Race Into Fall 2020 with Kentucky’s Horse Traditions
Autumn is a great time to explore the tradition of horses in Kentucky! The falling temperatures offer a perfect setting for your adventures at the track and the farm. Plus – the colorful fall foliage adds that extra pizzazz to your photos and experiences. 2020 has been an unusual year (an understatement, we know), but we still have lots of exciting horse events happening this fall across the Commonwealth.
Even though we kicked off fall with the Kentucky Derby running on the first Saturday in September instead of the first Saturday in May – fall racing has been a tradition for years in the Bluegrass State. Keeneland’s Fall Meet(link is external) is a great example – set to run Friday, October 2 through Saturday, October 24 this year. The opening Fall Stars Weekend will feature 10 stakes races, plus nine Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In Events. As always, no racing will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the meet. With COVID-19, ticket details haven’t been finalized for the meet yet, but stay tuned to their website and social channels for the latest information!
The first weekend of November brings the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships(link is external) to Lexington – with more than $35 million up for grabs in 14 races at the two-day event, November 6-7, 2020. The world’s greatest horses, jockeys, trainers, owners and fans all come together to celebrate the end of the racing season. Championship Saturday is one of the richest days in racing, with over $26 million in purses and awards, including at the main event, Breeders’ Cup Classic. Tickets(link is external) are available for the 37th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and you can also find the latest COVID-19 update online.
Learn more about the horse industry and where these gorgeous athletes get their start with a visit to Horse Country(link is external). Go behind-the-scenes at a horse farm in the Bluegrass State – in-person or virtually! Horse Country, Inc. includes a variety of horse farms, equine medical clinics and equine attractions in Central Kentucky. From nursery farms to stud farms, training facilities to aftercare – there’s sure to be a new experience waiting for you. New this year, several horse farms created virtual tours(link is external) so you visit the farm even if you can’t travel in-person.
Speaking of virtual experiences, get an exclusive look at Kentucky foals in our “Foal Play” episodic series(link is external) that explores how the next great horses are bred here in Kentucky. Follow along as we tour some of the most iconic horse farms in the Bluegrass State! Watch foals being born, join morning rounds and see equine veterinarians working the night shift. Kentucky is a world leader in the horse industry, and this episodic series shows you why. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing cute foals?! And after you finish that series, check out “Behind the Gait,” our series that takes you behind the scenes at the Kentucky Horse Park(link is external), the Commonwealth Polo Club(link is external) and more.
Due to COVID-19, we recommend that you check businesses’ websites and social channels for the latest information before traveling.
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