22 stakes awarding a record $10.85 million are scheduled for the most lucrative stakes schedule for a racing season in Keeneland track history for the 17-day Fall Meet from Oct. 3-25. The Fall Meet also marks the 40th anniversary of the turf course at Keeneland, which in October 1985 became the first track in Kentucky to offer turf racing.
Additionally, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund is contributing $2.55 million to Keeneland's Fall Meet stakes purses, pending approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.
“Competition from Thoroughbred racing's leading horses and top jockeys, trainers and owners will put the focus of fans, handicappers and the industry on Keeneland's Fall Meet,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell said. “We are excited to be able to add $100,000 to the purse of the GII Sycamore, which was upgraded for 2025, and to increase the value of another 18 stakes by $50,000 each. Our Grade I races now are worth $650,000 to $1.25 million, while the purses of all Grade II races are $400,000, all Grade III races are worth $350,000 and the listed race is valued at $300,000.”
Fall Stars Weekend kicks off the meet with $6.3 million in total purses spread over 11 stakes. Eight stakes are part of the “Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In,” which will award the winners automatic starting positions and free entry into the 42nd Breeders' Cup at Del Mar Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Those include:
- GI Darley Alcibiades
- GII Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix
- GII Jessamine.
- GI Coolmore Turf Mile
- GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity
- GII Thoroughbred Club of America.
- GI Juddmonte Spinster
- GII Castle & Key Bourbon.
Public ticket sales for the Fall Meet will begin Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 9 a.m.
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