LEXINGTON, KY (Oct. 3, 2016) – Since its inaugural season 80 years ago, Keeneland has continued its founders’ goals of presenting the finest in Thoroughbred racing while serving the local community.

During the 2016 Fall Meet, Keeneland will present a number of special events that exemplify its philanthropic endeavors while creating opportunities to engage racegoers and showcase Thoroughbred racing. Click here for a list of all activities during the season.

Featured Events

HERO Campaign Kick-Off – Saturday, Oct. 8
This fall, Keeneland again will team up with the HERO Campaign to promote the use of safe and sober designated drivers. The program will launch on Saturday at the HERO table just outside Keeneland’s Sales Pavilion where patrons can pledge to be a designated driver. Registrants will receive a “Be a HERO” wristband and a voucher for a free soft drink at any trackside concession stand, and the chance to win additional prizes. Patrons also can sign up for the HERO Campaign at the East and South Gates throughout the race meet.

Jockey Autograph Signing – Sunday Oct. 9
Meet retired jockeys and active Keeneland riders in an autograph signing from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET adjacent to the Paddock. Among the retired jockeys participating are Kentucky Derby winners Jean Cruguet, Pat Day and Mike Manganello, as well as Herb McCauley, Larry Melancon, James Bruin, Tony D’Amico, P.J. Cooksey, Suzie and John Oldham, Kaye Bell and Kaoru Chatfield-Tsuchiya. Proceeds will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

Make-A-Wish Day – Thursday Oct. 13
Local Thoroughbred farms and organizations have joined Keeneland to grant the wishes of nine deserving children. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, these children and their families will enjoy a VIP day at the races, complete with presenting a trophy to the winning connections after each race. Sponsors include Hagyard Medical Institute, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Ashford Stud, Shadwell Farm, Darley, Gainesway Farm, Shawnee Farm, Flaxman Holdings and Lane’s End.

College Scholarship Day – Friday, Oct. 14
Keeneland and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association invite college students from near and far to a day at the races. Students with a valid college ID will receive free general admission and a chance to win one of ten $1,000 scholarships after each race. Registration for scholarships will be held in Keeneland’s College Zone in the North Terrace. New this year, students can pre-register online at www.keeneland.com/CSD. The College Zone will feature music, free snacks and prize drawings.

Day at the Races – Friday, Oct. 21
Keeneland and the University of Kentucky dedicate a day of racing to UK students, alumni, faculty and staff. Patrons with a valid UK ID will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Special Wildcat appearances will take place on and around the track.

Heroes Day Delivered by Papa John’s – Sunday, Oct. 23
Keeneland recognizes those who serve our community and our country. All active-duty military, veterans and first responders and their families will receive free general admission and reserved Grandstand seating. Free food and children’s activities will be available in the North Terrace from noon to 4 p.m. A special presentation during the afternoon will honor the late Richmond, Ky., police officer Daniel Ellis and his family. Additional recognition will include Lexington firefighter Jason Stowe, who saved the life of a teenaged accident victim last year.

Halloween Edition of Sunrise Trackside – Saturday, Oct. 29
An appearance by the Headless Horseman marks this fun and festive Keeneland tradition. During Sunrise Trackside, the Headless Horseman will be in the Paddock at 9 a.m., and Buckles, the Keeneland Kids Club mascot, will award Kids Club prize packages to children wearing their best costumes. The Headless Horseman will return that afternoon to parade on the track between races.

Popular Weekly Activities

The Hill – Fridays and Saturdays
At Keeneland’s official tailgating area, fans not only set up their own elaborate spreads but have access to local food trucks, a jumbo television screen to watch racing and football, wireless wagering and wagering terminals, race-day programs and free shuttles to the track. On Saturdays, Central Kentucky’s favorite Bluegrass bands perform from 12 to 4 p.m.

Sunrise Trackside – Saturday mornings
This free, family-friendly event invites fans to experience the unique nature of morning workouts, enjoy breakfast and participate in tours, children’s activities, a Paddock demonstration, a handicapping seminar and a question-and-answer session with a Keeneland jockey.

Craft Beer Tent – Fridays and Saturdays (except Friday, Oct. 14)
The tent on the North Terrace patio offers a special selection that includes Keeneland Fall Ale, produced by Country Boy, along with Ethereal Brewing Common Ale, SweetWater 420, Kentucky Ale College Heights, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, New Belgium Fat Tire, Stella, Country Boy Cougar Bait, Shock Bait and Breckenridge Vanilla Porter Nitro.

For Handicappers

All Stakes Pick Four Presented by TVG – Saturday, Oct. 8
Play the $250,000-guaranteed Pick Four on the Thoroughbred Club of America (G2), First Lady (G1), Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) and Shadwell Turf Mile (G1).

WINS-Day Challenge presented by Malone’s and Daily Racing Form –Each Wednesday, contestants sign up at Wagering Central with a $10 entry fee and make a mythical $2 win and place wager on Keeneland races 3-8. The contest offers a guaranteed $2,500 pool. The first 200 participants receive a free Daily Racing Form and a card for a free appetizer at Malone’s.

Friday Pick Four Presented by TVG – Friday, Oct. 7, 14 and 21
Play the Pick Four on Keeneland’s final four races of the day for a chance at the $200,000-guaranteed pool.

Keeneland 2016 Fall Meet at a Glance
Post time: 1:05 p.m. ET. Gates open at 11 a.m. No racing on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Admission: $5. Free for children 12 and younger.

Parking: Free (shuttles available from many lots); Preferred parking: $5.

The Hill (Official Tailgate Lot): Located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center. Enter Gate 1 across from Man o’ War Boulevard or via the Van Meter Road entrance.

Simulcasting: Major Thoroughbred tracks in North America.

Merchandise Pavilion (NEW): The Keeneland Shop’s Merchandise Pavilion, located near the track’s Grandstand East entrance, features Keeneland-branded apparel and accessories. Open race days from 10 a.m. until 30 minutes after the final post.

Website: Keeneland.com; Fall Stars Weekend microsite: Keeneland.com/fallstars

Follow Keeneland on social media: Facebook @Keeneland, Instagram @Keeneland, Twitter @KeenelandRacing, Periscope @KeenelandRacing and Snapchat @KeenelandRacing.