Fifth-graders get hands-on Thoroughbred experience at Keeneland

For the seventh year, Keeneland will host fifth-graders from area public and private schools for an up-close, in-depth look at the Thoroughbred industry.

The tours begin each day in the Sales Pavilion, where students can participate in a mock horse auction. They also visit educational stations touching on Keeneland’s history, careers in the Thoroughbred industry, horse and rider safety, and track landmarks.

And of course, they get to pet horses.

“Keeneland is always excited to welcome these students, who are enthusiastic and eager to learn about anything related to horses,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said in a release. “The tours are a fun way to introduce them to an important part of where they live and encourage a lifelong connection to Keeneland and the Thoroughbred industry.”

The program has hosted more than 18,000 students since its inception, according to Keeneland’s website.

This story was originally published August 31, 2017 at 4:08 PM with the headline "Fifth-graders get hands-on Thoroughbred experience at Keeneland."