Department of Tourism
Keeneland to Honor Retiring Jockey Pat Day on Oct. 13

LEXINGTON, Ky. -  Keeneland will honor retiring jockey Pat Day, the track’s all-time winning leader, with a day of festivities on Oct. 13, his 52nd birthday.

To salute the Hall of Fame rider’s remarkable career, Keeneland’s celebration will include a fan question-and-answer session in the paddock at noon. Moderators will be Keeneland announcer Kurt Becker and Director of Communications Jim Williams. The tribute will also include a free Pat Day print inspired by vintage Vanity Fair works for the first 5,000 paid admissions, a video tribute, a 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.

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

“It is difficult to imagine Keeneland 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 aboard Lil E.Tee in 1992. His career, which began in 1973, also included 12 Breeders’ Cup wins.

For more information, visit www.keeneland.com/calendar_events.

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