Scott Hazelton gives Keeneland Breeders’ Cup track tour ahead of the big race.
For the second time in its storied history, the Breeders’ Cup will come to Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Keeneland is a National Register of Historic Places, home to the largest thoroughbred auction house with Keeneland Sales, Railbird Festival, and now the 2020 Breeders’ Cup! This year’s championship horse races take place on November 6th and 7th, including 14 races. Scott Hazelton shows us around, as he gives us a proper Keeneland Breeders Cup Track Tour.
Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus, there will be no fans in attendance at this year‘s races. Nonetheless, officials announced that they will begin excepting fans next season. In addition, they also announced that the Breeders’ Cup will return to Keeneland Race Course in 2022.
The Breeders’ Cup concept was developed by John games in 1984, to replicate a Super Bowl for thoroughbred horse racing. The debut race was hosted at the now defunct, Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California. Years later, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships has evolved into a two-day event, bringing horses from all around the world. The featured race, the Breeders’ Cup Classic, will have a purse of $7 million.
The infamous Sycamore tree where riders traditionally get legged-up is a staple of Keeneland Race Course’s iconic image. That image becomes even more photogenic during the fall season, as the leaves begin to change overlooking the saddling stalls in the rear of the grandstands. After riders are up in the saddle, they will begin their journey through the tunnel underneath the grandstand out onto the track. At this point they will be met by the ponies and proceed with their warmup towards the starting gate. Since the Keeneland Race Course has multiple finish lines, riders will warmup in either direction, depending on the style of specific race.
Due to COVID-19, riders this year will be separated into multiple quarters with only their respective regions included in each of the jock’s room. So there you have it, the stage is set. Who are you placing your bets on? Word has it, some have raced the law, and the law won! Are you willing to bet against it?
