Keeneland today is resuming its popular Fifth Grade Field Trips and will welcome a total of 1,800 fifth grade students from public and private schools in Fayette County through Friday to participate in a two-hour interactive tour designed to expand their knowledge of Keeneland and the Thoroughbred industry in Kentucky. 

This marks the resumption of the multi-day educational program for the first time since 2019. Keeneland has offered the Fifth Grade Field Trips in this format for a total of 10 years.

“We are so excited to resume the Fifth Grade Field Trips because we’ve missed the energy and enthusiasm of the students and the opportunity to share the Thoroughbred industry with them,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “This event is a fun way for students to hear about the historical, economic and cultural significance of Keeneland and the Thoroughbred industry and to learn about the variety of jobs in racing. For many students, these tours will be their first exposure to Keeneland and their first chance to touch a horse. Keeneland thanks our partners for helping us share the importance and the allure of the horse industry.”

Approximately 450 students will participate each day in the tour, which will begin at 10 a.m. in the Sales Pavilion with a welcome by Keeneland Senior Director of Operations and Community Relations Kara Heissenbuttel. Students then will watch a video about Keeneland and participate in a mock Thoroughbred auction. Next is a tour of themed educational stations around the grounds, where students will learn more about Keeneland and facets of the Thoroughbred industry.

Everyone will receive a book titled “Racing & Sales” with information about Keeneland, the history of Thoroughbred racing in Lexington, the life of a Thoroughbred, the economic impact of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred industry and more. Pages include QR Codes for more information.

Keeneland’s partners for the event are Amplify Horse Racing; Brook Ledge Horse Transportation; Godolphin; Kentucky Derby Museum; Life Adventure Center; Locust Trace AgriScience Center, part of Fayette County Public Schools; North American Racing Academy, affiliated with Bluegrass Community and Technical College; The Lignelli Family Foundation; University of Kentucky Equine Science Program; and Visit Horse Country.