LEXINGTON, Ky. — Keeneland's 2020 Fall Meet will be closed to the public this year, with only a limited number of particpants and essential personnel permitted to attend.

“The safety of our employees, our participants and our fans remains Keeneland’s top priority,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “We have the most loyal fans in the world and we cannot wait for the day when we can welcome them back for live racing. The decision to close the meet to the public was made after consulting with local and state government officials and public health experts and monitoring how various sporting venues and events around the world have operated during the pandemic. With the guidance of these experts and lessons learned from recent events, we know this is the responsible course of action.”

The Fall Meet will begin Oct. 2 and go until Oct. 24 after the racetrack's 12-day September Yearling Sale.

“Sunday’s kickoff of the 12-day September Yearling Sale, which is followed by the Fall Meet, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and the November Breeding Stock Sale, marks the beginning of a significant three months of business for Keeneland and the horse industry as a whole,” Keeneland President-Elect and Interim Head of Sales Shannon Arvin said. “It is paramount that we conduct our sales and racing operations in a safe and responsible manner that promotes the health and success of everyone involved.

Keeneland conducted its five-day Summer Meet in July without spectators but did allow a limited number of owners and essential personnel to attend. 

“We will remain flexible and vigilant leading up to and throughout our Fall Meet to ensure that we observe the most current health and safety protocols and respond to any changes in a timely and thoughtful manner,” Arvin added.

Those who will be at Keeneland this year will be required to follow health and safety protocols, similar to those in place for the Summer Meet and Keeneland's current September Yearling Sale:

• Permitted guests will be credentialed or ticketed in advance, and seating will be assigned;
• Participants include those with a competing horse, including a limited number of owners and trainers. Keeneland will also allow limited access to sponsors, box holders, and Club members;
• No general admission or walk-up attendees will be permitted;
• Health screenings at all entrance gates;
• The racetrack will maintain records for contact tracing; and
• Face masks are required.