Keeneland Handle, Attendance Similar to Last Year

Keeneland successfully concluded its 2017 spring meet April 28 as exceptional racing, enhanced food and hospitality offerings, one-of-a-kind special events, and warm, sunny weather yielded robust attendance and on-track and all-sources wagering results.

On-track attendance for the 15-day spring meet, held April 7-28, totaled 252,247 compared with 262,197 recorded during last year’s 16-day spring meet. Keeneland was closed Easter Sunday, which fell on April 16 this year. Average daily attendance of 16,816 was just above with last year’s spring meet average of 16,387. 

Keeneland carded blockbuster days of racing featuring multiple graded stakes on consecutive Saturdays that, when coupled with idyllic spring weather, drew crowds in excess of 30,000 on track. On opening Saturday, April 8, 32,610 fans were on hand for Toyota Blue Grass Day and 30,782 people attended Coolmore Jenny Wiley Day the following Saturday, April 15. On Friday, April 14, 24,114 fans turned out to celebrate Maker’s Mark Day, which was highlighted by the Maker’s 46 Mile Stakes (G1T).

Competitive racing with fields averaging 8.6 starters per race produced strong on-track and all-sources wagering totals this spring. On-track handle of $17,668,979 was down just slightly from last year’s 16-day meet total of $17,974,896. Average daily on-track wagering of $1,177,932 was up from $1,123,431 in 2016.

All-sources wagering on Keeneland racing totaled $137,399,556, down 5.6 percent from last spring’s $145,592,372. Average daily all-sources handle of $9,159,970 rose from $9,099,523 last year. 

Keeneland’s stellar Toyota Blue Grass Day card was particularly attractive to bettors. The All-Stakes Pick Five, encompassing the day’s five stakes races, handled $633,000 to eclipse all previous non-carryover Pick Five pools. The All-Stakes Pick Four handled an all-time Keeneland record $733,000. The late Pick Four, which ended in race 11, handled $546,000. Taken together, the three big multi-leg wagers on Toyota Blue Grass Day handled $1.912 million, a 32% increase from 2016.

“Keeneland’s continued success is built on the contribution of many, from our horsemen to our enthusiastic fans, sponsors, media partners and staff, and we extend our thanks to all those who make racing at Keeneland such a memorable experience,” said Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason. “Their efforts reflect a community that takes pride in Keeneland and is passionate about horse racing at the highest level.”

This spring, Keeneland offered average daily purses of $709,861, up 13% from 2016 to rank among the highest in the country, attracting Thoroughbred racing’s human and equine stars.

“Horsemen know they have to bring their A game to Keeneland,” said Keeneland vice president of racing and sales Bob Elliston. “Keeneland offers a unique convergence of trainers and jockeys who may otherwise never get a chance to compete against each other except on the world’s biggest stages. Keeneland certainly affords them that opportunity to test their skill against racing’s best.”