To kick off its fall race meeting on Friday, October 9, Keeneland is planning special festivities for its opening day, including a later first race post time of 2:15 p.m. (ET) and “Swinging at Sunset” following the races.

 

The first race is scheduled approximately one hour later than usual “in an effort to give more people the opportunity to enjoy the fall opening in a festive atmosphere,” according to track officials.

 

Post time for the balance of the meeting will be 1:05 p.m. (ET).  Gates open at 11 a.m. (ET).

 

To cap off opening day, Keeneland is hosting “Swinging at Sunset,” complete with a 17-piece, Central Kentucky-based jazz orchestra, food and drink specials after the last race.  “Swinging at Sunset” is sponsored by WLEX-TV.

 

Opening day also coincides with the start of FallStars Weekend and features the Darley Alcibiades (Gr. 1) and Phoenix Stakes (Gr. 3).

 

“By starting one hour later, it will give our customers a greater opportunity to enjoy more of opening day, which features two important graded stakes races and a variety of fun events,” said Keeneland President Nick Nicholson.  “There will be more racing when people aren’t working.

 

“The later post time has other advantages,” Nicholson continued. “Out-of-town guests will have additional time to travel to Keeneland for the weekend and our customers won’t be exiting into rush hour on Friday, the most challenging traffic day of the week.

 

“And, what can be more enjoyable than a late fall afternoon of racing with music and festivities scheduled as the sun sets over the Keeneland infield?”

 

Keeneland’s fall meeting continues through Saturday, October 31.