Keeneland adds on-track show bet bonus to fall wagering menu
A reimagined saddling paddock with centralized saddling stalls and a ceremonial stakes winner’s circle, along with the new show bet bonus for on-track patrons, are among the highlights of Keeneland's 17-day fall meet that starts next Friday and runs through Oct. 25. The season is the most lucrative in track history with purses for 22 stakes worth a total of $10.85 million, led by the Grade 1, $1.25 million Turf Mile on Oct. 4.
“Keeneland’s fall meet is a joyous celebration of Thoroughbred racing’s most cherished traditions brought to life by the people, the moments and the legacy that connect us season after season,” Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We’re thrilled to unveil the enhancements we’ve made to elevate the race-day experience, bringing fans closer than ever to the excitement and pageantry of our sport. With the richest purses in Keeneland history and the 40th anniversary of our iconic turf course, this fall meet is set to be a landmark celebration.”
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Racing during the fall meet will be conducted Wednesdays through Sundays. Gates open at 11 a.m. EDT and post time for the first race is 1 p.m. Complimentary digital programs with Equibase past performances, sponsored by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, are available to download on the Keeneland website.
The fall meet will introduce a show bet bonus for on-track patrons. Show wagers placed at Keeneland or at Keeneland’s simulcast facility at Red Mile will be subject to a 10% takeout versus a 16% takeout off-track, meaning patrons will receive a higher payout for a winning show wager.
“The show bet bonus is a great way to reward horseplayers who wager at the track,” Keeneland director of wagering development Jim Goodman said. “The bonus should be popular with patrons who like show parlays and with big players.”
In addition, wagering during the fall meet includes a daily double with 15% takeout, a $3 Pick 3 on the last three turf races each day, a super high five on the last race each day, and a cross-country wager on Saturdays featuring races from both Keeneland and the New York Racing Association.
Next Friday the Phoenix (G2), Jessamine (G2) and Alcibiades (G1) will be included in both the late Pick 4 and late Pick 5 wagers. On Oct. 4, an all-stakes Pick 4 and all-stakes Pick 5 will conclude with the Turf Mile. The late Pick 4 and late Pick 5 on Oct. 5 will include the Indian Summer, the Spinster (G1) and the Bourbon (G2).
For fans attending the meet in person, season passes are available through Thursday. All tickets for the season must be purchased in advance on the Keeneland website. Keeneland offers a return policy of up to 48 hours in advance of race day. Ticket inventory is updated automatically on the website and fans can sign up to be notified when tickets become available.
Everyone attending the Fall Meet will be the first to experience the initial phase of Keeneland’s construction enhancements.
Saddling stalls have been repositioned along the east side of the paddock, giving fans improved visibility of horses and their connections as they prepare for each race. This layout increases safety in the paddock.
A new jockeys quarters located beneath the paddock building features modernized locker rooms, fitness area, steam and sauna amenities and other race-day essentials. Riders will enter the saddling paddock through a new centralized location from the paddock building.
Formerly known as the walking ring, the stakes winners' circle is where fans can share in the thrill of victory alongside the winners of graded stakes races. Trophy presentations following graded stakes races formerly were conducted on the Keeneland turf course but now will be held in this area.