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Keeneland ‘Eager To Welcome Fans,’ Unveils Spring Meet Ticketing Plans

Keeneland today released plans to offer fans a limited number of ticket packages for dining, Reserved Grandstand seating and General Admission for the 2021 Spring Meet, to be held April 2-23. All ticket packages were designed in accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols and will be pre-sold online in two phases.

Fans are encouraged to visit Keeneland.com/tickets for information on Spring Meet ticket options and the process to purchase.

“Keeneland is eager to welcome fans, although fewer in number, back this spring for what promises to be an exciting race meet,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We have missed our fans as much as they've missed Keeneland, particularly at this time of year as we shake off winter to celebrate the return of spring. While we are still limited in capacity, our team is hard at work creating unique touches that will deliver the exceptional and safe race-day experience our guests expect from Keeneland. And for those fans who can't attend in person, Keeneland will provide ways for you to enjoy your race-day traditions from the comfort of your home.”

Keeneland has worked to ensure the most fair ticket selection process possible given the anticipated demand and to create a safe and fun on-site environment for its guests. In addition, Keeneland will offer a 48-hour cancellation policy without penalty.

Beginning Monday, March 8, fans may apply for the opportunity to purchase a table for six in the fourth-floor Lexington/Kentucky Room or Phoenix Room or up to six Reserved Grandstand seat ticket packages on specific race days.

Fans may purchase General Admission ticket packages online on a first-come, first-served basis starting Wednesday, March 24. A maximum of six tickets may be purchased per order.

Reserved Grandstand and General Admission ticket packages will include admission, a race-day program and a concession allowance. Dining ticket packages will include admission, a race-day program and a prix fixe three-course meal.

Keeneland will continue to enforce COVID-19 protocols during the Spring Meet and implement new initiatives with regard to mobile ticketing and cashless payment to further create a safe environment for all guests.

Keeneland's new ticketing platform enables patrons to complete their ticketing purchase online and to add tickets to their mobile wallet for easy scanning at the admission gates. Additionally, all Grandstand and General Admission ticket packages will include a $10 concession card and concession stands will feature new meal deals for lunch, all aimed to reduce wait times in lines as well as the amount of cash transactions.

As always, all forms of seating at Keeneland, including dining tables, outdoor boxes, pods of tickets in the Reserved Grandstand area and Grandstand benches, will be kept at a social distance.

All individuals will be required to wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds. Health screenings and temperature checks will resume at all entrance gates for the race meet.

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Keeneland To Allow Limited Number Of Fans At 2021 Spring Meet

Keeneland has announced plans to allow a limited number of fans to attend its 2021 Spring Meet, to be held April 2-23.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Keeneland to cancel the 2020 Spring Meet and hold an unprecedented five-day Summer Meet in July. The 2020 Summer and Fall Meets and Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland were closed to fans.

For this year's Spring Meet, Keeneland will make available a limited number of pre-sold ticket packages including dining, Grandstand reserved seating and general admission.

Keeneland will announce details about how to purchase ticket packages and pricing on Monday, March 1. Fans are encouraged to visit keeneland.com/newsletter to sign up for ticket alerts in the coming weeks.

Keeneland will also allow limited access to race participants, sponsors, box holders and Club members.

“The enthusiasm and loyalty of our fans are what make Keeneland so special,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We have missed their presence on race days and we are excited to welcome them, albeit in limited number, back to Keeneland. We appreciate the support of the Central Kentucky community this past year, and we hope this step is the first toward somewhat normal operations in the fall.

“While our team has worked diligently on a plan for expanded attendance this spring, the safety of our guests and employees remains our top priority,” Arvin added. “As such, our COVID-19 protocols remain in place and will be strictly enforced during the Spring Meet.”

In accordance with Keeneland's COVID-19 safety measures, all individuals will be required to wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds. Health screenings and temperature checks will resume at all entrance gates for the race meet.

The post Keeneland To Allow Limited Number Of Fans At 2021 Spring Meet appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Keeneland Names Gatewood Bell Vice President Of Racing

Prominent Central Kentucky horseman and noted bloodstock adviser Gatewood Bell will join the Keeneland as Vice President of Racing later this month.

Bell in 2011 founded Cromwell Bloodstock, a respected full-service bloodstock agency and consulting firm named after a company owned by his grandfather, John A. Bell, and has served as its president for the past decade. Known for his keen eye for spotting potential, Bell, under the Cromwell Bloodstock and Hat Creek Racing banners, has purchased millions of dollars' worth of horses at public auction – led by Grade/Group 1 winners Undrafted, Hootenanny, Mastery and Con Te Partiro – for a diverse clientele that includes top stud farms, owners and trainers. Bell's record of success consistently ranks Cromwell among the top North American buyers of yearlings by stakes winners as compiled by BloodHorse MarketWatch.

Bell is also a member of The Jockey Club and previously served on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and as the U.S. representative for Goffs Sales of Ireland.

Last October, Bell was named to Keeneland's Board of Directors as an Advisory Board member, a position he will relinquish upon his employment. Bell is the third generation of his family to serve Keeneland as a Director, following his father, Jimmy Bell, president of Godolphin USA, and grandfather, the late John A. Bell, founder of Jonabell Farm in Lexington. Like his father and grandfather, the younger Bell has been actively involved at Keeneland as both a racehorse owner and sales participant.

“Gatewood brings a unique set of skills and experiences encompassing aspects of both the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industries to the role of Vice President of Racing,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “His passion for, and knowledge of, racing were honed in the trenches on his family's farm and at the track, and in recent years as a bloodstock adviser. The range of Gatewood's talents and his network of relationships with owners and trainers are well suited to help Keeneland navigate the future landscape of racing.”

Raised on his family's Jonabell Farm, Bell received a finance degree with honors from the University of Kentucky in 2004. After graduation, he worked for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin for three seasons in Florida, Kentucky and New York. During this time, McLaughlin campaigned Hall of Famer Invasor (ARG) and Belmont (G1) winner Jazil. Bell also represented multiple Grade 1 winning-jockey Fernando Jara as an agent on the East Coast.

“I am excited about Keeneland's future and the opportunity to be a part of it,” he added. “This place represents all that is good about our sport, and I look forward to working together with our horsemen to ensure Keeneland continues to deliver the highest quality and safest racing product in the world.”

Gatewood and his wife, Lauren, along with their children, Eloise (10), Daisy (7) and Gus (6), reside in Lexington.

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Gatewood Bell Named Keeneland VP of Racing

Keeneland announced that Central Kentucky horseman and bloodstock adviser Gatewood Bell has been named Vice President of Racing at the Lexington oval and will assume duties later this month.

Bell in 2011 founded Cromwell Bloodstock, a full-service bloodstock agency and consulting firm named after a company owned by his grandfather, John A. Bell, and has served as its president for the past decade. Bell, under the Cromwell Bloodstock and Hat Creek Racing banners, purchased several significant runners, including Grade I/Group 1 winners Undrafted, Hootenanny, Mastery and Con Te Partiro.

Bell is also a member of The Jockey Club and previously served on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and as the U.S. representative for Goffs Sales of Ireland. Last October, Bell was named to Keeneland's Board of Directors as an Advisory Board member, a position he will relinquish upon his employment. Bell is the third generation of his family to serve Keeneland as a Director, following his father, Jimmy Bell, president of Godolphin USA, and grandfather, the late John A. Bell, founder of Jonabell Farm in Lexington. Like his father and grandfather, the younger Bell has been actively involved at Keeneland as both a racehorse owner and sales participant.

“Gatewood brings a unique set of skills and experiences encompassing aspects of both the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industries to the role of Vice President of Racing,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “His passion for, and knowledge of, racing were honed in the trenches on his family's farm and at the track, and in recent years as a bloodstock adviser. The range of Gatewood's talents and his network of relationships with owners and trainers are well suited to help Keeneland navigate the future landscape of racing.”

Raised on his family's Jonabell Farm, Bell received a finance degree with honors from the University of Kentucky in 2004. After graduation, he worked for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin for three seasons in Florida, Kentucky and New York. Bell also represented multiple Grade 1 winning-jockey Fernando Jara as an agent on the East Coast.

“I have great respect and appreciation for what the Keeneland name and its history mean to its stakeholders: horsemen, horseplayers, fans, local community and the global industry,” Bell said. “Keeneland is a very special place. I grew up coming to the races there and it is where I fell in love with the game. I am excited about Keeneland's future and the opportunity to be a part of it. This place represents all that is good about our sport, and I look forward to working together with our horsemen to ensure Keeneland continues to deliver the highest quality and safest racing product in the world.”

Gatewood and his wife, Lauren, along with their children, Eloise (10), Daisy (7) and Gus (6), reside in Lexington.

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