Keeneland photo
Keeneland Welcomes Area Fifth Graders This Week
Keeneland Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Keeneland is a classroom this week for some 2,500 fifth grade students from 32 public and private schools in Fayette County who are here to learn about the track and Kentucky’s Thoroughbred industry. Each day, approximately 500 students will participate in a two-hour tour that features hands-on educational stations.
“Fifth Grade Field Trips are exciting opportunities for students to engage with horses and Keeneland; teach them about the size and economic importance of Kentucky’s signature industry; and introduce them to the many careers they can pursue,” Keeneland Senior Director of Community Relations Kara Heissenbuttel said. “This annual event is a popular kickoff to the school year, and we hope it not only entertains young people but inspires them to set a career path.”
Each day’s tour will start at 10 a.m. in the Sales Pavilion with a welcome from Heissenbuttel before students watch a video about Keeneland and participate in a mock Thoroughbred auction. Next, they will split up into smaller groups to learn more about horses and racing at these themed stations around the grounds:
| Station | Partner | Focus |
| Station 1 | North American Racing Academy, affiliated with Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Jockey prep with retired rider Jack Gilligan |
| Station 2 | Keeneland | Watch a replay of the 101st running of the Toyota Blue Grass (G1) in the Winner’s Circle |
| Station 3 | Hagyard Equine Medical Institute | Being an equine veterinarian |
| Station 4 | Kentucky Derby Museum | Economic impact of horse racing |
| Station 5 | Amplify Horse Racing | Equine industry careers |
| Station 6 | Visit Horse Country | Life cycle of a racehorse |
| Station 7 | Locust Trace AgriScience Center, part of Fayette County Public Schools | Horse safety 101 |
| Station 8 | Godolphin | Day in the life of a racehorse |
| Station 9 | Highbridge Springs | Limestone and nutrients for a horse |
| Station 10 | Life Adventure Center and Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center | Ponies to pet |
Every student will receive a book titled “Racing & Sales” with information about Keeneland, the history of Thoroughbred racing in Lexington, the life of a Thoroughbred, the economic impact of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred industry and more. Pages include QR Codes for more information.
