Horsemen Take Aim On Titles 

Gin Gin won the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup for Brendan Walsh. (Courtney Snow/Past The Wire)

Four days remain in Keeneland’s 17-day Fall Meet

Keeneland Release

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Before the start of racing on Wednesday — with four days remaining in Keeneland’s 17-day Fall Meet — jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., trainer Brendan Walsh and owner Spendthrift Farm lead their respective categories.

Ortiz, who is bidding for his second title as leading rider during a Keeneland meet, has 18 wins. He has won three stakes: the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) on Rhetorical, the Castle & Key Bourbon (G2) on Final Score and the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) on Nakatomi.

Ortiz — also the winningest jockey at Keeneland’s 2024 Spring Meet — begins today’s 14^th day of the season with four more wins than Luis Saez in second. Ortiz is named on horses in seven races today, nine races Thursday, nine races Friday and nine races Saturday.

Saez is named on horses in six races today, nine races Thursday, nine races Friday and 10 races Saturday.

In third place is Irad’s brother, Jose Ortiz, who begins today with 12 wins. He is named on horses in six races today, eight races Thursday, nine races Friday and 10 races Saturday.

Walsh — who is looking for his second title as leading trainer of a Keeneland meet — tops trainers with nine victories, including four stakes: the Juddmonte Spinster (G1) with Gin Gin, the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Dixiana with Lush Lips (GB), the Jessamine (G2) Presented by Keeneland Sales with Imaginationthelady and the Rood & Riddle Dowager (G3) with Venencia (FR).

The conditioner has horses entered in one race today, three races Thursday, four races Friday and seven races Saturday.

Spendthrift Farm has six wins from seven starters to lead owners. Its stakes victories are the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) with Ted Noffey and the Darley Alcibiades (G1) with Tommy Jo. In partnership with Repole Stable, Spendthrift co-owns a seventh winner: Tenacious Leader.

For the Fall Meet, Spendthrift has its final entrant Thursday.

The season record for wins by an owner is 17 set by Ken and Sarah Ramsey during the 2013 Fall Meet.

Closing-Week Special Events

Throughout the Fall Meet, special events and activities will continue Keeneland’s historic mission to support the Central Kentucky community and the Thoroughbred industry. They include:

Year-round

Official Keeneland Tours: Click here for description, availability and to purchase tickets.

Wednesday

WINS-Day Challenge Presented by Malone’s. This is an inexpensive way for beginner handicappers to give contests a try. Enter for $10 at Wagering Central on the first floor Grandstand and place a mythical $2 win and place wager – no actual money required – on the final six Keeneland races of the day. First 200 participants will receive a free Daily Racing Form and an appetizer card from Malone’s.

Friday and Saturday (weather permitting)

The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for tailgating on The Hill, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center and accessible via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland). Fans can watch the racing action via a jumbo TV and place their bets in a wagering tent while they enjoy live music presented by The Burl, food trucks and handicapping assistance from BETologists. Complimentary shuttles to the track are offered for people with admission tickets.

The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the final race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For fans who want to elevate their experience, Keeneland again is partnering with RevelXP to tailgate packages for groups of any size. RevelXP will organize tailgates by furnishing a designated tent, catering, amenities and more. Clickhere for more details.

Saturday

Halloween Edition of Sunrise Trackside. No ticket is required to attend this free morning program from 8-10 a.m., which is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Fans can enjoy a light breakfast for purchase at the Starting Gate concession stand while watching racehorses train. Children’s activities on the first floor Grandstand will include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting and games. Mini tours will be available at the Tours podium near the Saddling Paddock. From 8:30 to 9 a.m., fans can pet a horse in the Stakes Winner’s Circle (formerly the Walking Ring), and the John Deere Tractor Break will take place during the renovation period on the main track with a drawing for prizes from John Deere/Meade Tractor. 

The Halloween edition of Sunrise Trackside will include an appearance by the Headless Horseman at 8:30 a.m. in the Saddling Paddock and on the main track after the horses in Race 4 have left the track (post time for Race 4 is 2:36 p.m.).

Teacher Appreciation Day. Teachers, educators and staff along with one guest each will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Upon having their tickets scanned, this group will be automatically entered to win a giveaway to be drawn at 4 p.m. Through a partnership with Coca-Cola and UPS, educators are invited to visit a tent near the Paddock to sign up for giveaways and receive a complimentary voucher for a Coca-Cola beverage. The Keeneland Shop will offer a 15% discount to any active educator with a valid ID. Click here for more

FALL MEET LEADERS

Through Oct. 19 (13 days of 17-day season)