Keeneland to allow horse owners to attend upcoming meet

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington will allow a limited number of owners and their associates to attend the races during the track’s five-day July meet, the track announced on Friday.

The track received approval from Ky. Gov. Andy Beshear and state health officials to issue attendance vouchers to owners, Keeneland said. Keeneland has a reputation for rolling out the red carpet to owners as part of its mission to promote horse racing and breeding, even as it is a popular destination for racing fans of all stripes. Keeneland also operates the largest auction house in the U.S.

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The track still does not plan to allow spectators during the abbreviated July 8-12 meet, Keeneland said in a release.

“While we would love nothing more than to see our fans fill the stands, unfortunately at this time we are not confident we can maintain the recommended safety guidelines and also deliver the quality racing experience our fans expect of Keeneland,” Bill Thomason, the chief executive of the track, said in a release.

Under the guidelines, owners of a horse participating in a non-stakes race will be issued four credentials for “the day their horse is running.” Owners of a horse in a stakes race will receive six.

The owners will be assigned seats for the day and “must wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds,” the track said. In addition, owners will be required to participate in health screenings before entering, and they will not be allowed enter the saddling paddock, the winner’s circle, or the stable area.

Yesterday, Churchill Downs announced that it had received approval to allow a reduced number of spectators for its rescheduled Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, to be run Sept. 4-5. Thomason said in the release that Keeneland “is working closely with health officials to allow spectators at Keeneland for our Fall Meet,” scheduled for October.

In March, Keeneland canceled its immensely popular spring meet when it became clear that the COVID-19 pandemic would lead to enormous disruptions throughout the spring and summer. The track later received approval from state regulators to run five days in July.