Keeneland Looking at Window of Dates for Race Meet

Contingent upon being able to safely return to racing, Keeneland has a window of dates for a possible summer race meet after canceling its traditional spring meet due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a weekly email newsletter updating Keeneland customers, Bob Elliston, vice president of racing and sales, said the organization is working with other tracks in the state, health officials, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture "to establish consistent health and safety protocols for all of our tracks statewide."

Once those plans are formulated, they would be presented to the office of Gov. Andy Beshear for approval.

"Once we receive approval from our governor, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, and health officials on these plans, we will be collectively announcing plans to return to safe racing state-wide," Elliston said. "Keeneland has established a window of race dates this summer where we could conduct racing if those approvals are in place and officials deem it safe to do so. It is too early at this time to know whether this would include spectators. As always, we will keep you updated as more information is available."

On the sales side, Elliston said Keeneland is pursuing additional forms of bidding, including internet bidding, to provide greater flexibility in the buying process at future auctions.

"Keeneland has been developing in this space for some time, even before the COVID-19 crisis hit," Elliston said. "While plans are in place to conduct this year's sales in our traditional live format, we must have measures in place to expand all bidding opportunities, especially in the event that physical participation is impacted. From phone and internet bidding to expanded digital capabilities, we are excited to share these plans with you in the coming weeks. As with everything Keeneland does, we will implement tools that are equipped to handle volume, while also providing the level of quality and professionalism you expect from Keeneland auctions."

Despite the current uncertainty within the sales arena due to the novel coronavirus, Elliston said Keeneland decided not to extend the May 1 deadline for entries to its September Yearling Sale, but has extended the deadline under which horses can be withdrawn without a financial penalty.

"As you can imagine orchestrating a sale of 4,500-plus horses requires time to coordinate logistics, catalog entries, and ensure that we are providing the best sales experience to our buyers and sellers," Elliston said. "The Friday, May 1, deadline allows for this. However, Keeneland has extended the option for sellers to withdraw horses until June 12 and pay no entry fees. With this option, there is no reason not to enter every horse you have for consideration for September, as you will have six weeks to determine whether you want them in the sale, without any financial obligation."