Plus, FCPS awarded $15 million federal grant.
 
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Today’s Forecast

74º | 6% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:43 a.m. | Sunset 7:05 p.m.
 

💰 By the numbers

By the numbers: $1.6+ billion economic impact of Keeneland
A crowd of people standing and cheering on a horse race at Keeneland in Lexington, KY
The 2023 Keeneland Spring Meet set a new record for all sources wagering at $224 million. | Keeneland Photo
A study by Dr. Thomas E. Lambert from the University of Louisville’s Departments of Equine Administration and Economics found that Keeneland had a $1.6+ billion (yes, that’s billion with a b) economic impact on Fayette and surrounding counties in 2023. Which is no surprise to us — have you tried getting a dinner reservation during the racing or sales months?

This number incorporates all facets of Keeneland including both race meets, Thoroughbred auctions, year-round special events, tours, retail sales, the Keeneland Library, and the current construction of new facilities.

A man holding a horse inside the sales arena at Keeneland with a screen that reads $1,200,000

Horsemen from all over the world travel to Lexington to buy or sell Thoroughbreds.

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Keeneland Photo

Before we break down the numbers, let’s look at some fast facts from the economic impact report:
  • 64% of race meet attendees come from out of state
  • 67% of attendees for annual Thoroughbred auctions are from outside of Kentucky, with ~24% traveling from outside the US
  • On the average year, sans construction, Keeneland generates ~$1.46 billion
An aerial view of the Keeneland saddling paddock with crowds of people watching horses + jockeys walk around

It’s hard to beat a bright + sunny day at the track.

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Mark Pearson/Team Coyle

Dr. Lambert notes that spending from visitors makes Keeneland an “exporter.” The money coming in from outside the region can be considered a net gain for Lexington metro area. For the year 2023, here’s what each facet of the historic racetrack brought in:
  • $1.16 billion | From the Thoroughbred auctions taking place in September, November, January, and April
  • $300 million | From the Spring and Fall racing seasons
  • $166.6 million | From the current construction at Keeneland
  • $97.7 million | From the special events program, tours, the Keeneland Library, and retail sales
Local businesses benefit greatly from the mass influx of visitors to Lexington during Keeneland’s events. The following numbers are dollars spent at area businesses including restaurants, hotels, attractions, retail shops, and transportation providers.
  • $336 million spent during the Keeneland Thoroughbred Sales months
  • $190 million spent during the Keeneland Fall + Spring Racing meets
You can find a further break down by reading the full report in its entirety.
Asked
 

The 2024 Fall Meet has the highest amount of purse money for its stakes races. How much is it?
A. $1.25 million
B. $3.78 million
C. $7.89 million
D. $9.85 million
 
Bespoken Spirits
 
Events
Friday, Oct. 11
  • Craft and Candle Cocktail Bar | Friday, Oct. 11 | 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Wick + Mortar Studio | $15+ | Blend your own custom scent to make a candle, reed diffuser, fabric spritz, and more — cocktails, wine + beer available for purchase.
  • 13th Annual PRHBTN Gallery Opening | Friday, Oct. 11 | 5 p.m. | The Loudoun House | Free | Kick off the weekend with a gallery show featuring 200+ Kentucky artists, interactive exhibits, live music, and performances — a full bar and food trucks will be available onsite.
  • Tree Week Kick Off | Friday, Oct. 11 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Mary Todd Park | Free | Kick off Tree Week with a tree planting, a food truck, kids activities, live music, and booths from local environmental groups.
Saturday, Oct. 12
  • Lex Grow Trees Grant Install | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Clays Mill Elementary School | Free | Help a local chapter of Boy Scouts of America plant 50 small three-gallon trees in partnership with Trees Lexington — BYO shovels + gloves.
  • The Drunken Flea | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 12-8 p.m. | The Burl | $3 | Shop from dozens of carefully selected local + regional vintage dealers offering everything from houseware to clothing, accessories, and more.
  • Bourbon Tasting | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 2 p.m. | The Manchester | $51.20 | This introduction to bourbon will teach you about taste profiles + the distilling process while sampling pours from four legendary brands.
Sunday, Oct. 13
  • Yoga Under the Trees | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate | Free | This all-levels yoga class invites the community to come together to move with ease under the trees.
  • Trivia | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 4-6 p.m. | Wise Bird Cider | Free | Calling all knowledge nerds, sip and laugh the Sunday scaries away with brain-teasing trivia + cider.
  • West Sixth Beer Garden Pop Up | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 4-8 p.m. | Bell House | Free | Pack up the family and your picnic essentials to connect with fellow community members over local beer, food trucks, and tunes.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Opening
  • Looks like our pizza guide is growing. Indiana-based PARLOUR Pizza + Pints is opening its first Lexington location in the former O’Charley’s on Harrodsburg Road. In addition to pizza, the menu features calzones, grinder sandwiches, and smoked wings. A ribbon-cutting will be held Monday, Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Cause
  • Local businesses are continuing their support of those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Doodles is donating 10% of sales to World Central Kitchen through today and this weekend will begin donating to Team Rubicon. Sweetgrass Granola is donating 20% of online + in-person sales to various organizations. See our full list.
Community
  • Historic homeowners, meet the Preservation Professionals Directory. This free resource from The Blue Grass Trust features local professionals — contractors, craftspeople, and service providers — who specialize in traditional methods of construction for historic preservation. Service providers who would like to be listed can fill out this form.
Real Estate
  • We all know finding a property on nearly an acre within The Circle is a rarity. But in the 40502? That’s even rarer. Wait until you see this 5 BD, 5 BA Cape Cod stunner with the brightest window-flanked family room. Take a tour.
Try This
  • Pop, fizz, clink. Darling Wine Bar, located inside Greyline Station, is hosting a Sparkling Wine Class led by UK Winemaker Jeff Wheeler on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. During this educational evening you’ll get to sip + learn about a variety of local sparkling wines.
Edu
  • Starting in the Spring 2025 semester, UK students will be able to enroll in an AI certification program. The 12-credit certificate will educate students on AI literacy through in-person + hands-on coursework. (UKNOW)
Eat
  • Dig into an intimate four-course brunch at Chez Lyndon. Classic bites like Kentucky fried chicken salad, omelets, and mixed fruit crepes are available on Saturdays + Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snag a reservation on OpenTable or call 859-420-2683 to secure your spot.*
Trending
  • You’ve seen it taking over social media, and now you try the hottest new drink trend at Poppy & Pomelo. Sip on fizzy creations like the Cherry Bomb, the Raspberry Dreaming, or Life’s a Peach from their Dirty Soda menu. Hint: This menu pairs perfectly with any occasion, including teen birthday parties.*
Travel
  • Pumpkin patches, and trick-or-treating, and haunted corn mazes, oh my. Fall fun in Mercer County is just an hour’s drive away. Plan your visit.*
Read
  • Want unbiased, fact-centric national news delivered to your inbox daily? Subscribe to 1440’s free newsletter for neutral reporting on business, entertainment, sports, culture, and more.*
Job
 
Edu

1, 2, 3 more magnet programs coming to FCPS

FCPS receives $15 million federal grant to expand academic opportunities to students
LEX Fayette County Public Schools District Office
FCPS is focusing on supporting the wellness of students and staff with this tentative budget. | Photo provided by FCPS
Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) was one of 12 school districts in the US to receive a Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant from the US Department of Education.

“This is a game-changer,” said Superintendent Demetrus Liggins. “One of the strengths of our district is the variety of special and magnet program options we provide to families, and we are thrilled to be able to expand those offerings.”

The $15 million, five-year MSAP grant is the largest discretionary grant the district has ever received + will help create additional arts, leadership, and civic engagement opportunities at three local schools:
  • Breckinridge Elementary: Innovative Leadership and Civic Engagement Magnet
  • Crawford Middle School: Leadership Academy for Literacies and Civic Engagement
  • Harrison Elementary: Visual, Performing, and Digital Arts Magnet
Current examples of magnet programs in FCPS include Maxwell Spanish Immersion Elementary, SCAPA, and Carter G. Woodson Academy. The new programs will be open to new enrollment in fall 2025.
The Buy
 
Half Baked Harvest’s “Super Simple Cookbook.” Get inspired by this New York Times best seller with over 125 recipes for hassle-free meals — from spinach and artichoke mac and cheese to slow roasted salmon.
 
 
The Wrap
 
Molly Thompson in a black shirt

Today’s edition by:
Molly
From the editor
One of my favorite accounts to follow lately is Blue Grass Trust. If you love architecture + historic homes, be sure to give them a follow to learn more about some of Lexington’s properties like this Fayette Park beauty.
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