2023 Elkhorn winner Verstappen. (Keeneland Photo)
Keeneland Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Keeneland today welcomed VisitLEX, the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau, as sponsor of the $350,000 Elkhorn (G2) on Saturday, April 20. VisitLEX promotes Lexington and the Bluegrass region as a destination for leisure and convention travelers and over the years has partnered with Keeneland on numerous philanthropic endeavors and like-minded initiatives.
“We are thrilled to add VisitLEX to our team of race sponsors,” Keeneland Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Christa Marrillia said. “Keeneland’s mission aligns perfectly with the goals of VisitLEX, and we are always excited for opportunities to showcase all that Lexington has to offer to our visitors from around the world while also celebrating the Bluegrass region as a community.”
“As the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington’s brand is built on our connection to the equine industry,” VisitLEX President Mary Quinn Ramer said. “VisitLEX is proud of the continued partnership with Keeneland, including our sponsorship of the Elkhorn.”
The VisitLEX sponsorship will provide opportunities for Keeneland guests to enhance their stay in Lexington with rich itineraries and guides accessible through the track’s Welcome Center, information booths and digital platforms. Keeneland and VisitLEX also will give fans the opportunity to capture photos with some of Lexington’s beloved icons, including the VisitLEX big blue horse, “Big Lex.”
First run in 1986, the VisitLEX Elkhorn is a 1½-mile turf race for 4-year-olds and up. The race was named for the stream in Central Kentucky that runs through Fayette, Scott, Woodford and Franklin Counties.
A fork of the Elkhorn known as Town Branch was Lexington’s first water source and was used to plot Main Street and other streets in downtown. Town Branch later was covered but today is being daylighted as part of Town Branch Park, a transformative public-private park and trail system being built to trace Town Branch through downtown Lexington.
The VisitLEX Elkhorn is one of 19 stakes worth a season record $8.1 million that Keeneland will hold during its 16-day Spring Meet from April 5-26. Stakes include the 100th running of the
$1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) on April 6.
About VisitLEX
VisitLEX is a destination sales, marketing and service organization charged with promoting Lexington’s Bluegrass Region for the purpose of attracting visitors and growing the economy. For more information: www.visitlex.com.
