The Keeneland Fall Meet for 2023 will open on Friday, October 6th and continue through Saturday, October 28th. There is no racing on Monday or Tuesday throughout the meet.

Keeneland will award a total of $9.05 million dollars– a record for any racing season at the track – for 22 Stakes races to be run during the 2023 Fall Meet.

Keeneland will present 12 Stakes on grass and 10 Stakes on dirt while offering multiple Stakes on six separate days.

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund is contributing $1.3 million to Fall Meet Stakes purses, pending approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

The meet’s richest race is the $1 million dollar Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) during the signature Fall Stars Weekend.

Keeneland has also added $100,000 to the purse of the Darley Alcibiades (G1) to increase its value to $600,000 and has raised by $50,000 the purse of the $350,000 Franklin (G2), which also was upgraded for 2023.

The October season opens with Fall Stars Weekend, which features eight Stakes that are part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In. The Winners in those events will earn automatic starting positions and free entry into the 40th Breeders’ Cup World Championships on November 3rd & 4th at Santa Anita Park.

According to Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell: “The strength of the Fall Meet stakes schedule reflects our focus on providing the highest-quality racing for our horsemen and fans.”

Bell went on to say; “With these additional increases, all Grade 1 stakes are now worth a minimum of $600,000 apiece; all Grade 2 stakes are $350,000; Grade 3 races are $300,000; and listed stakes are $250,000. We believe these purse levels will attract the best in the sport and make for an exciting fall season of racing.” 

It certainly will and the Daily Racing Blog can’t wait.