The Keeneland Summer Meet opens Wednesday July 8th and runs through Sunday July 12th. WUKY’s Samantha Lederman has details on what to expect during this unprecedented week of racing.
All the valuable and familiar Graded Stakes races we’d expect to see during the Spring Meet in the run-up to the Kentucky Derby will be back at Keeneland this week - the quintessential Toyota Bluegrass Stakes on Saturday, the Makers Mark Mile on Friday and so many others.
There will be ten Graded Stakes this week alone totaling over $2.5m in purses. But the horses will be running in the blazing heat and humidity of a Kentucky mid-summer with zero spectators on site as they prep for the Derby on the first Saturday in September.
Keeneland Vice President of Racing and Sales Bob Ellison said it’s all about creating a tradition that builds confidence going forward into the September Sales, the Fall Meet in October and then the Breeders Cup in November.
You can still enjoy the meet from the cool and comfort of your home - daily race programs are available to download for free from the Keeneland website or via the mobile app. Place your bets via keenelandselect.com or the drive thru wagering at The Red Mile. Today at Keeneland previews the races each day on WKYT, or live on the Keeneland app or website at 11:30am; and all the racing action will be live streamed and free of charge on YouTube or TVG, and NBCSN on Sunday afternoon. First post during the Summer Meet is 1:05pm.
