Muddy conditions for debut of new dirt track

LEXINGTON, Ky. – In the weeks approaching the opening of the Keeneland fall meet, weather conditions were extremely dry in the Bluegrass region.

So, what happened Friday for the first day of racing over the greatly anticipated unveiling of the new dirt surface? It rained, of course, forcing the two scheduled turf races onto the main track.

Heavy overnight rain left the track sloppy for training, and although skies cleared by midmorning, dark clouds and sprinkles returned for the first two races on the 10-race opener. Weather was of no concern, however, to Race Day, a gray colt who drew off to a 4 1/4-length victory in the first race for WinStar Farm and trainer Kellyn Gorder. Ridden by Rosie Napravnik, the 3-year-old son of Tapit completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.86 over a harrowed track rated “muddy.”

Napravnik, who rode 17 winners last fall to be the first woman in track history to top the jockey standings, not only became the first to win over the new dirt but also holds the distinction of having won the final Polytrack race here – the 10th race April 25 aboard a filly named Contessa B.

Most jockeys initially were complimentary of the new surface, although Napravnik noted that perhaps the track should have remained sealed for the first race, alluding to considerable wetness on the far turn.

“Horses seem to be getting over it well, and it’s drying out nice, for the most part,” Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez said after the fourth race.

For what it’s worth, Keeneland has scrapped all its prior track records on dirt (1936-2006), although race-caller Kurt Becker said he will not be announcing “new track record” for any races on the new surface at least until next spring.

The 17-day fall meet runs through Oct. 25.