Tyson Gay, Plum Pretty to appear at Keeneland Sunday
by BRIS
Date Posted: 10/8/2012 3:27:15 PM
Last Updated: 10/12/2012 1:28:14 PM

Keeneland will welcome Olympian and Lexington, Kentucky, native Tyson Gay to the races on Sunday for a special salute. Gay is a triple world champion, an American record holder and the second-fastest man in history. He earned a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympic games as part of the 4x 100-meter relay team.

"This is an opportunity for Keeneland fans to pay tribute to Tyson," Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. "He is such a terrific example of how to compete at the highest level and do it with the utmost sportsmanship. He is a wonderful role model and this is a chance to say thank you to him for all he has accomplished."

Gay's public schedule on Sunday includes:

  • Noon (EDT) -- National Anthem sung by Marlana Van Hoose, a Kentucky Special Olympics athlete. 
  • 12:05 p.m. -- Q & A in the Keeneland paddock, moderated by Tom Leach.
  • 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. -- Autograph signing adjacent to the Keeneland Gift Shop. Gay will autograph photos provided by Keeneland only.
  • Trophy Presentation -- 7TH race (approximately 4:17 p.m.)
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    Also on Sunday, Keeneland fans will have the opportunity to meet 2011 Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty, when she will be paraded in the paddock before the 5TH race.

    Owned by John Fort's Peachtree Stables, the recently retired Plum Pretty is a multiple Grade 1 winner who won the Kentucky Oaks in a thrilling stretch duel, besting a stellar field of 13 other fillies. Her other victories include the Grade 1 Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park, the Grade 2 Cotillion at Parx and the Sunland Park Oaks, which she won by 25 lengths. The four-year-old daughter of Medaglia d'Oro earned more than $1.6 million, with five wins and on-the-board finishes in 10 of 12 starts.

    She is cataloged in Keeneland's upcoming November Breeding Stock Sale and will be consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency as agent.

    Plum Pretty festivities for the day include a number of ways for fans to interact with the horse and her connections.

  • Ladies young and old who wear purple to the track will receive a Plum Pretty button and the opportunity to win a photograph session with the filly and win her halter. Fans wearing purple may register at the Plum Pretty tent in the paddock area.
  • The first 1,000 fans to register will receive a free Plum Pretty poster.
  • A designated concession stand will sell Plum Pretty purple sundaes and purple jockey silk cookies. 
  • Plum Pretty will make an appearance in the Paddock just prior to the 5TH race.
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