Keeneland Breeders’ Cup 2015 Excites Horse Racing Industry

Keeneland Breeders’ Cup 2015 Excites Horse Racing Industry: An official announcement is expected this week to confirm or deny that in fact Keeneland Racecourse will host the 2015 Breeders’ Cup World Championship. Despite the rumors, horse racing industry leaders are excited about the potential plans of Keeneland hosting the 2015 Breeders’ Cup. (see updated press release confirming Keeneland Breeders’ Cup 2015)

David Pope of Siena Farm, Briana Mott of Fashion at the Races, and thoroughbred owner Anita Cauley are among the professionals who are enthusiastic about the Breeders’ Cup in Keeneland and offer up their opinions and travel tips.

Owner and President of Siena Farm, David Pope, looks forward to the 2015 Breeders’ Cup in Kentucky. Siena Farm is located in Paris, Kentucky, just a short forty-minute drive from the charming national historic landmark, Keeneland Racecourse.

In a recent email interview, David Pope told us why he hopes to see the Breeders’ Cup returns to Kentucky saying, “Keeneland is an amazing place to spend an October afternoon with friends and family and enjoy premier thoroughbred racing. The employees of Keeneland pay special attention to the details to insure both fans and horsemen have a great experience. Keeneland only does things First Class. Thus, I am confident that they have a plan that as host of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, they will make it a truly special weekend of horse racing for all in attendance.”

David Pope also commented on how Lexington is the perfect place for visitors saying, “Lexington has many fine restaurants and hotels situated downtown, plus many of the surrounding communities such as Versailles, Midway, Georgetown and Paris are populated with great dining opportunities and all are within a thirty-minute drive of Keeneland. For the best experience, I would encourage visitors to consider the Bed and Breakfasts’ that are located in these smaller communities among the horse farms. In particular, Bourbon County has The Guesthouse at Rosecrest Farm and The Treehouse on Stoner Creek that are absolutely charming. In Paris, my favorite restaurant is Clay’s Downtown. The food is always delicious, and some nights they will have live music. Many local horse people frequent this establishment.”

Lexington can be enjoyed for several days before or after the big Breeders’ Cup two-day event with farm and bourbon tours. David Pope added, “Many of the prominent thoroughbred horse farms offer public tours including WinStar, Three Chimneys, Darley, Darby Dan and Claiborne. Definitely would recommend making reservations far in advance because tour space is limited. We also have the Bourbon Trail (my favorite distillery to take friends and family is Woodford Reserve), many local wineries (I highly recommend Equus Run in Midway), the Kentucky Horse Park, and Natural Bridge State Park is within a 45 minute drive of Lexington.”

David Pope concluded, “Lexington is a small enough community that I envision the city and local business embracing this opportunity of hosting the Breeders’ Cup and having several events scheduled to entertain the out-of-town guests, and the community is big enough that hotels and restaurants should have room for everyone.”

Fashion at the Races CEO Briana Mott, who resides in Kentucky, is always part of the Breeders’ Cup festivities regardless of the location. Briana is obviously ecstatic about the 2015 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland and gave us the inside scoop on where to visit during a visit to Lexington saying, “If you get a free day to yourself whether it be Thursday or Sunday, pop down to Wallace Station on Old Frankfort Pike (close to Keeneland) for lunch. It’s a great equine-esque place that was also featured on the Food Network! There’s a Fashion at the Races Calendar hanging up too!”

Briana tipped us off on Lexington’s nightlife saying, “For nightlife, great spots in Lexington would include Table 310 and Jax for food and cocktails. They are unique spots that you feel “exclusive” in. If you’re heading out for more after dinner, stop by Parlay Social for live music and cold drinks! Another great laid back spot is McCarthy’s Irish Pub-walls lined with horse racing pictures and cheap drinks- a great place to get in a bit of Irish trouble!”

Briana encourages horse racing fans to enjoy Kentucky during their 2015 Breeders’ Cup vacation saying, “Needing to unwind on Sunday after the two days, Midway is a great small town to walk through. Small shops and a couple restaurants is a great place to reminisce the fun time’s you had at Breeders’ Cup 2015!”

Anita Cauley, thoroughbred owner of such fan-favorites as On Fire Baby, is happy to see the change in location for the 2015 Breeders’ Cup saying, “As far as the Breeder’s Cup coming to Keeneland, I am really excited! The original intent was to feature the best horses in the world to various and “changing” tracks. It was never meant to be in one location. I understand the amazing draw to the west coast weather, but I love the idea that these great horses can be showcased across the U.S. Keeneland will be a gorgeous setting for the 2015 event!”

The 2014 Breeders’ Cup is set to take place at Santa Anita Park on Friday, October 31st and Saturday, November 1st in Arcadia California. Kentucky hasn’t hosted a Breeders’ Cup in four years and so far the change in location is a welcome one. Updated information regarding the time and location of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup will be available upon release.

For more information on the Breeders’ Cup visit the official website at Breederscup.com.