Keeneland to Salute Hall of Fame Jockey Pat Day

Keeneland will honor its all-time leading jockey Pat Day with a day of festivities saluting the Hall of Fame rider's remarkable career on Oct. 13 - his 52nd birthday.

Activities surrounding Keeneland's "A Day to Remember" celebration include a fan question and answer session in the Paddock at Noon, moderated by Keeneland's announcer Kurt Becker and director of communications, Jim Williams; a free Vanity Fair-inspired, vintage-style print of Day for the first 5,000 paid admissions; a video tribute, a special winner's circle ceremony, and an autograph session.

"I am honored. It is going to be extra special to return to Keeneland for this occasion," Day said. "While I might be slightly sad about the fact that this means one chapter in my life is ending, it also means another is beginning. I also am looking forward to interacting with the Keeneland fans. They have always been so good to me."

Day announced his retirement from Thoroughbred racing on Aug. 4, 2005 with 8,803 total career wins. His Keeneland career concluded with a remarkable 918 wins-including 95 stake wins and 22 leading rider titles - numbers that likely will never be eclipsed by another rider. His first win at Keeneland came at the 1980 spring meeting.

"It is difficult to imagine Keeneland racing without Pat Day," said Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson. "We all will miss him very much, but wish him well on his retirement."

Day won the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) in 1992 aboard Lil E. Tee, which he described as among the most satisfying moments of his long and illustrious career that began in 1973.

He also has twelve Breeders' Cup wins to his credit.