Support Us Button Widget

Keeneland by the Numbers

Horse racing is back in the Bluegrass, let’s take a look at this year’s fall meet and a peek at some wild numbers from this racetrack’s history.

A wall filled with colorful numbered tags

T-minus one day until the Keeneland Fall Meet. | Photo by LEXtoday

Table of Contents

The 2022 Keeneland Fall Meet begins tomorrow, Fri., Oct. 7, which means all eyes will be on the historic racetrack for the next few weeks.

Let’s take a look at this Fall Meet + Keeneland by the numbers

17. That’s how many days of racing will take place in October. Races are run Wednesday-Sunday.

161. That’s how many races will be run this month.

$1,000,000. That’s the largest purse for the meet + how much the winner of the Grade I Coolmore Turf Mile race will receive. The race is for three-year-olds and the winner will also get an automatic spot in this year’s $2-million Breeders’ Cup Mile race.

Horses + jockeys racing on a turf track

We love Louisville, but sometimes the best place to celebrate the Derby is here at home. | Photo courtesy of EquiSport Photos

Historical fun facts

  • October 15, 1936, was the first day of the inaugural race meet at Keeneland featuring seven races worth a total of $7,380. My, oh my, times have changed. Tomorrow’s card features 10 races totaling $1,913,000.
  • $20,926,640. That’s the current record for single-day wagering at a Fall Meet. It was set on Sat. Oct. 9, 2021, on the running of the Keeneland Turf Mile.
  • 40,617. That’s the highest single-day attendance at Keeneland — taking place on Sat., April 14, 2012, on the Toyota Bluegrass Stakes Day.
  • $308,872. That is the record pay-out price for a 50-cent Pick 5 (the ticket only cost $2.50), set on Oct. 10, 2019.

Pro tip: Learn how you can win big with Keeneland’s Handicapping Tips and Tools + Betting Basics.

More from LEXtoday
Need some caffeine on-the-go? Try out one of these six drive-thru coffee spots around town.
Sample some of Lexington’s best food, drinks, and music.
You don’t have to travel to the Napa Valley for that true vineyard experience — just outside of Lexington eight wineries are ready to host you for glasses, tastings, and tours.
Looking for a booze-free drink? No problem. Here are five spots in Lexington to grab non-alcoholic sips and mocktails.
We’ve rounded up our favorite homemade drinks that also serve bites that are sure to please the palate.
Learn about upcoming road projects at the Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s public open house.
Go bargain hunting with our Lexington happy hour guide, which highlights drink specials and food discounts throughout the city.
The corner of West Short and North Upper Streets is getting a much-needed renovation.