Keeneland Association and the NBC Sports Group announced Aug. 18 a partnership to broadcast “Autumn at Keeneland,” over two weekends this fall beginning Oct. 7 on VERSUS and culminating with an hour-long live broadcast of Keeneland’s 75th anniversary Oct. 15 on NBC.
The announcement was made by Keeneland president and CEO Nick Nicholson, and Jon Miller, president of programming for NBC Sports and VERSUS.
Keeneland conducts Thoroughbred racing every April and October, with the autumn meet kicking off with FallStars Weekend—a lineup that includes nine graded stakes over three days.
“We can think of no better way to celebrate our anniversary season than with our friends at NBC,” said Nicholson in a statement. “They have done an outstanding job with their coverage of 'Summer at Saratoga,' and anytime we can showcase quality racing on a national level, it’s good for our entire sport.”
“Keeneland is one of the true iconic venues in horse racing,” said Miller in a release. “With the great results we had from this year’s Triple Crown and the tremendous response we are getting from our 'Summer at Saratoga' package, to be able to add 'Autumn at Keeneland' further cements the NBC Sports Group as the home of horse racing.”
NBC Sports Group "Autumn at Keeneland" Coverage (all times ET)
Friday, Oct. 7, 5-6 p.m., ET, VERSUS
• Featuring the $400,000 Darley Alcibiades (gr. I) and $175,000 Stoll Keenon Odgen Phoenix Stakes (gr. III)
Saturday, Oct. 8, 5-6 p.m., ET, VERSUS
• Featuring the $600,000 Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) and $400,000 Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (gr. I)
Sunday, Oct. 9, 5-6 p.m., ET, VERSUS
• Featuring the $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster (gr. I) and $100,000 Bourbon (gr. III)
Saturday, Oct. 15, 5-6 p.m. ET, NBC
• Featuring the $400,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (gr. I) and $125,000 Keeneland 75th Anniversary (L)