The world championships in thoroughbred racing return to Lexington in less than three months. Preparations for the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland are well underway.
Work on additional seating is moving ahead. Keeneland Senior Director of Operations and Community Relations Kara Heissenbuttel said Breeders’ prep takes into account on-the-track activities.
“We have training hours in the morning until 10:00 a.m. So, the construction workers are working outside of the gates and then when the horses finish on the track in the morning, then they can move trackside and work on some of these facilities that are near the track,” said Heissenbuttel.
This will be the third time for Keeneland to host the culmination of racing. The first at the historic track saw Triple Crown champion American Pharoah take the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2015. In 2020 COVID precautions meant few spectators. Now, almost two years later, coronavirus still carries an impact. Heissenbuttel said supply chain challenges have been considered.
“So there have been extra pieces and parts that have been ordered just to make sure that we had everything here in plenty of time for the build for our event,” said Heissenbuttel.
Some 40,000 spectators each day are anticipated in early November. That's about double the typical spring or fall meet maximum crowd.
In addition to elevated loge boxes on the track apron, Heissenbuttel noted this year’s modifications follow the model set out in 2015.
The third Breeders’ Cup event at Keeneland is scheduled Nov fourth and fifth.
