Keeneland Officials Get Early Start on 2015

This year's Breeders' Cup World Championships hasn't been held yet, but plans for next year's event are well under way.

Keeneland, the 2015 host site, sent representatives to Santa Anita Park to get a feel for the events and procedures leading up to the Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup. Keeneland officials regularly attend the World Championships, but this year is different.

"We always come to Breeders' Cup, but we're now looking at it more operationally than we have in the past," Keeneland president and chief executive officer Bill Thomason said Oct. 27 at Santa Anita. "We're looking for good things they are doing here, like things Breeders' Cup does in developing its brand to enhance the experience."

Facilities like Santa Anita, which will hold the World Championships for a third consecutive year, are more turn-key when it comes to preparation. Keeneland will require temporary patron facilities and will use other areas of its sprawling property in Lexington.

There already have been Breeders' Cup awareness events at Keeneland and in Lexington, and Thomason said they will continue until the event is held next October.

"It's a year-round effort for us," he said. "Because our community is so excited about it, we're looking for ways to engage the community (well before the event). You can look for us to do new things next spring to see if they work well. You'll see heightened awareness all year long."

The elevated temporary seating and dining area overlooking the paddock is expected to be in place for the 2015 spring meet. Thomason said the plan is to also use the facility to accommodate those attending next year's September yearling sale and November breeding stock sale.

"We'll be integrating the Breeders' Cup with the sales," Thomason said. "The festival will start with the September sale and build up to Fall Stars Weekend (when the fall meet begins). We will be building everything around the Breeders' Cup next fall, and improving the experience for buyers, sellers, and consignors at our sales."

The first temporary chalet overlooking the homestretch was tested during this year's fall meet, which ended Oct. 25. Several more will be erected for the World Championships.

Keeneland officials earlier said they anticipate attendance of about 45,000 for the 2015 event. The figure includes facilities located throughout the property, such as the sale pavilion, entertainment center, and tailgating areas that will be upgraded with amenities.