Kentucky Equine Education Project - KEEP Foundation

23/09/2026

✨Scholarship Spotlight✨

Emily Pope, a junior at the University of Kentucky, is pursuing a degree in Equine Science & Management and is a member of the UK Rodeo Team.

“I hope to become a professional equine rehabilitation therapist and start a rehab business where horse owners can be confident that the care their four-legged athletes receive will be affordable and effective.”

Congratulations, Emily, on being a 2026 KEEP Foundation & Race For Education Scholarship recipient!

23/09/2026

Big news for Lexington!

The Red Mile Announces Dates for 2027 Breeders Crown

Harness racing’s 12 championship events will culminate in Lexington on October 22-23

LEXINGTON, Ky. — September 22, 2026 — The Red Mile, in partnership with the Hambletonian Society, announced Tuesday that the 2027 Breeders Crown finals will be held Friday, October 22, and Saturday, October 23 at the historic Lexington racetrack. Eliminations, as necessary, are scheduled for Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16.

The dates were formally unveiled during a press conference at The Red Mile attended by Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, local dignitaries, community leaders and officials from across the harness racing industry.

Recognized as harness racing’s world championships, the Breeders Crown brings together the sport’s premier Standardbreds, drivers, trainers, owners and breeders. The series features 12 championship events across divisions of age, gait and gender and plays a defining role in determining divisional honors.

“The opportunity to host the Breeders Crown represents a significant moment for The Red Mile, the Lexington community and the future of harness racing in Kentucky,” said Joe Costa, president and CEO of The Red Mile. “Our team is committed to delivering a first-class championship experience that reflects the stature of this event and the history of this racetrack. Lexington has a deep appreciation for championship equine competition, and we look forward to welcoming the sport’s finest horses and horsemen while showcasing harness racing on one of its most important stages.”

Created by the Hambletonian Society in 1984, the Breeders Crown was established to provide a year-end championship in each of harness racing’s major divisions. Since its inception, the series has become one of the sport’s most prestigious and consequential events, attracting leading competitors and racing fans from throughout North America and beyond. The Red Mile has previously hosted two Breeders Crown divisional championships, but 2027 will mark the first time it hosts the complete Breeders Crown series.

“The Breeders Crown is where an entire season of hard work reaches its defining moment—it all comes down to the Breeders Crown,” said John Campbell, president and CEO of the Hambletonian Society. “For the first time, all 12 divisions will be contested at The Red Mile, bringing the very best horses and horsemen in the world to one of racing’s most historic stages. Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World, and The Red Mile’s history and connection to the very best of our sport make it a remarkable setting to crown our champions. We look forward to working with The Red Mile and the Lexington community to create an unforgettable event for everyone to enjoy.”

The announcement comes during The Red Mile’s 2026 live harness racing season and ahead of the track’s signature Grand Circuit meet. Grand Circuit racing will be held October 1–3 and October 8–10, with first post at 1 p.m. each day. The 134th Kentucky Futurity, one of harness racing’s most historic events and the third leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, will headline the Saturday, October 3, program.

Planning for the 2027 Breeders Crown is underway. Additional details regarding tickets, hospitality, sponsorship opportunities and the full schedule of events will be announced as they become available.

About The Red Mile
Established in 1875, The Red Mile is one of the world’s most historic Standardbred racetracks and a cornerstone of Lexington’s equine heritage. The one-mile oval is home to the Kentucky Futurity and annually welcomes many of harness racing’s leading horses, drivers, trainers and owners during its Grand Circuit meet. Located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, The Red Mile continues its longstanding tradition of championship racing while offering year-round gaming, dining and entertainment.
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PHOTO: The Red Mile and community leaders gathered Tuesday, Sept. 22, to announce the dates and unveil the official logo for the 2027 Breeders Crown at The Red Mile. Pictured from left: Emily Ratcliff, Director of Sponsorship at The Red Mile; Damon Thayer, former Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader; Dr. Scottie Day, Vice President of Children’s Health at UK HealthCare and Physician-in-Chief of Golisano Children’s at UK; The Red Mile mascot; Kentucky State Senator Julie Raque Adams; Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton; Kentucky State Representative Matthew Koch; and Joe Costa, President and CEO of The Red Mile. Photo courtesy of University of Kentucky Public Relations.

22/09/2026

21/09/2026

Mark your calendars 🐎 2027 tickets go on sale TOMORROW, 9:00 AM ET.

Next April, we celebrate 50 years of the Kentucky Three-Day Event, and you won’t want to miss it.

View the ticket options here: https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets

21/09/2026

One of our 2026 KEEP Foundation and Race for Education Scholarship recipients. So excited to see all that Noah accomplishes in the industry! 👏🏼

16/09/2026

The “Horses Work” Seattle Slew specialty license plate is one way to show your support for Kentucky’s horse industry while helping fund programs and initiatives that benefit the people & organizations that keep the industry moving forward!

You can purchase a plate for your vehicle anytime or renew your current plate at your local DMV.

🔗 Learn more about the Seattle Slew specialty plate at the link in our bio

14/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week to celebrate the 2026 KEEP Foundation and Race for Education scholarship recipients. We’re proud to support these students and look forward to seeing where their education and passion for the equine and agricultural industries take them.

A special thank you to Thoroughbred Charities of America for their support that helps the Race for Education continue to provide scholarship opportunities for Kentucky horsemen’s families and invest in the next generation of industry professionals.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 scholarship recipients! We’re excited to see all that you accomplish.

09/09/2026

The Race for Education has donated 10 computers for participants who do not have access to computers.

“Education is empowering, and this program will benefit jockeys while they are riding and help ensure their success after the races,” said Elisabeth Jensen, President and Co-Founder of The Race for Education. “This aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are proud to play a role in the program's success.”

The Jockeys' Guild Education Foundation has launched an introductory class for jockeys to help build their academic skills.

09/09/2026

September is Rocky Mountain Horse Month! 🐴

Kentucky is home to a breed with a story of its own. The Rocky Mountain Horse traces its roots to eastern Kentucky, where the breed developed in the late 19th century. Horses suited to the region needed to be dependable, versatile and comfortable to ride across the Appalachian terrain.

Today, the RMH is recognized for its naturally smooth four-beat gait and calm, willing nature. The breed also has a distinctive look, often associated with a chocolate-colored coat and flaxen mane and tail.

The Rocky Mountain Horse Association was founded in Kentucky in 1986 to help preserve the breed and its history. More than a century after its development, the RMH remains part of the diverse equine heritage that makes Kentucky’s horse industry unique.