Keeneland Projects 45,000 for Breeders' Cup

Keeneland expects to have about 45,000 people on its grounds for the 2015 Breeders' Cup World Championships, track vice president and chief operating officer Vince Gabbert said Sept. 12.

Gabbert was one of several individuals who addressed the Kentucky General Assembly Interim Joint Committee on Licensing and Occupations at a meeting at Keeneland. Breeders' Cup earlier this year named the Lexington racetrack the host site for next year.

Some construction already has begun on the property in the form of a "luxury chalet" in the clubhouse parking lot that abuts the homestretch, Gabbert noted. The facility will get a test run during this year's fall meet at Keeneland, he said.

"Most would call it a tent, but it's far from a tent," Gabbert said.

Because of space limitations, the Keeneland Breeders' Cup set for Oct. 30-31 is expected to have more of an upscale, boutique feel, with access at a premium. However, other areas of the vast property will be employed to accommodate customers, including the Keeneland Entertainment Center, sale pavilion, and tailgating areas.

Gabbert told lawmakers the 2013 World Championships at Santa Anita Park had an economic impact of about $65 million for the Los Angeles area. It's projected at $50 million for Lexington and central Kentucky.

"I think $50 million in Lexington means a lot more than $65 million in Los Angeles," Gabbert said.

The Keeneland executive also said the association doesn't intend to ask the General Assembly for financial help in hosting the event. However, Gabbert said Keeneland will ask the legislature to reinstate an expired provision that awarded a pari-mutuel tax break for a Kentucky Breeders' Cup host site.

"We will be coming to you this winter for that one small change," he said.

The previous tax break hinged on the event being hosted in Kentucky at least once every three years. It expired because Churchill Downs hasn't served as Breeders' Cup host site since 2011.