Keeneland Officially Celebrates Return of Breeders' Cup

From Flightline's historic Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) run, to Cody's Wish scoring in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), to holding the Championships safely during the 2020 global pandemic, Keeneland has been a special host site for the Breeders' Cup World Championships. It will return to the Bluegrass State for the fourth time Oct. 30-31. Community leaders and Thoroughbred racing executives gathered April 14 in the 1936 Room at Keeneland to celebrate the official return of the Breeders' Cup World Championships to Keeneland and to the Horse Capital of the World—Lexington. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin, Breeders' Cup president and CEO Drew Fleming, and Kip Cornett, chair of the Breeders' Cup Festival, joined to make their remarks on Keeneland hosting the two-day event. "When the Breeders' Cup comes to Lexington, it truly feels like a homecoming," Fleming said. "We're preparing to welcome thousands of visitors from across the world and this country for a week-long celebration of the sport and the community that surrounds it, from the farms and the racetracks to the restaurants, businesses, and the people who make horse country such a special place. There is something truly special about hosting the World Championships in Lexington, the heart of horse country and the epicenter of Thoroughbred racing. The passion of this community, combined with Keeneland's world-class experience, ensures an unforgettable edition for fans, participants, and our global racing audience." This will be the first Breeders' Cup hosted at Keeneland with the new, reimagined paddock building. The building blends tradition and an elevated guest experience. It was designed to honor the history of the track while offering new viewing points for patrons on race day. READ: At the Track: Keeneland's New Venues a Step to Promote Racing Gorton expressed excitement for Lexington and Keeneland welcoming back the Breeders' Cup. Condé Nast recently ranked the city the most tourist-friendly in the United States. "There is nothing more uniquely Lexington than celebrating the Breeders' Cup right here in the horse capital of the world, a proud tradition with the best horses, the biggest moments, all on one global stage. The Breeders' Cup shines as an international spotlight on our city," Gorton said. "People from all over the world will be coming. It gives us the opportunity to deliver the world to Lexington, as well as deliver Lexington to the world. We are ready to welcome our visitors." Cornett expressed there being skepticism when Lexington hosted its first Breeders' Cup in 2015, but it was a success. Every year Keeneland raises the bar higher. "The challenge is to elevate the experience for our guests from around the globe, as well as engage our local community with various events and activities," Cornett said. "The Breeders' Cup is more than two days of racing; it's a celebration of our city, our industry, and our shared heritage. We're excited to once again showcase Lexington on a global stage." A range of ticket options, including premium hospitality experiences, reserved seating, and general admission, will be available to the public. With a 43,000 cap each day, fans are encouraged to register for ticket updates and purchase early to secure preferred seating. Tickets for the Breeders' Cup World Championship at Keeneland go on sale at noon ET April 21. For more information and to sign up for ticket updates, click here.