The 2019 World Championships of Thoroughbred horse racing may still be almost two months away, but planning is well underway for the Breeders’ Cup in 2020. Lexington’s historic Keeneland race track will be the host site for the second time in five years.
Breeders’ Cup Festival Committee Chair Kip Cornett said now is certainly the time to seek sponsorships, volunteers, and entertainment venues. During an afternoon news conference, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton pledged the city’s full support. Breeders’ Cup President Craig Fravel noted that city inclusion worked well in 2015.
“Believe it or not, it’s much easier to do that here in Lexington because of this community’s support than Los Angeles for example where there’s so much to get your arms around. It’s a much harder task,” said Fravel.
Keeneland President Bill Thomason said the 2015 Breeders Cup Championships at Lexington were the best ever. The head of the historic horse racing track made that claim Tuesday afternoon during the news conference. Thomason said a return next year will feature yet to be determined additions. “There’s so much more to come and do we have something different that we’re going to do, you bet. Just wait and from all of us. We don’t know what it’s going to be but it’s going to be great and you’re going to love it,” said Thomason.
The 2020 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland will be held Nov. 6-7. This year’s championships will be the first weekend in November at Santa Anita in California.
Weku's Stu Johnson asked Breeders' Cup Festival Committee Chair Kip Cornett about the timing of Tuesday's announcement:
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