Keeneland will welcome approximately 2,900 fifth grade students from 33 area public and private schools each day this week for a two-hour interactive tour designed to expand their knowledge of Keeneland and the Thoroughbred industry in Central Kentucky. More than 23,000 fifth-grade students have participated in the program, now in its ninth year.
“These tours are fun experiences for students that help them understand the historical, economic and cultural significance of Keeneland and the Thoroughbred industry, which are so important to this area where they live,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “Keeneland enjoys hosting these students, and we thank our participating partners for helping us provide students with an interactive overview of the horse industry.”
Each day’s tour begins at 10 a.m. in the Sales Pavilion with a welcome by a member of Keeneland’s executive team. Students then will watch a video about Keeneland and participate in a mock Thoroughbred auction. For the remainder of their visit, they will tour themed educational stations around the track to learn more about Keeneland and its history and various careers in the horse industry.
Among those equine partners represented by stations throughout the walking tour are Godolphin; Kentucky Derby Museum; Locust Trace AgriScience Center, part of Fayette County Public Schools; North American Racing Academy, affiliated with Bluegrass Community and Technical College; and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital.
Students also will receive a special Thoroughbred Racing and Sales educational workbook designed to encourage further learning. The colorful pages contain information about Thoroughbred training and care, careers in the industry, jockey equipment, a glossary of equine terms and the industry’s economic impact in Kentucky.