As we enter the last two days of October, a slew of my Facebook memories for the last few days of this month were about times at Keeneland past and present, including from dates the grand track hosted the Breeders’ Cup.

Especially since I’m not in close enough proximity to easily experience the race days there, and in honor of the track hosting the Breeders’ Cup for 2026, I wanted to share my walk down memory lane.

From 2022:

Hall of Famer Lava Man accompanies Breeders’ Cup contender Slow Down Andy onto the track to train yesterday morning. I read somewhere Lava Man appeared to be looking at all the onlookers gathered, like remembering the days when he drew attention in his own race career (and he’s still very much a fan favorite!), and it seems like in the first photo that is exactly what he’s doing. He will retire to Old Friends after this year’s Breeders’ Cup, to get even more attention from fans and all the carrots he wants.

The Headless Horseman makes an appearance in Keeneland’s paddock

Also from 2022:

Flightline, currently the top ranked racehorse on the Longines World’s Best Racehorse list and winner of his last race by over 19 lengths, training at Keeneland yesterday morning for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. He drew a large crowd prior to his scheduled 7:30 a.m. workout.

From 2024, the most recent time I visited:

Keeneland spotted from a plane leaving Bluegrass Airport on October 26, shortly after the fall meet concluded

Here’s to a great second day of the Breeders’ Cup, and safe trips to all!