on the schedule, with next Saturday, Sept. 8, being the biggest day of the meet with four Grade 3 stakes on tap, led by the traditional meet showcase, the $750,000 Kentucky Turf Cup at 1 1/2 miles.

The weather forecast for Saturday in the Franklin, Ky., region calls for possible thundershowers and a high near 90.

John Lies once again will call the Kentucky Downs races, while Gary West, Caton Bredar, and Megan Devine will provide commentary on the track’s simulcast feed.

First post daily is 1:25 p.m. Central.