Lexington Track Awards $40,000 to Students
Higher education students received $40,000 in scholarship funds on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, during Keeneland College Scholarship Day in Lexington. The biannual event brought together the horse racing industry and academic initiatives to support students pursuing their academic goals.
Activities and Scholarships Distributed at Keeneland
Organizers handed out 12 total scholarships throughout the day at Keeneland. The distribution included two $2,000 scholarships given out each race, with 10 overall awarded, alongside two $10,000 scholarships granted after the fifth race. Elizabeth Marshall, a University of Kentucky freshman, and Baleigh Mosley, a Morehead State University senior, secured the $10,000 awards, according to Keeneland’s Instagram. Beyond the financial awards, student attendees received free gifts including a Keeneland bag, a T-shirt, and pre-race snacks.
Erin Betts, a Keeneland community relations employee, helped plan the activities, giveaways, and student experiences for the track event. “We want to make sure that you all come back for generations and bring your families back one day to continue our sport and the tradition of Keeneland racing,” Betts said. She noted that walking away with a $10,000 award alongside track partners provides a life-changing amount of money to help reduce higher education costs.
Student Reactions to Trackside Events and Betting
Students attending the track explored various activities beyond the scholarship drawings. Eastern Kentucky University freshman Madison Tappel highlighted the social aspect of the gathering. “I think what makes Scholarship Day different is the fact that it’s a lot of college students that get to come together,” Tappel said. Her friend and fellow EKU freshman, Alaina Fabre, added that she was excited to dress up and spend time with friends.
Other students engaged in sports betting alongside the racing events. Nathaniel Spangler, an EKU junior, pointed out the unique atmosphere of the venue. “This environment is just something you can only get whenever you come here,” Spangler said. University of Kentucky senior Nate Arserio, an out-of-state student who initially hesitated to visit the track, mentioned he has now attended Scholarship Day four times.
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