Keeneland's Summer Meet to Allow Participating Owners

Keeneland's Summer Meet, to be held July 8-12, has been given approval to allow a limited number of participating owners to attend on the day their horse is running. Officials at Keeneland worked with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and state public health officials on a plan to permit owners to attend while ensuring the safety of horsemen and track employees under the 'Healthy at Work' guidelines. However, as previously announced, spectators will not be permitted due to restrictions resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are pleased to be able to welcome owners to Keeneland to watch their horses run during the Summer Meet,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “We thank Gov. Beshear and state and local health officials for their counsel and support as we remain vigilant about the safety of participants and Keeneland staff during this next phase of our reopening process. Our team has done a tremendous job of creating a plan that spreads seating for owners safely throughout the facility, allowing inside and outside accommodations so they can comfortably view the races. It's quite an accomplishment for these unprecedented times.”

Owners with a horse entered in a stakes race at Keeneland will receive six credentials for the day their horse is running, while owners with a horse entered on the undercard will receive four. Seating will be assigned both inside and outside. There will be limited food and beverage service. All individuals will be required to wear a face mask, maintain proper social distancing, and must pass a health screening at gates two or three. Owners will not be permitted to enter the saddling paddock, winner's circle, or stable area. Keeneland's Horsemen's Hospitality team will contact owners to arrange credentials when the race fields are set.

“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,” Thomason said. “We are working closely with health officials to allow spectators at Keeneland for our Fall Meet.”