Keeneland’s ongoing track renovation, which will convert the track from the Polytrack synthetic surface back to traditional dirt by Aug. 15, 2014, had media buzzing that a bid to host the Breeders’ Cup was imminent. Keeneland announced plans in April to build the 40,000 square-foot Keeneland Event Center that will be used for simulcast wagering.
Although the 40,000-plus race fans Keeneland draws annually for the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) is less than half of the over 100,000 fans that attended each of the 2010 and 2011 Breeders’ Cups at Churchill Downs or the nearly 90,000 fans who attended the 2012 edition at Santa Anita Park, Keeneland’s expansive grounds provide opportunities to increase its seating capacity with temporary seating structures.
Sketch renderings (see below) of the proposed layout and seating options for the 2015 Breeders' Cup were released Tuesday. Keeneland has traditionally found a way to create a comfortable and unique race day experience for its patrons and is expected to do the same as a Breeders’ Cup host.
The Breeder's Cup was last held in Kentucky at Churchill Downs in 2010 and 2011. Although the event has achieved some of its highest attendance figures and largest handles (total amount wagered at event) in the years it has been held at Churchill Downs, Tuesday's announcement marks the longest span in the 30-year history of the Breeders' Cup that the event has not returned to Churchill Downs. Previously, the six-year span from 2000 - 2006 had been the longest.
This year's 14-race $27 million Breeders' Cup will be held at Santa Anita Park on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. It marks the third consecutive year the event will be held at the Arcadia, Cal. track. For more information about the Breeders' Cup or to make plans to attend this year's event, visit BreedersCup.com.
Photo: Courtesy Keeneland
