Breeders’ Cup 2015 – Where Will You Be ?

Breeders' Cup Unveils 2015 Keeneland Logo

 

I made a pilgrimage to the bucolic settings of Keeneland Race Course. Oh, I plan at least a trip or two in addition to my Wednesday visit. There is only so much time, and so few racing dates. -The day was glorious, and for those that had no clue, the Keeneland officials meet with the Wagering Gods in February, and work out a plan for the best possible weather for the fans to enjoy. After yesterday, I’m sure glad they had the meeting. – At the end of the day and a walk off winner, I ran into a gent who knows quite a bit about the plans for the big weekend. I had the pleasure of working under his tutelage, and what he taught me about the customer experience is unmatched. – As I was about to cash my big winner, the ten minutes speaking with Bob Elliston, Chief Operating Officer for the Breeders’ Cup was time well spent.

After a few minutes of light catching up, the talk soon turned to the big weekend. We both knew what was on each other’s mind, and a brief conversation soon had me believing not only that they did have the event in hand, but this was going to be a one-of-a-kind experience. – Bob is a visionary. He lead Turfway Park kicking and screaming into the machines for quite sometime. The year-to-year battle with expanded gaming, the brutal freeze / thaw weather situation in Northern Kentucky had all but taken it’s toll on this energetic leader. In the words of Popeye; “That’s all I can stand, and I can’t stand no more.”  Who can blame a track president whose hands were bound and pushed into the deep end to swim ?

This was not an interview, a probing piece, or secrets from the inner-sanctum. Just two old friends talking horse racing.

Ed – ” Bob, I’m pretty impressed with the scale of operation and addition of temporary seating at Keeneland. I was afraid to look at first, but this is first class all the way.”

Bob – ” Eddie, there is so much to offer guests in the form of amenities, it would be hard not to find something to fit your taste or expenditure.”

Ed – ” I love the idea, and I think if the Wagering Gods smile brightly, this is may be one of the best Breeders’ Cup Day of Champions to ever be run.”

Bob – ” We don’t want to displace anyone. There is plenty of cooperation with the University of Kentucky playing SEC rival Tennessee, and they have backed up the game to an early evening kickoff.  – There have been plans in the place for multiple shuttle parking areas, and utilization of every acre at Keeneland to accommodate every type of fan.”

Ed – ” It sure sounds like fun, but the ticket prices are a little over my spending budget.”

Bob – ” There is something for everyone for the weekend. You can be a casual fan, and walk around as a general admission guest experiencing the sights and delicacies of the region. – Don’t miss out on one of the biggest racing events ever.” –  According to the Breeders’ Cup site, here are some of the seating options for the day. 

Track side Luxury Chalets

Enjoy first-class access to an all-inclusive party venue inside of the Track side Luxury Chalet, located in the Clubhouse turn. Witness the racing action from the second floor, or make your way to the lawn, while enjoying food, beverage and private tellers. 2nd Floor – Climate-Controlled Seating.

Equestrian Dining Room – First Floor

Brats and Brews – First Floor

Loge Box Seats – First Floor

Grandstand Reserve Seating – 3rd Floor

KEENE BARN OR ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

Celebrate the Championships surrounded by the unrivaled atmosphere of one of Keeneland’s most popular venues. Stay comfortable in this heated two-part space and never miss a race on the many TVs located throughout. Guests will enjoy private buffet, mutuel tellers, live entertainment and premium cash bar. Guests will also have general admission access to Keeneland’s 1st level grounds. Onsite parking at the Entertainment Center is available for purchase.

 

BOURBON LOUNGE

The place to be on race days! Located in the Clubhouse turn facing the rail, this glassed-in and climate-controlled lounge offers incredible views of the Championships. Enjoy the races at the rail or from the multiple TVs located throughout this space. Guests will enjoy first come first-served lounge seating, private cash concessions and premium bar, restrooms, and mutuel tellers for a world-class Breeders’ Cup Experience.

THE HILL – Price is per carload – tailgate from your car!

The Hill –  located in the lawn near the Keene Entertainment Center and The Meadow, located in the lawn near the Keeneland Library is an excellent location for the social racing fan. Back by popular demand, fans will enjoy an array of local food trucks as well as premium bar for purchase! Betting windows and JUMBO TVs are placed throughout so fans do not miss out on any of the action!

Please Note: There are no reserved seats. Your access is your parking pass. There is no track view with this access. Price is per vehicle, not per person.

GENERAL ADMISSION PRINT AT HOME TICKETS

Purchase your general admission ticket in advance and print from the convenience of your own home! Includes access to the first floor level of the Grandstand grounds. Enjoy live racing from the track apron! Concessions, mutuel tellers, and restrooms are all in close proximity for fans.

I told him he looked about ten years younger. – Now only an old friend, or a glamour magazine is allowed to pull that one off. But his answer left me wondering why I hesitated in the first place. – ” Eddie, when my feet hit the floor every morning, I count myself extremely lucky to be involved in such a great venture.” -That’s the Bob Elliston who took a smaller Kentucky track and fought to turn it into a destination place. Not just a place where you could get your bet on, but a top-notch facility with incredible food and fan accommodations to serve the desires of guests from all walks. – He always had a bigger vision, and I think the Breeders’ Cup has the right man for the job. – I may be a little biased, but that is only because I had the rare opportunity to come under his tutelage. – As we shook hands and walked away, I think I’m going to go down as the casual fan. I started as one, and that is the reason I know what the “Average Joe” horse player enjoys. – I’m going back to my roots, and with comfy shoes and casual dress. I’ll enjoy the finery of the day, and the people watching will be worth a million dollars. – At the time of this entry, there are only 15 days and 1 hour until the first post. I’ve always been looking forward to the event, but now more than ever I want to experience the Keeneland magic on the world stage. – For those who like to wager, here is the complete wagering menu for the day. Be sure to check back, as we draw closer we’ll be talking horses and separating the pretenders from the contenders.

 

Here is the complete wagering menu and post times for the Breeders’ Cup:

  • The race order for the thirteen BC races will be set on Wednesday, October 21st
  • Guaranteed pool levels will be announced on October 21st

BET MINIMUMS
$1.00 – WIN, PLACE, SHOW
$1.00 EXACTA, DISTAFF/CLASSIC DAILY DOUBLE, DAILY DOUBLE AND PICK 6
$.50 – TRIFECTA, PICK 3, PICK 4, PICK 5, SUPER Hi 5
$.10SUPERFECTA

TAKEOUT RATES
16% – WIN, PLACE, SHOW
19% – ALL OTHERS

 

Friday, October 30

Race 1 12:30 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD PICK 5

Race 2 1:03 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD

Race 3 1:37 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD PICK 4

Race 4 2:11 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD

Race 5 2:47 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD PICK 6

Race 6 3:30 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD PICK 4

Race 7 4:10 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD PICK 4

Race 8 4:50 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD

Race 9 Distaff 5:35 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER SpDD SupHi 5

Race 10 6:10 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER

 

Saturday, October 31

Race 1 11:00 AM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD PICK 5

Race 2 11:30 AM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD

Race 3 12:05 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD PICK 4

Race 4 12:45 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD

Race 5 1:25 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD

Race 6 2:10 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD PICK 6

Race 7 2:50 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD

Race 8 3:30 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD PICK 4

Race 9 4:10 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD PICK 4

Race 10 4:50 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER PICK 3 DD

Race 11 Classic 5:35 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER DD SupHi 5

Race 12 6:10 PM WPS EX TRI SUPER

ALL POST-TIMES ARE EASTERN TIME