Will Keeneland Hold 2015 Breeders’ Cup?

Since it began in 1984 Keeneland has never hosted the Breeders’ Cup, though there are media reports it’s coming to Lexington. 

Monday night it was unconfirmed. But, some people in the industry said if it is true, it will make horce-racing history come full circle.

"the Breeders’ Cup is the brain child of John Gaines," explained Robert Knolhoff, an independent blood stock agent. "he lived and raised horses in Lexington.  The Cup was meant as the Superbowl of horse racing."

Senator Damon Thayer, who sat on the Breeders’ Cup Board for years, said a chance at the cup would mean big bucks for Lexington businesses.

"the eyes of the entire racing world will be on Keeneland, Lexington and Central Kentucky," said Thayer.  "with a large economic impact of $25 or 30 million."

 Hosting the race is something Keeneland officials have been after for a while.  It was one of the reasons they made the switch from synthetic material back to dirt after the spring meet.

Though seating could be an issue according to Knolhoff.  The Breeders’ Cup has drawn top crowds of 80 to 90 thousand people. 

During the Bluegrass Stakes, the grandstand at Keeneland housed close to 40,000 people. 

"Keeneland is relatively small or quite small compared to other venues that have hosted it," said Knolhoff.

Of course it is unique and positioned next to major American stud farms and breeding operations.

Knolhoff also explained with every meet, there’s a chance for a new racing fan to be born. 

"Perhaps the time they’ll spend here that week they’ll get on the roads we drive every day," said Knolhoff. "They will pull into a horse farm and perhaps a dream will be born."