Who is the track announcer at Keeneland?

announcer Kurt Becker
As is typical for an admitted perfectionist, the race call that Keeneland track announcer Kurt Becker remembers most is one of his less than stellar moments.

What is the track surface at Keeneland?

The surface composition is approximately 87.5 percent sand and 12.5 percent clay and silt. Keeneland uses state-of-the-art GPS technology and specially designed equipment to monitor and collect detailed information about the condition of the track.

What is the dress code for Keeneland Race Track?

Clothing of comparable formality to gentlemen, including but not limited to skirts, dresses, tailored pantsuit or dress slacks. Denim – regardless of color, slacks designed to resemble jeans, shorts (including rompers), clothing or shoes that resemble athletic attire, abbreviated or revealing attire.

Is Keeneland a dirt track?

Keeneland, in consultation with a team of experts including Dr. Keeneland’s 1 1/16-dirt track is a blend of approximately 19,000 tons of sand, silt and clay native to Kentucky. Keeneland’s main track. The drainage system under the track is key to maintaining a consistent racing surface.

Can I wear jeans to Keeneland?

General admission is ok for jeans but ticketed dining upstairs requires no jeans. Saw everything from suits to jeans, long dresses and short dress with heels. We wore jeans and jackets sat on the outdoor benches and had a great time.

Is Keeneland open to the public?

A National Historic Landmark, Keeneland features beautifully landscaped grounds that are open to the public every day. Fans and horsemen alike are welcome to enjoy our spectacular racing, attend one of our three horse sales or simply visit the grounds and celebrate Keeneland’s timeless beauty.

How do you become a member of Keeneland?

Membership is by invitation only. Interested parties may complete a membership application which requires the endorsement of two current club members. New applications are held for one year before they are eligible for consideration.

What is Derby attire?

Head-turning hats, bold dresses, and chic shoes you’ll love for race day—and all season long. While wide-brimmed hats are the most popular style, there’s really no limit to how creative your headwear can get. In fact, wearing a hat to the Derby is reportedly good luck, according to the Derby itself.

Can you take food into Keeneland?

Alcohol, coolers, food or beverage, grills, tents and selfie sticks are not permitted inside the admission gates. Fans may notice additional security when entering Keeneland’s admission gates.

When did Keeneland start using a track announcer?

In the spring of 1997, ending a long-standing tradition of no public-address system, Keeneland employs a track announcer to call the races for the first time. The philosophy at Keeneland for many years held that an announcer was unnecessary.

How did Keeneland Race Course come to be?

Keeneland, one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world, came into being after the historic Kentucky Association track disbanded in 1933. A volunteer committee led by Maj. Louis A Beard, proceeded to hunt for the ideal location for a new track. In its decisions, the committee kept returning to the land of J.O. “Jack” Keene.

Who was the leader of the Keeneland Committee?

A volunteer committee led by Maj. Louis A Beard, proceeded to hunt for the ideal location for a new track. In its decisions, the committee kept returning to the land of J.O. “Jack” Keene. Keene had spent many years building his own private track on his farm named Keeneland.

Why is Keeneland auction house important to thoroughbred racing?

Located in the Horse Capital of the World, Keeneland is an internationally renowned racecourse and the Thoroughbred industry’s leading auction house. Founded in 1936, Keeneland’s mission is to continually invest in the industry and to preserve the tradition of Thoroughbred racing. A Symbol of the Fine Traditions of the Thoroughbred.