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Frequently Asked Questions
The staff at Turfway Park is at your service. Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments, or check below to see if your question is one that fans frequently ask.

Enjoying the Day
What are Turfway's hours?
How much does it cost to come to Turfway?
Does Turfway have a dress code?
Are children allowed to come to the racetrack?
Does Turfway Park have a gift shop?
Can I host a party at Turfway?
Does Turfway have non-smoking areas?
What about food and beverage service?
May I bring my dog to Turfway?

Playing the Races
How can I learn to handicap a race and bet?
What time do Turfway's betting windows open?
How old do you have to be to bet?
Do I have to cash my ticket at the track where I placed my bet?
How long do I have to cash a winning ticket?
What are the takeout rates for Turfway races?

The Track
What is Polytrack?
Does Turfway have a turf course?
Why does Turfway race in the winter?

Video, Photos, TV
Are videos of Turfway races available on the Turfway web site?
Are Turfway races shown on television?
Where can I buy winner's circle and race pictures?
Where can I buy race videos?


What are Turfway's hours?
Gates open at 11:15 am Wednesday through Sunday during live and simulcast racing, or earlier as announced. The mutuel windows open 30 minutes before the first race, whether live or simulcast.

Post Times
Wednesday-Thursday
Winter/Spring Meet: 1:10 pm
Fall and Holiday meets: 5:30 pm

Friday
Holiday and Winter/Spring meets: 5:30 pm
Fall Meet: 7:00 pm

Saturday-Sunday
1:10 pm all meets

Although Turfway generally is closed for simulcasting and/or live racing on Monday and Tuesday, exceptions do occur. Check the web site for changes.

Concession stands and the Homestretch restaurant are open whenever the track is open for live or simulcast racing. Reservations for the Homestretch are recommended during live racing.

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What does it cost to come to Turfway?
General admission is free every day except Lane's End Stakes Day, and general parking is free every day. Valet parking is available. Reserved seating is available for the Kentucky Cup Day of Champions, Lane's End Stakes Day, and special simulcast events such as the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup. Please call (859) 371-0200 or (800) 733-0200 for information about these special dates.

A daily program for a single track, including Turfway during live racing, is $2. A simulcast program, usually covering three to five tracks, is $3. Daily Racing Form is also available at Turfway.

Concession stands and the Homestretch restaurant offer food and beverages at a wide range of prices.

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Does Turfway have a dress code?
On most days we don't have a dress code, although the "no shoes, no shirt, no service" rule applies. On Lane's End Day and other special days, jeans, shorts, tank tops, and similar casual attire are not permitted in the Clubhouse. Preferred attire in the Clubhouse on special days includes jackets and ties for men and dresses or pantsuits for women. Attire in the reserved seating areas and the grandstand is generally less formal even on special days, but Turfway encourages patrons to follow racing's traditions and dress accordingly.

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Are children allowed to come to the racetrack?
Children are welcome at the track so long as they are supervised at all times by an adult. Coloring books and crayons are available at the FasTrack/information booth on the first floor.

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Does Turfway Park have a gift shop?
The Paddock Shop, located in the lobby of the paddock entrance, offers Turfway and Keeneland logo apparel, other apparel, jewelry, artwork, toys, books, videos, items for your home, and more. The shop is open during live racing hours. To purchase items from the gift shop at other times, call the track at 859-371-0200.

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Can I host a party at Turfway?
We offer many options for meeting and parties, including full-service catering. Visit Group Sales or call (859) 647-4846 for more information and menus.

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Does Turfway have non-smoking areas?
The Homestretch Restaurant, located trackside on the first floor, is entirely non-smoking. Also on the first floor, sections of Players' Row and one of the glass-block Garden Theatre sections are non-smoking.

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May I bring my dog to Turfway?
For the safety of our horses and riders, dogs are not allowed at the track or in the barn area unless they are working dogs assisting disabled patrons.

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What about food and beverage service?
Enjoy casual dining in the Homestretch restaurant and bar, trackside on the first floor. The Homestretch is open whenever Turfway is open for live or simulcast racing; reservations are recommended during live racing. Concession stands on the first, second, and third floors offer a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, snacks, candy, ice cream, and bar service. Turfway also offers catering for group events and parties.

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How can I learn to handicap a race and bet?
Helpful materials are available at the FasTrack booth on Turfway's first floor, and you can also check out Wagering 101. Our programs also contain information on how to read the program and place a bet. Members of our staff are always on the floor during live racing and are happy to answer your questions.

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What time do Turfway's betting windows open?
The mutuel windows open 30 minutes before the first race of the day, whether live or simulcast. After the windows open, you may place bets for any race at any track that day. Turfway's gates open at 11:15 am ET, or earlier as announced. Changes in the schedule are posted on the web site.

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How old do you have to be to bet?
In Kentucky, you must be at least 18 years old to wager on Thoroughbred racing.

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Do I have to cash my ticket at the track where I placed my bet?
A ticket purchased at Turfway may be cashed at any Kentucky Thoroughbred track that uses the United Tote system. You can either take the ticket to the track or mail it to the track to the attention of the accounting department.

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How long do I have to cash a winning ticket?
Winning tickets must be cashed within one year from the date of issue, which is printed on the ticket. After one year, the track remits uncashed winnings to the state.

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What are the takeout rates for Turfway races?
Takeout on win, place, and show bets on Turfway races is 17.5%. Takeout on Exotics is 22%.

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What is Polytrack?
Polytrack is a revolutionary hybrid surface with two components: the hidden drainage system and the composite material on top. The top is a mix of polypropylene fibers, recycled rubber, spandex fibers, plastic cable coating, and silica sand, all coated with wax. Underneath is a network of perforated drains and two layers of rock capped with a layer of porous macadam. The drainage system lets water drain vertically through the surface. The track is known for its consistentcy and is very "kind" to horses' joints. For more information, visit the Polytrack website.

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Does Turfway have a turf course?
No, but during our Fall Meet we simulcast races from Kentucky Downs, a European-style turf course located in Franklin near the Tennessee border.

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Why does Turfway race in the winter?
Kentucky's tracks open and close in turn, ensuring that live racing is available in the state all year long. Turfway holds three meets each year: the Winter/Spring Meet from January 1 through early April; the Fall Meet in September-October; and the Holiday Meet in November-December. The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, a state agency, sets racing dates for Kentucky's tracks.

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Are videos of Turfway races available on the Turfway web site?
No, at this time we do not offer live streaming video or replays of our races on our web site. Live video of our races is available at such online wagering sites as YouBet and TVG. Replays are also available at RaceReplays.com.

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Are Turfway races shown on television?
Turfway races are shown on the TVG network. Check listings for your area.

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Where can I buy winner's circle and race pictures?
Stop by the track photographer's office under the arches near the paddock during live racing or contact him by e-mail or at (513) 910-3892.

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Where can I buy race videos?
Contact the horsemen's bookkeeper by e-mail or at (859) 647-4770.

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