Keeneland on Oct. 28 closed a successful 2023 Fall Meet, which featured spectacular Thoroughbred racing from the sport’s best horses and riders, enthusiastic crowds, idyllic fall weather, and a slate of popular special events to support the industry and community.
They combined to produce total all-sources wagering on Keeneland racing of $201.7 million, the second-highest fall meet handle and fourth-highest handle in Keeneland history.
“The fall meet was terrific from start to finish, and we are thankful for the strong support of our participants, fans, and community,” said Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin. “It was rewarding to see crowds line the rail through the very last race every day, savoring all the excitement this season had to offer. And with the recent announcement of our new paddock building and saddling paddock enhancements, we look forward to offering even more unique experiences for our guests in the future.”
All-sources wagering (not including whole-card simulcasting at Keeneland) for the 17-day fall meet, held Oct. 6-28, totaled $201,739,442, down 3.43% from last year’s Fall Meet record of $208,907,655.
On-track wagering of $16,266,007 marked an increase of 5.96% from last year’s $15,351,232.
2023 Fall Meet at a Glance (Oct. 6-28)
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Fall 2023
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Fall 2022
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% Change
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All-Sources Handle on Keeneland
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$201,739,442
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$208,907,655
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-3.43%
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Avg. Daily All-Sources Handle on Keeneland
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$11,867,026
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$12,288,686
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-3.43%
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Total On-Track Handle
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$16,266,007
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$15,351,232
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+5.96%
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Avg. Daily On-Track Handle
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$956,824
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$903,014
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+5.96%
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Fall Meet Racing Highlights
Average daily purses of $1,135,604 during the fall meet attracted full, competitive fields that averaged 9.1 starters per race.
This season, Keeneland offered 22 stakes worth a record $9.05 million. A total of $5.55 million was awarded during 11 stakes on opening Fall Stars Weekend, eight of which were Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series stakes that secured for the winners automatic entry into the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park.
Thirteen horses were pre-entered in the Breeders’ Cup following stakes wins at Keeneland this fall.
“We’re blessed to have North America’s top jockeys and trainers compete here, and this fall was made even more special by the participation of such international stars as trainer Saeed bin Suroor and jockeys Jamie Spencer and Oisin Murphy,” said Keeneland vice president of racing Gatewood Bell. “The level of talent of horses, trainers, and riders makes Keeneland a destination for the best in racing.”
Fall Meet Leaders
Jockeys Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Saez, who finished 1-2 in the rider standings during this year’s spring meet, resumed their battle for top honors this fall. Gaffalione secured the title on closing day for his fourth fall meet title and seventh overall. Saez finished second in the standings with 20 wins.
Brad Cox scored three wins on Thursday to extend his lead in the final days of the meet and earn his fourth consecutive fall meet training title and fifth overall. Chad Brown vaulted into second place with two wins Friday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Godolphin and Richard Rigney’s Rigney Racing tied for leading owner with four wins each.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
