Keeneland announced today that it will move its year-round simulcast wagering operations to the Red Mile, the historic Standardbred track in Lexington, beginning July 15. Keeneland and the Red Mile will offer wagering on Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse racing at one Lexington location.
The two tracks are investing nearly $2 million to significantly upgrade the grandstand area of The Red Mile for simulcast patrons.
“Our goal is to create a destination experience which will positively impact the entire horse industry as well as the local economy,” Keeneland Vice President and COO Vince Gabbert said. “We believe that by consolidating our simulcast operations in a premier location we will enhance fan interest in live racing.”
Simulcast wagering will continue to be offered at Keeneland during the track’s Spring and Fall race meets and annual Thoroughbred auctions (in limited areas), and for special-event days such as the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1). Keeneland hosted more than 21,000 fans for the 2015 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2.
Keeneland and The Red Mile partnered last year on a historical racing initiative with revenue to benefit both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. A total of 1,000 historical racing machines will be housed exclusively in a new facility at the Red Mile scheduled to open in September 2015.
From Keeneland