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Keeneland Fans Can Celebrate 2021 Spring Meet At The Track And Remotely

World-class Thoroughbred racing returns to Central Kentucky for Keeneland's 2021 Spring Meet, which opens Friday, April 2 and covers 15 days through April 23. Keeneland is welcoming back a limited number of fans to the track this spring while offering multiple opportunities for people to enjoy the meet remotely through its Celebrate Keeneland Presented by Central Bank campaign.

“There are many ways – big and small – for everyone to celebrate Keeneland and take part in the fanfare and traditions they love,” Keeneland Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Christa Marrillia said. “We encourage fans to make the Spring Meet a part of their lives even when they aren't going to the races. Everyone has their own Keeneland traditions: getting dressed up, making a favorite cocktail, planning a gathering with friends. We have all the tips and tools for you to celebrate Keeneland your way.”

Fans are encouraged to visit CelebrateKeeneland.com and share the creative ways they are celebrating Keeneland by tagging @Keeneland on social media and by using the hashtag #CelebrateKeeneland

Every day during the Spring Meet, races will begin at 1:05 p.m. ET. Keeneland is offering complimentary Digital Programs Presented by Baird by clicking here or through the Keeneland Race Day app available for download on your phone or tablet.

Race-day coverage begins at 11:30 a.m. with “Today at Keeneland,” a 30-minute preview show with handicapping picks and discussion of horses of interest. Racing analysts Gabby Gaudet and Scott Hazelton host the program, which airs live on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Select, Facebook Live, TVG2, The CW Lexington and WKYT.com

At 1 p.m., TVG will begin its live, extensive coverage of every Keeneland race.

Thanks to the Keeneland Livestream Powered by Kentucky Utilities, fans can watch all Spring Meet races live and at no charge on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select, Keeneland's Facebook page and Keeneland's YouTube page.

The first two days of the season will offer nine stakes worth $2.5 million. The 11-race card on April 3 will feature six stakes led by two classic preps: the 97^th running of the $800,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) and the 84^th running of the $400,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1). Both races are worth 170 qualifying points, respectively, to the Kentucky Derby (G1) Presented by Woodford Reserve and Kentucky Oaks (G1).

On April 3, NBC Sports Network will televise the Toyota Blue Grass along with the Wood Memorial (G2) Presented by Resorts World Casino from Aqueduct and Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Post time for the Toyota Blue Grass is 6:35 p.m.

Following the first two days of the Spring Meet, Keeneland will be closed for racing Easter Sunday, April 4. Racing will resume Wednesday, April 7, and will be held Wednesdays through Sundays.

Spanish-speaking Thoroughbred racing fans from across the U.S. and around the world can learn more about Keeneland racing through DRF en Espanol. Keeneland is presenting sponsor of the fully translated platform that includes articles and handicapping selections along with analysis videos featuring Keeneland racing.

Visit DRF en Espanol or follow on Twitter @DRFenEspanol and Instagram @drfenespanol for more information. Users also can sign up to receive the e-newsletter, Al dia con DRF en Espanol.

On April 10, day of the Coolmore Jenny Wiley (G1) and Stonestreet Lexington (G3), Keeneland will hold the $3,000 Grade One Gamble handicapping contest. Prizes include cash and as many as six berths in the Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge and 10 spots in the National Horseplayers Championship.

The Grade One Gamble is open to players who use an ADW. The deadline to enter is noon on April 10. (Click here for more information and to enter.)

Special events on the schedule

Several special events are slated for the Spring Meet. The first is the April 9 College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane's End, which will be held virtually.

Students may click here to pre-register by 5 p.m. on April 9 for a chance to win one of $35,000 in scholarships or a prize package provided by a local Lexington business. Lane's End is giving two students a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship and enjoy a day at the races. Coca-Cola and Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, additional sponsors of the event, will give away a total of $25,000 in scholarships.

For the April 11 Kids Club Family Day Presented by Kentucky Children's Hospital, five lucky families will have the chance to enjoy a day at the races. Kids Club Families will be emailed a registration link to enter to win the contest. Families who are not current members can sign their children up by clicking here and proceed to the contest registration.

On April 18, Keeneland will host Military Day Presented by UPS. This event will showcase a POW-MIA Chair of Honor as part of a program that brings awareness to past and current POW-MIA military members through a partnership with The Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 5. The POW-MIA Chair of Honor will be located in the Paddock area. Keeneland will recognize and honor special guests throughout the day.

Featured Spring Meet charity

Continuing its mission to invest in the Central Kentucky community, Keeneland has designated the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden as its featured charity for the Spring Meet.

Located in Lexington's historic East End, the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden is on property owned by the legendary 19^th century jockey. It is the first park in the U.S. to honor the earliest African American professional athletes: Thoroughbred jockeys. Proceeds from the sales of the 2021 commemorative Maker's Mark Bourbon^®bottle in partnership with Keeneland will be earmarked for the placement of a permanent art installation by East End artist LaVon Williams and for future programming within the park.

Keeneland encourages fans to contribute to this cause by donating to bgcf.givingfuel.com/immag.

Keeneland 2021 Spring Meet at a Glance

Schedule: 15 days from April 2-23. No racing Mondays, Tuesdays and Easter Sunday, April 4.

First race: 1:05 p.m.

Programs: Click here for complimentary Digital Programs Presented by Baird or download them off the Keeneland Race Day app on your phone or tablet. Click here for the list of locations that are selling Keeneland programs.

Tickets: Weekday General Admission packages are still available for purchase. Visit tickets.keeneland.com to learn more. Check frequently for availability throughout the race meet.

Tours: Keeneland is offering morning tours to the public throughout the race meet. Visit keeneland.com/tours to purchase.

The Keeneland Shop: The Keeneland Shop is open to non-ticketed guests from 9-5 on Mondays and Tuesdays and Wednesday-Sunday from 9-11 a.m. Ticketed patrons may shop on race days until the final race.

Morning workouts: Visitors may visit Keeneland and enjoy morning workouts daily until 10 a.m.

Featured charity: Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden

Social: Use the hashtag #CelebrateKeeneland

Websites: CelebrateKeeneland.com and Keeneland.com

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Jockey Club Responds To Suit Over Stud Book Limits, Calling It ‘A Hodgepodge Of Speculative Claims’

The Jockey Club has filed its response to a federal civil suit brought by Spendthrift, Ashford, and Three Chimneys over the impending stud book cap of 140 mares per stallion each breeding season.

The plaintiffs had alleged the rule violated antitrust laws, which The Jockey Club's response indicates is incorrect because antitrust is designed to “protect competition, not competitors” and that the rule does not harm competition.

The suit also alleged it was illegal for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, as a state entity, to allow The Jockey Club, as a private entity to decide what legally constituted a Thoroughbred horse. The breed organization's response points out that the Kentucky General Assembly decided in 1960 to statutorily reference The Jockey Club's standing as the breed registry, and that there is no constitutionally-protected “right to race” anyway.

“Plaintiffs' hodgepodge of speculative claims lacks plausibility and suffers from Plaintiffs' fundamental misunderstanding of the facts, law, and relevant statutory regime,” read part of the response, according to a summary provided by the Thoroughbred Daily News.

The stud book cap is due to be enforced starting with stallions born in 2020.

The Jockey Club, along with two defendants associated with the commission, requested the case be dismissed.

Aqueduct Winter Meet’s Average Handle Up 16 Percent, Sees Total Wagering Of Nearly $350 Million

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that the 2021 Aqueduct winter meet, which ran from Dec. 10, 2020 through March 28, 2021, generated all-sources handle of $349,962,356 a 4.3 percent increase over the 2018-19 winter meet.

(The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the 2019-20 Aqueduct winter meet, forcing the cancellation of live racing from March 20-29. In addition, the 2020 Aqueduct spring meet was cancelled in its entirety due to the pandemic. Live racing on the NYRA circuit resumed at Belmont Park on June 3, 2020.)

Originally scheduled for 56 days of live racing, adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of four cards during the 2021 winter meet. NYRA subsequently added two live race days to account for the cancellations, resulting in a 54-day meet.

Average daily handle over the 54 days of live racing was $6,480,784, a 15.9 percent increase over 2018-19, when the meet was contested over 60 days of live racing.

In accordance with New York State guidelines instituted to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the 2020-21 winter meet was conducted without spectators and with only a limited number of owners and essential employees in attendance.

On-track handle, which includes wagering from New York residents utilizing NYRA Bets, was $24,891,692.

In January, the first floor of Aqueduct became a New York State vaccination center, where more than 100,000 doses have been distributed to New Yorkers to date.

The 11-day Aqueduct spring meet begins on Thursday, April 1, and continues through Sunday, April 18. The spring meet is highlighted by the 96th running of the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial presented by Resorts World Casino on Saturday, April 3.

The Wood Memorial will air on NBSCN as part of a live national broadcast beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET and scheduled to include the Grade 2, $800,000 Toyota Blue Grass from Keeneland and the Grade 1, $750,000 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita Park.

Prior to the NBCSN broadcast, national television coverage of the Wood Memorial Day card from Aqueduct can be found on FS2 beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

For additional information, and the complete Aqueduct spring stakes schedule, please visit NYRA.com.

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British Horseracing Authority Plans Increased Regulation Of Racing Syndicates

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is publishing plans to strengthen the regulation of shared racehorse ownership following an industry-wide consultation completed in the autumn of 2020.

The consultation, which formed part of one of the nine key goals for British racing's recovery plan, examined the current risks and opportunities of shared ownership and how they might be addressed through enhanced regulation and improved administration.

The industry plan for shared ownership, which has been developed through consideration of the consultation feedback and further engagement with stakeholders, details 10 key measures to be introduced as part of a phased implementation plan over the next 12 months. These can be read in full below.

The measures are designed to support public confidence in Syndicates and Racing Clubs and provide a solid foundation for the continued growth of shared ownership.

Key measures within the plans include strengthening the existing Code of Conduct for Syndicates, which was originally introduced in February 2017. The Code requires that all Syndicates which advertise publicly or charge a management fee must provide Syndicate members with a contract that covers specified areas.

These areas will be extended in addition to the BHA increasing its auditing of these contracts. As part of the registration process, and then through on-going spot-checks, the BHA will annually review a proportion of contracts to ensure and monitor compliance with the Code. A Code of Conduct will also be introduced for Racing Clubs.

The BHA will also require that Syndicators disclose the percentage shares held by each member of the Syndicate. Syndicate members will be able to view their own recorded shareholdings through the BHA's Racing Administration system from early 2022.

The plans also build on the existing regulation of shared ownerships which already includes the registration of all individuals who wish to manage, promote or administer a Syndicate or Racing Club. Further information will be sought as part of the registration process to better understand the financial arrangements of each entity and, in the case of a Syndicate receiving a significant amount of prize-money, Syndicators will be asked to outline how and when this will be paid to Syndicate members.

Plans will be developed and tested with Syndicators and Club Managers, which will help ensure the processes and systems that support implementation of the measures are effective, facilitate BHA regulation and simplify ownership administration.

Throughout implementation, each phase will be communicated in advance to all stakeholders with clear lead in times, in addition to help and support for Syndicators and Club Managers in understanding and adapting to the changes.

Richard Wayman, BHA Chief Operating Officer, said: “It is vital for the future of our sport that we are able to attract and retain racehorse owners. Syndicates and Racing Clubs clearly have a pivotal role to play in those efforts.

“The consultation responses confirmed that the sport has many extremely well-run Syndicates and Racing Clubs who give their members exemplary levels of service. It is crucial that the public can continue to have confidence in Syndicates and Racing Clubs, which these measures have been designed to support.

“My thanks go to all of those who took part in the consultation and took the time to offer the feedback which has been central in devising this important package of measures.”

Charlie Liverton, Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) Chief Executive, said: “Racehorse owners contribute over £30m a month to the rural economy and whether they are sole owners, in a Partnership with friends and family, or part of a Syndicate, their retention is critical to the future of the sport.

“Shared ownership in horse racing is thriving across many racing jurisdictions and ensuring that those joining a Syndicate or Racing Club have confidence in our sport is crucial. The ROA recognises this consultation as an important piece of work to build public confidence and join what is the greatest thrill – ownership of a racehorse.”

Dan Abraham, Racehorse Syndicates Association (RSA) Chairman, said: “The consultation conducted by the BHA confirms the outstanding ownership experience available to members of Syndicates and Clubs.

“The BHA's review and strengthening of the regulations related to shared ownership should even further enhance the public's confidence. The appeal of Syndicates and Clubs is stronger than ever and the RSA welcomes the BHA's approach to provide increased protection for members as well as Syndicators and Club Managers.”

The ten new measures, which will be implemented in a phased approach throughout 2021 and early 2022, are as follows:

PHASE 1 – For implementation from May 1, 2021

To extend the Syndicate Code of Conduct to cover new terms, including the acquisition costs of the horses, what will happen in the case of a horse's retirement and the dispute resolution procedure;
To introduce a new Code of Conduct to cover Racing Clubs;
To require Syndicators to confirm how and when prize money received following a significant win shall be paid to members; and,
To facilitate the addition of Syndicate members who accumulate bad debt to the forfeit list.

PHASE 2 – For implementation in Summer 2021

To introduce additional questions into the Syndicate registration form to better understand financial arrangements and how upfront costs will be covered; and,
To begin a sustained campaign to publicise the Codes of Conduct.

PHASE 3 – For implementation in early 2022

To ensure all Syndicate members and their percentage shares are recorded with the BHA;
To allow all Syndicate members with ≥2% share access to view their ownership online;
To begin auditing a proportion of Syndicate and Racing Club contracts to ensure compliance with the Codes of Conduct; and,
To prioritise the improvement of Syndicate and Racing Club administration systems to allow for easier compliance with new regulations and a better ownership experience.

A detailed breakdown the of measures including how they will be applied and who is expected to comply, along with a summary of consultation findings, can be found here.

Detailed guidance and support for Syndicators and Club Managers can be found on the BHA website here. Guidance includes access to the new Syndicate and Racing Club Codes of Conduct along with their FAQs.

The measures focus on shared ownership in the form of Syndicates and Racing Clubs. Syndicates are a form of ownership where members of a Syndicate share the ownership of one or more horses. Racing Clubs are a form of ownership where members of a Racing Club enjoy some of the benefits of being a racehorse owner, except they do not have any ownership rights of the horse. Instead, the ownership of the horse is retained by the Racing Club itself.

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