“The Fall Meet was terrific from start to finish, and we are thankful for the strong support of our participants, fans and community,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “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 record Fall Meet of $208,907,655.

On-track wagering of $16,266,007 marked an increase of 5.96% from last year's $15,351,232. Average daily purses of $1,135,604 during the Fall Meet attracted fields that averaged 9.1 starters per race.

Jockeys Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Saez, who finished 1-2 in the rider standings during this year's Spring Meet, also battled for top honors this Fall with Gaffalione securing the lead on closing day for his fourth Fall Meet title and seventh overall.

Trainer Brad Cox earned his fourth consecutive Fall Meet training title and fifth overall while Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Godolphin and Richard Rigney's Rigney Racing tied for leading owner with four wins each.

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The all-sources wagering of $208,907,655 was a 15.41% increase over the 2021 fall meet record of $181,009,626. It was the fourth consecutive season of record handle at the track. The numbers do not include whole-card simulcasting at Keeneland.

“This fall meet embodied everything our founders envisioned for Keeneland–a place where families and friends could gather and enjoy great horse racing–all heightened by anticipation for the Breeders' Cup,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “The race meet was special in every way: idyllic weather, terrific racing, and special events like Make-A-Wish Day, Heroes Day, and Teacher Appreciation Day that celebrated many deserving people. We thank everyone involved in making the Fall Meet a success and look forward to the fun continuing as we host the World Championships next weekend.”

On-track wagering for the fall meet totaled $15,351,232, up from last year's $15,162,221 (a 1.25% increase). Fall Stars Saturday (Oct. 8) set records for fall meet single-day all-sources handle ($21,695,896, surpassing the $20,926,640 on the equivalent day in 2021, a previous record) and Pick 5 wagering ($1,431,736, bettering last year's $1,255,080). In addition, a Keeneland record payoff of $72,863.72 for a 10-cent superfecta wager occurred Oct. 20.

All the fall meet leader titles came down to the wire, with all decided on Saturday. Gary and Mary West won their first Keeneland leading owner title with four wins over the 17 days, including the GII Hagyard Fayette S. with West Will Power (Bernardini) on closing day. West Will Power also pushed his trainer, Brad Cox, to the trainer title with 11 total wins. It was Cox's third consecutive fall training title and fourth Keeneland title overall. Todd Pletcher and Wesley Ward tied for second with 10 wins apiece.

Luis Saez nabbed his second Keeneland riding title by winning three races on closing day, including the final race of the meet. He just edged Tyler Gaffalione 21-20. Gaffalione had six stakes wins during the fall meet, one shy of Pat Day's single-season record of seven.

Other highlights of Keeneland's fall meet included:

• Average daily purses of a record $1,168,120, up 32.66% from $880,511 during the 2021 Fall Meet
• Average daily all-sources handle of $12,288,686, up from $10,647,625 in 2021 (15.41% increase)
• Average daily on-track handle of $903,014, up from $891,895 in 2021 (up by 1.25%)

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The signature race of the meet–the $100,000 GIII Berkeley H. at one mile and a sixteenth on Tapeta-is scheduled for Nov. 27.

The highlight of the 2-year-old schedule is Nov. 3 The Golden Nugget S., a six-furlong sprint. On Dec. 4, the $75,000 Gold Rush at one mile will attract youngsters who wish to stretch out in distance, while juvenile fillies will be featured in the Nov. 26 $50,000 Golden Gate Debutante at six furlongs.

First post each live race day is 1:15 p.m. PT unless otherwise noted.

For more information, visit www.Goldengatefields.com.

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS FALL MEET STAKES SCHEDULE

Oct. 30: $75,000 Pike Place Dancer S. (One mile on turf for 2 YO fillies)

Oct. 31: $75,000 El Dorado Shooter S. (Six furlongs on Tapeta for CA bred or sired 3 YO and up)

Nov. 6: $50,000 Joseph T. Grace . (One mile and a sixteenth on turf for 3 YO and up)

Nov. 13: $50,000 Golden Nugget S. (Six furlongs on Tapeta for 2 YO)

Nov. 20: $50,000 Oakland S. (Six furlongs on Tapeta for 3 YO and up)

Nov. 26: $50,000 Golden Gate Debutante S. (Six furlongs on Tapeta for 2 YO fillies)

Nov. 27: $100,000 GIII Berkeley H. (One mile and a sixteenth on Tapeta for 3 YO and up)

Dec. 4: $75,000 Gold Rush S. (One mile on Tapeta for 2 YO)

Dec. 11: $75,000 Bear Fan S. (Six furlongs on Tapeta for CA sired or bred fillies and mares 3 YO and up)

Dec. 12: $50,000 Miss America S. (One mile and a sixteenth on turf for fillies and mares 3 YO and up)

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New York State is continuing to operate a COVID-19 mass vaccination site throughout the first floor of Aqueduct. As a result, the facility remains closed to the public. In order to accommodate racing fans who would ordinarily experience the Breeders' Cup World Championships – slated for November 5-6 at Del Mar – via simulcast at Aqueduct, NYRA will shift the first three days of the Aqueduct fall meet to Belmont Park.

“NYRA is committed to supporting the ongoing effort to vaccinate New York, and Aqueduct Racetrack is an important piece of that puzzle,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O'Rourke. “This schedule adjustment provides our fans the opportunity to experience world-class racing on-track while enjoying Breeders' Cup weekend at Belmont Park.”

Belmont Park will host five stakes originally scheduled for Aqueduct, beginning with the $150,000 Tempted and $100,000 Atlantic Beach on Friday, November 5. On Saturday, November 6, the stakes action will include the $150,000 Grade 3 Turnback the Alarm Handicap and the $100,000 Stewart Manor. The extended Belmont fall meet will now conclude on Sunday, November 7 with the $150,000 Grade 3 Nashua.

The 15-day Aqueduct fall meet will now begin on Thursday, November 11, and continue through Sunday, December 5. A limited number of licensed owners, trainers, and staff will be permitted on-site at Aqueduct. NYRA will provide updates with regard to fan access to Aqueduct Racetrack as new information becomes available.

America's Day at the Races will present daily coverage and analysis of the fall meet at Belmont Park on the networks of FOX Sports. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit https://www.nyra.com/belmont/racing/tv-schedule.

NYRA Bets is the official wagering platform of Belmont Park, and the best way to bet every race of the fall meet. Available to horseplayers nationwide, the NYRA Bets app is available for download today on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.

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Among the staffing needs for the Fall Meet, which runs Oct. 8-30, are positions in Admissions, Concessions, Culinary, Guest Services, Parking and Security, Track Maintenance and other areas.

Apply in person at the Job Fair or Hiring Center or on Keeneland.com/jobs

On-site interviews for all positions will be conducted at the Job Fair and at the Hiring Center. Because employment offers may be made on the spot, candidates are asked to bring two forms of identification to these events.

A Job Fair will be held Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET at the Keeneland Entertainment Center. Applicants who attend will be treated to a preview of Keeneland's new Fall Meet concession offerings, including gourmet ice cream from Lexington's Sav's Restaurant and a variety of hot dogs, among them the Hawaiian Dog and the Trifecta Dog.

On-the-spot hiring is possible for those who apply in person at the Hiring Center, located on the second-floor Grandstand, where interviews will be conducted Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Sept. 7 and running through Sept. 30.

Positions also are listed on Keeneland.com/jobs for candidates to apply any time.

“Keeneland's seasonal workforce is invaluable to our race meet operations,” Keeneland Director of Human Resources John Greene said. “There are many diverse opportunities to be part of the Fall Meet fun, enjoy consistent hours, earn extra money and work with a quality hospitality and operations team.”

Keeneland's seasonal employees, who come from some 168 cities in 60 Kentucky counties and 26 states as far away as California, represent a unique Kentucky tradition. It is not uncommon for several generations of the same family to be employed during a race meet and for an exceptional employee to obtain a full-time position.

Keeneland offers seasonal employment in a variety of areas for the Fall Meet.

Keeneland Hospitality provides food and beverage service for the entire Keeneland campus, including the Clubhouse, Grandstand, concessions and Track Kitchen, and has opportunities for people with all levels of culinary, wait staff and host experience. Candidates, who may be seeking additional income, will receive the opportunity to gain valuable culinary and dining experience while training directly under talented chefs.

The majority of positions offered during race meets are entry level and do not require any formal training or education. These jobs can be a good fit for active people who are interested in a seasonal position that can lead to other opportunities and for those who are looking for a short-term opportunity to be part of a Kentucky tradition, a fun atmosphere and earn additional income.

Team members who are employed the entire Fall Meet typically work 40 paid hours each week and will receive paid training prior to the start of the race meet. Seasonal employees are paid on a weekly basis and will receive 50 percent off meals in Grandstand concessions and a 30-percent discount on merchandise at The Keeneland Shop.

Keeneland is welcoming back racing fans at full capacity this fall while remaining committed to the safety of our employees and guests. The track continues to monitor local and national health guidelines as they pertain to COVID-19.

At a Glance: Hiring events for Keeneland's Fall Meet

Applicants asked to bring two forms of identification to these events:

• Hiring Center – Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 7-30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; second-floor race track Grandstand (take Elevator B from ground floor near Paddock).
• Job Fair – Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET, Keeneland Entertainment Center (enter Gate 1 on Keeneland Blvd., take first right on Entertainment Blvd.).

Candidates may apply online at any time at Keeneland.com/jobs.

In addition to outstanding seasonal employment opportunities, Keeneland is proud to support the community via its Volunteer Group program. The program enables fraternities, sororities, high school booster clubs, senior groups, charitable organizations and other certified groups that have a tax identification number to receive a contribution of $10 for every hour that one of their members works during the Fall Meet. Members of participating organizations might work in roles ranging from a server assistant in one of Keeneland's premier dining rooms to serving food and drinks at a concession stand or working as a parking attendant.

If your group is interested in applying for one of these select opportunities, please click here.

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The Arizona horsemen, headed by the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA), currently refuse to sign the race-meet contract until a set of track maintenance upgrades, along with various other welfare and management-related requests, have been met.

These concerns spring from a 2020-2021 Turf Paradise race-meet marred by a high number of equine fatalities.

“We would like a clean and safe facility,” said AZHBPA president, Bob Hutton. Until Turf Paradise is willing to comply with its statutory safety obligations, “the HBPA does not support running a meet there this fall,” he added.

Representatives for Turf Paradise argued that the Arizona HBPA's requests cannot be met, and that some of the blame for the high equine fatality rate should rest with the horsemen.

“I don't go down the shedrow and say, 'you ought to have better horses and you wouldn't have as many breakdowns,'” said Turf Paradise owner, Jerry Simms, before adding that an agreement with the horsemen isn't necessary for the facility to conduct a race-meet this fall.

“We can run without a contract,” Simms stated.

In a July 30th letter to Turf Paradise, the Arizona HBPA listed 25 detailed safety issues and broader management concerns, the primary one being track surface quality.

“The condition that both tracks were in last year were will be unacceptable for the upcoming meet,” the letter stated, before asking that Mick Peterson, director of the Racetrack Safety Program, be brought in to examine the surfaces.

“Too many horses last year were euthanized or injured to the point they could no longer race,” the letter added.

The other 24 demands in the letter include upgrades and repairs to the backstretch, grandstand and clubhouse, along with another track veterinarian. The HBPA takes issue with current Turf Paradise veterinarian, Dr. Verlin Jones. “HBPA will pay 50% as long as it is not Dr. Jones,” the letter states.

“This racetrack last year was in the worst condition I've ever seen,” said trainer Kevin Eikleberry, at Thursday's commission meeting. “This can't happen again.”

According to Turf Paradise general manager, Vince Francia, he's listening.

A “firm” has already been hired to remove the track cushion so as to examine the limestone base, Francia said. “It's going to take a week's worth of work,” he added.

Francia also took umbridge with the horsemen for sharing on social media an assortment of damning pictures showing various parts of Turf Paradise in states of disrepair and dilapidation.

Francia argued that the 54 days between now and the scheduled start of the fall meet is sufficient to bring the track up to code.

“Guys, you're getting a little silly,” he said, urging the AZHBPA to the negotiation table. “The door to my office is open,” he said.

The commissioners chastised the stakeholders for negotiating the contract during the meeting rather than in a private forum.

“I dread every single meeting here,” lamented commissioner Chuck Coolidge, noting the contentious relationship between Turf Paradise and the horsemen's group. “One thing the commission sees often is a lot of rock-throwing by all parties.”

This isn't the first time Arizona has been under the spotlight for its equine welfare record. Rising equine fatality rates prompted the commission to conduct a report into equine safety the 2017-2018 season.

Turf Paradise doesn't make its fatality data public on the Jockey Club's Equine Injury Database.

Last week, the TDN asked the Arizona Department of Gaming for statewide equine fatality statistics beginning at the start of 2018. The request is currently being processed.

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The highlight of the second half of the year at Churchill Downs is always the GI Clark H. presented by Norton Healthcare. Worth $750,000 for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 miles, the Clark is being run for the 147th time this year and will be held on its traditional Friday-after-Thanksgiving date, Nov. 26. Another highlight will be the start of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” and the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” series with the $300,000 GIII Iroquois S. and the $300,000 GIII Pocahontas S., both to be held Saturday, Sept. 18. Both races are also Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” Challenge events, which means the winners will receive automatic berths for their respective Breeders' Cup races on Nov. 5 at Del Mar with full entry fees and travel expenses paid.

The Churchill stable area was closed in July due to the work on the turf course. Horsemen can return to Churchill for stabling on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The main track will be open for training Thursday, Sept. 9.

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“This program has proven to be a primary driver in our efforts to bring horses to California from all over the nation,” said Santa Anita's director of racing and racing secretary, Chris Merz. “We started to see some horses coming here in May and June and Del Mar has done a tremendous job of recruiting, which we are confident is going to be of significant benefit to the entire circuit here.  Along with Del Mar, the Thoroughbred Owners of California [TOC] have been very supportive in the implementation of 'Ship & Win' and it's great to have all of us working together for the benefit of racing in California.”

More information is available through the Santa Anita Racing Office at (626) 574- 6352.

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The fall meet, which will run from Thursday, September 16 through Sunday, October 31 will offer four Grade 1 races and five “Win and You're In” qualifiers to the Breeders' Cup in November at Del Mar.

The highlight of the meet will be the return of the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes on Oct. 2. The Woodward has been run at Saratoga since 2006, but had previously been held at Belmont Park and makes it's return to the Elmont track this year.

The first two stakes will come during the meet's second day, with a pair of $100,000 six-furlong turf sprints on Friday, September 17, with the Allied Forces for sophomores and the Christiecat for 3-year-old fillies. The following day will feature the first Breeders' Cup qualifier on the docket with the $1 million Jockey Club Derby for 3-year-olds going 1 1/2 miles on the turf in the final leg of NYRA's Turf Triple series that will commence with the Grade 1, $1 million Belmont Derby in July and continue with the Grade 1, $1 million Saratoga Derby in August at historic Saratoga Race Course.

September 18 will also see the $700,000 Jockey Club Oaks, the concluding leg of the Turf Triple for 3-year-old fillies, held at 1 3/8 miles, with the card bolstered by the 1 5/8-mile $300,000 Grand Prix American Jockey Club Invitational.

The weekend of September 25-26 will encompass the meet's first graded stakes races, with that Saturday offering the Grade 2, $300,000 Kelso Handicap for 3-year-olds and up going one mile on the main track and the Grade 3, $200,000 Athenia for fillies and mares 3-years-old competing at 1 1/8 miles on the turf. The following day will see fillies and mares 3-and-up sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs in the Grade 2, $250,000 Gallant Bloom, with the undercard rounded out by the $150,000 Bertram F. Bongard for New York-bred juveniles going seven furlongs.

Seven graded stakes will comprise the weekend of October 2-3, with a pair of Grade 1s highlighting the Saturday card with the $500,000 Woodward for 3-year-olds and up going a one-turn 1 1/8 miles on Big Sandy and the $500,000 Champagne for 2-year-olds running one mile in a prestigious race affording a spot in the Grade 1, $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile to the winner. The Grade 2, $200,000 Miss Grillo will see juvenile fillies running 1 1/16 miles on turf that day, along with the Grade 3, $200,000 Belmont Turf Sprint Invitational for 3-year-olds and up going six furlongs on the grass.

Sunday, October 3 will continue the high-level action, with the Grade 1, $400,000 Frizette for 2-year-old fillies at one mile with a spot in the Grade 1, $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies up for grabs. The day will also include the Grade 2, $200,000 Pilgrim for juveniles going 1 1/16 miles on the turf and the Grade 3, $300,000 Fasig-Tipton Waya at 1 3/8 miles in a turf route for fillies and mares 3-and-up.

The following weekend will again provide a chance to see top-caliber racing, with Saturday, October 9 showcasing the Grade 1, $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic for 3-year-olds and up in a marathon 1 1/2-mile turf competition, with the Grade 2, $250,000 Vosburgh, a six-furlong “Win and You're In” event for the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Sprint, bolstering the undercard along with the Grade 3, $150,000 Matron for juvenile fillies.

October 10 will offer the fall meet's final Breeders' Cup qualifier with the Grade 3, $150,000 Futurity for 2-year-olds going six furlongs on the turf providing a spot in the Grade 1, $2 million Juvenile Turf Sprint. Also on tap that day will be the Grade 2, $250,000 Beldame at nine furlongs for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up; and the Grade 3, $150,000 Knickerbocker for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 miles on the turf.

Closing weekend on October 30-31 will see a packed Saturday that will offer eight stakes for New York-breds on Empire Showcase Day, led by the $300,000 Empire Classic for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 miles. A trio of $250,000 stakes includes the Empire Distaff, Sleepy Hollow and Maid of the Mist. Also on tap will be two $200,000 contests in the Mohawk and Ticonderoga, along with a pair of $150,000 stakes in the Iroquois and Hudson.

Closing Day on Sunday, October 31 will conclude the meet with five stakes: the $150,000 Zagora for fillies and mares 3-and-up; the Pumpkin Pie for the same division going seven furlongs; the $100,000 Awad for juveniles at 1 1/16 miles on the turf and the $100,000 Chelsey Flower for 2-year-old fillies going the same distance.

Three stakes have been added to the fall schedule, starting with the $100,000 Glen Cove for sophomores fillies sprinting seven furlongs on the turf on October 15. The $100,000 Carle Place, for 3-year-olds also going seven furlongs on the turf, will be held October 22, while the $100,000 Oyster Bay for 3-year-olds and up going seven furlongs on the turf will be run on October 29.

For the complete Belmont Park fall meet stakes schedule, please visit NYRA.com/stakes

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Gaffalione was the clear leader in the rider standings with 24 victories, including a win aboard Got Stormy (Get Stormy) in the GIII Buffalo Trace Franklin County S. Cox edged out Mike Maker and Steve Asmussen on the final day of the meet, scoring 15 wins, highlighted by Essential Quality’s (Tapit) victory in the GI Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity S. Earning its first title, M and M Racing accounted for five winners at the fall meet.

“On behalf of Keeneland, our sincerest thanks to our fans across the country and around the world, and our racing participants, sponsors, industry and community partners and employees who enabled us to hold a safe, competitive Fall Meet during these unprecedented times,” said Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason, who presided over his final race meet before his retirement Dec. 31. “The silver lining of this pandemic has been the collaboration and creativity of various constituencies in their steadfast support of Thoroughbred racing and our philanthropic mission. There is a true spirit of coming together for the good of all.”

The fall meet was closed to the public due to COVID-19, but fans wagered $148,229,708 during the 17 days of racing from Oct. 2-24. The average daily handle was $8,719,395. Last year’s all-sources wagering handle was a record $160,207,916 for a meet also lasting 17 days, albeit with fans.

With the limited on-track attendance, on-track handle was $2,477,890 with average daily on-track handle at $145,758. In comparison, the 2019 fall meet had an on-track handle of $17,320,852.

“Historically, Keeneland ranks among the top tracks in North America in terms of average daily attendance and enjoys some of the highest on-track handle figures,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing Bob Elliston said. “The difference in all-sources wagering this fall versus last comes down to the loss in on-track wagering.”

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