LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — There will be no fans allowed for November's Breeders' Cup at Keeneland.
News Alert: The 2020 @BreedersCup at @keenelandracing will be run without fans. The World Championships will return to #Keeneland in 2022! More → https://t.co/giNxxpXwDi#BreedersCup #BC20 pic.twitter.com/IoI4L44EsL
— Keeneland (@keeneland) September 12, 2020
The decision was made following close, continuous communications with Gov. Andy Beshear, Keeneland, local and state government and public health officials and independent medical experts to fully assess the conditions under which major sporting events may expect to operate safely in the coming months.
On-site attendance will be limited to essential personnel and participants only. Those accessing the grounds will be subject to strict guidelines and protocols put in place as part of Breeders’ Cup’s comprehensive COVID-19 health and safety plan, which will be announced at a later time.
“While we are disappointed that we will not be joined by our fans on-site this year, our utmost priority is and always will be to conduct the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in the safest way possible,” said Fred Hertrich, Breeders’ Cup Board Chairman.
“We would like to thank Governor Beshear, state and local health officials and public health authorities for their leadership, guidance and insight as we have worked to identify our options and finalize our plans. Lexington’s local community of racing fans, businesses and members of the Thoroughbred industry are the backbone of our sport, and we believe they deserve a second opportunity, in short order, to experience the event at its full potential. As such, we are proud to award Keeneland the 2022 World Championships and look forward to bringing the Breeders’ Cup back to Lexington in just two years’ time.”
The Breeders' Cup at Keeneland is scheduled to take place November 6-7.
Keeneland also announced that it will host the 2022 Breeders' Cup.
