Visitor’s Guide to Breeders’ Cup Week Events
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Photo of the 2014 Breeders' Cup Draw Party by Eclipse Sportswire
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships encompasses more than a gathering of the word’s finest Thoroughbreds for great races with massive purses. The events that make up the “Breeders’ Cup Festival” celebrate all things that America’s Best Racing has grown to cherish about the sport — stars of the past and present, a wonderful atmosphere, great food and strong drinks.
The city of Lexington, together with the Breeders’ Cup team, has put together an action-packed week of activities for fans looking to immerse themselves in the culture of racing in and around the “Horse Capitol of the World.”
Here are some of the highlights:
Saturday, Oct. 24 – 3 p.m. ET
Feeders’ Cup - Whitaker Bank Ballpark
Food trucks from Lexington and the surrounding area will gather to compete to win the prize of top food truck. This event is free to attend and live music and Kentucky goodies will be offered as well.
Sunday, Oct. 25 – noon ET
Unbridled’s Song - Taylor Made and Keene Ridge
Don't miss this farm tour to Taylor Made, which stood top sire Unbridled's Song, and Keene Ridge. The tour will give you a deep appreciation for the hard work that goes into getting these majestic Thoroughbreds to the racetrack. You’ll also get to roam the same grounds where Triple Crown winner American Pharoah spent time as a yearling. There are a number of these farm tours offered each day throughout Breeders’ Cup week. Tickets are available for sale here.
Monday, Oct. 26 – 5 p.m. ET
Breeders’ Cup Draw Party – Maker’s Mark Bourbon Lounge at Keeneland
The Breeders’ Cup Draw Party gives guests the opportunity to mix and mingle with the owners, trainers and riders for the upcoming World Championships. This also officially commences your week of handicapping!
Tuesday, Oct. 27 – 3 p.m. ET
Cigar Statue Dedication - Kentucky Horse Park - 4089 Iron Works Parkway
One of racing’s all-time great horses, 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Cigar, will have a statue unveiled in his honor at the Kentucky Horse Park. This event is open to the public and is included in park admission.
MAN o' WAR STATUE AT KENTUCKY HORSE PARK
"Lexington Kentucky - Kentucky Horse Park "Man 'O' War"" by David Ohmer - originally posted to Flickr as Lexington Kentucky - Kentucky Horse Park "Man 'O' War". Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Wednesday, Oct. 28 - noon to 6 p.m. ET
Kentucky Crafted - The Livery
Don’t bring home another T-shirt for your loved ones as a gift. Head to this a curated shopping experience that features fine arts and crafts created by top Kentucky artists in a comfortable, rustic setting.
Thursday, Oct. 29 – 10 a.m. ET
Kroger Garland Design - Versailles Marketplace store, located at 212 Kroger Way
Ever wonder how they make those beautiful garlands that get draped over the Breeders’ Cup champions after the races? Since 1988, Kroger has created the garlands from rare combinations of Asters, Cremons and Cattleya Orchids. They will be prepared on site until 7 p.m. ET.
Friday Oct. 29 - 7:15 p.m. ET
Equestrian Films - Kentucky Theatre - 214 East Main St.
Feature Film: “Secretariat” (Rated PG)
Enjoy a special and timely showing of “Secretariat” at the historic Kentucky Theatre, located in downtown Lexington. Built in 1922, the Kentucky Theatre is a familiar landmark to generations of Lexingtonians. For $6, you can get a seat for this exclusive screening of a great flick.
KENTUCKY THEATRE
Courtesy of Kentucky Theatre