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Keeneland, Red Mile join forces in modernized facility to offer instant racing, simulcast wagering


Rendering of new facility

Rendering of new facility

By Liane Crossley
NKyTribune correspondent

After 140 years of Standardbred racing, The Red Mile in Lexington has stepped into another new era with a modernized simulcast wagering section that foreshadows even more renovations.

Upgrades are scheduled for completion in September with the launch of 1,000 historical racing machines—also known as Instant Racing—in a vast remodeled area still under construction. Similar to slot machines, Instant Racing terminals allow patrons to bet on anonymous, previously run Thoroughbred races.

In keeping with The Red Mile’s rich harness racing tradition, live racing season kicked off on July 26 and continues through Oct. 10. The season is highlighted by the final eight days of the Grand Circuit when the nation’s leading Standardbreds and their connections compete in prestigious races.

On July 15, Keeneland moved its year-round simulcast operations to The Red Mile to offer wagering on Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse racing at one Lexington location. Although off-track betting is no longer available at Keeneland on a steady basis, the track still will have simulcasting during the spring and fall racing seasons and on Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks days.

Upgrades are scheduled for completion in September with the launch of 1,000 historical racing machines—also known as Instant Racing—in a vast remodeled area still under construction (Erin Grigson Photo)

Upgrades are scheduled for completion in September with the launch of 1,000 historical racing machines—also known as Instant Racing—in a vast remodeled area still under construction (Erin Grigson Photo)

“Our goal is to create a destination experience which will positively impact the entire horse industry as well as the local economy,” Keeneland Vice President Vince Gabbert said. “We believe that by consolidating our simulcast operations in a premier location, we will enhance fan interest in live racing.”

While work on the building and front parking section continue, patrons can enter the facility at the entrance near the intersection of South Broadway and Red Mile Road. Ample signage near the iconic Round Barn points the way towards the track and grandstand. Friendly employees in golf carts offer door-to-door shuttling.

Once inside, customers will enjoy an enhanced version of the quaint place.

“The facility has been completely refurbished with new carpet, new wall coverings, new lights and new TVs,” said Jim Goodman, Keeneland’s director of mutuels and simulcast. “It also has been expanded by 5,000 square feet. In that area, you can sit in the middle of the room and see 23 different TV signals.”

Other upgrades include new windows and tiled floors.

The Red Mile likely will host a larger than normal crowd on Aug. 2 for the simulcast of American Pharoah’s first start since sweeping the Triple Crown. The wildly popular colt will race in the $1-million Haskell Invitational Stakes at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. His ultimate target is the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland.

Post time for the Haskell Stakes is 5:52 p.m. An hour later, Standardbreds will be trotting or pacing around The Red Mile in the first live race of the evening. Harness action takes place each Saturday, Sunday and Thursday evening through Sept. 19. The Grand Circuit of premiere competition closes the season from Sept. 30 through Oct. 3 and for the final four days of daytime action Oct. 7-10.

More than a century

The Red Mile’s modernized facility continues the long tradition that began on Sept. 28, 1875 with the inaugural day of Standardbred racing. Through the turns of two centuries, horses and racing remain on the same land that is now surrounded by urban sprawl.

The Red Mile built its reputation on the red clay surface that has produced a long list of track record-setting Standardbreds. Monetary records were set adjacent to The Red Mile at Tattersalls Sales Co. where international buyers gathered each fall for premiere auctions of Standardbreds.

The auction generated some of the largest prices in the industry. In 2012, the property was demolished to make way for apartments but a comparable sale of quality Standardbreds is held each October at Fasig-Tipton Co. in Lexington.

Standardbreds are not the only breed to populate the sales grounds and barn area at The Red Mile. Most notably, the renowned Junior League Charity Horse Show is held on the hallowed grounds each summer. The event is billed as the world’s largest outdoor show for American Saddlebreds, a breed known for its high stepping gaits.

Quarter Horse racing was conducted at Red Mile in recent years. The novel event was a crowd pleaser but it has not been held since 2010 in part because minimal prize money failed to attract enough entrants.

Buildings surrounding the track have their own history. The Round Barn, also known as Floral Hall, is a white octagonal structure on the National Register of Historic Places. In its lifespan of more than 100 years, the barn has housed horses, stable workers, soldiers and flowers displayed in competitions. The barn is available for parties with enough seating space for 200 guests.

The 116-year-old Fennell’s tack shop has been selling leather goods within sight of the Round Barn for more than four decades.

The Red Mile has survived through nearly a century and a half of changes and retains a certain charm amid urban sprawl. Past and present are juxtaposed each time the Standardbreds and their sulkies streak down the stretch beneath Lexington’s petite n skyline. While the outdoor grandstand retains a folksy feel, the interior is all contemporary.

“When you walk into the room, it looks brand new,” Goodman said.

Liane Crossley is a Lexington-based freelance writer.


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