Keeneland Summer Meet generates $63 million handle

Keeneland closed its unprecedented five-day Summer Meet on Sunday with all-sources wagering of more than $63 million. Driving robust wagering were top-quality race fields representing the nation’s top stables and jockeys, and the enthusiastic support of fans who were watching and wagering remotely because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

All-sources wagering on the Summer Meet, held July 8-12, totaled $63,299,331. Average daily all-sources handle was $12,659,866.

Wagering was boosted by a single-day all-sources handle for the 10-race card on Toyota Blue Grass Day, Saturday, July 11, of $23,834,972, second only to the record $25,809,200 set for last year’s 11-race Blue Grass Day card. The All-Stakes Pick Five on Saturday handled $1,395,051, well above the former record of $1,079,197 set on Blue Grass Day last year.

On-track handle, which includes wagering conducted at Keeneland and Red Mile, totaled $674,310, for an average daily on-track handle of $134,862.

The Summer Meet was the first in Keeneland history and accommodated a portion of the 16-day Spring Meet that Keeneland canceled because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Because of strict health and safety protocols, the Summer Meet was conducted without fans.

The Summer Meet featured 10 graded stakes worth $2,575,000 with four Grade 1 stakes, four Grade 2 races and two Grade 3 events. Keeneland paid total purses of $4,744,435, for average daily purse levels of $948,887. Starters per race averaged 9.4.

“We thank our horsemen for their support of the Summer Meet and for always bringing their ‘A Game’ to Keeneland,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing and Sales Bob Elliston said. “These stakes races are important targets on the racing calendar, representing significant income for horsemen and important black type for breeders. We appreciate the cooperation of Ellis Park and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in helping us make this opportunity possible.”

Keeneland permitted a limited number of owners to be at the track on the day their horses raced.

“We particularly thank the owners that attended for their patience and adherence to the Healthy at Work protocols,” Keeneland Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Vince Gabbert said. “We know the race day did not look or feel like those you are used to enjoying at Keeneland. We appreciate your assistance as we navigate this unusual landscape.”

Summer Meet leaders

The abbreviated meet did not dampen competition for leading owner, trainer and jockey titles.

Three owners tied for leading honors with two wins each: Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Larry Best’s OXO Equine and Kirk Wycoff’s Three Diamonds Farm. The Ramseys increased their record number of Keeneland titles to 22. Best earned his first leading owner title. Wycoff won the Kentucky Utilities Transylvania (G3) with Field Pass to secure his second leading owner title.

Wesley Ward and Ian Wilkes each recorded five wins to tie for leading trainer honors. It was the sixth Keeneland title for Ward, following titles in the Spring of 2019, 2018 (tie), 2017 and 2012 and in the Fall of 2012. It is the first Keeneland title for Wilkes, who won the Beaumont (G3) with Four Graces.

Trainer Mike Maker swept both closing-day stakes, the TVG Elkhorn (G2) with Zulu Alpha and the Transylvania with Field Pass.

Tyler Gaffalione won the final race of the meet, the TVG Elkhorn, to secure his second Keeneland riding title. His first title came in the 2018 Fall Meet. Gaffalione accounted for two other stakes during the meet: the Maker’s Mark Mile aboard War of Will and the Shakertown (G2) with Leinster.

Brian Hernandez Jr. finished second in the jockey standings with six wins. Hernandez won the Toyota Blue Grass with Art Collector.