Keeneland to broadcast races in HD

Keeneland Race Course announced Wednesday that its live television coverage and limited simulcasts will be provided in high definition at the fall meet in October.

Keeneland will become the first track in North America to go high-def to such an expansive degree. Races will be broadcast in HD on the infield's LED tote board, ontrack monitors, and certain HD-compatible network telecasts, such as those produced by ESPN.

Keeneland's director of broadcast services, G.D. Hieronymus, said sports fans "are demanding more HD programming - it's a dynamic format and one that is perfect for Thoroughbred racing."

The widespread use of HD technology is a major facet in the second of three phases of a long-term plan to upgrade Keeneland's broadcast capabilities. The initial phase coincided with the 2006 installation of the Polytrack racing surface.

The 17-day fall meet at the Lexington, Ky., track runs Oct. 3-25.