Live racing at Lexington’s historic Keeneland track has been limited in 2020 due to coronavirus. After canceling the spring meet, a five day summer meet was held without fans in early July. But, while racing has been reduced, betting has not.
Keeneland President Bill Thomason made his annual appearance virtually before the Lexington Rotary Club Thursday. “Our mission is to engage fans in the sport and to grow the sport. One of the hardest things for us has been that we’ve not been able to do that and celebrate with all of you with our fans coming to the racetrack. But at the racetracks, wagering around the country has been extraordinarily strong. We’ve had record wagering in the United States all year,” said Thomason
All eyes are on Louisville this weekend for a fall running of the Kentucky Derby.
It promises to be a Kentucky Derby unlike any other Saturday. The Churchill Downs grounds, used to holding well over 100,000 fans, will be way quieter than normal without general spectators. But, a horse that could make some noise, figuratively, is Tiz the Law, the heavy favorite coming into the 146th running of the Derby. While the Belmont winner is a popular pick, Keeneland’s Racing Analyst Gabbie Gaudet said the horse lost it’s one and only previous race at Churchill. “He is a very quirky horse. I think he’s grown, matured, gained a lot more confidence and also his rider is riding him with more confidence now than when they ran at Churchill Downs before,” noted Gaudet.
Manny Franco will be up on Tiz the Law when they go to the post around 7:00 Saturday night.
Keeneland is preparing for the September yearling sale which will include an online bidding option.
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