Who is permitted on to the sales grounds?

From Jan. 8-14, access to the Keeneland grounds is limited to credentialed sales participants, including consignors and their staff, buyers, veterinarians and their staff, farriers, van counter representatives, media and Keeneland employees.

Will my Virtual Badge credential from the November Breeding Stock Sale be valid again in January?

No, your November Sale credential will not be valid in January. In order to receive access to the grounds during the January Sale, you must reapply in Virtual Badge.

What requirements will attendees and staff need to complete in order to be on the grounds?

The following sales attendees will be required to receive a negative COVID-19 test within 10 days of their first entry to the Keeneland sales grounds:

• Consignors and their staff
• Veterinarians and their staff
• Farriers
• Van counter representatives
• Media
• Keeneland employees
• Any other person interfacing with the public on a daily basis

Keeneland will make available this service on-site on scheduled dates. Please note your COVID-19 test does not have to be taken at Keeneland; however, you must show proof of a negative test within 10 days of your initial entry to the sales grounds. Participants must also pass a health questionnaire and temperature check at entry.

How do I request a credential?

Keeneland has partnered with a trusted technology provider, Virtual Badge, to serve our digital credential needs for the January sale, conveniently accessible from your mobile device on the Virtual Badge app. Please click here for instructions to apply for a credential.

Why is location tracking required on the Virtual Badge app?

Location tracking is required on the Virtual Badge app for contact tracing purposes, and tracks whether you are on the grounds. The location tracking automatically turns off once you have left the grounds.

I'm not sure if I require a COVID-19 test – how can I be sure?

As a rule of thumb, anyone with a reason to enter a barn or stall is required to receive a negative COVID-19 test. A reminder that those with a Buyer/Owner/Agent credential may not enter the barn or shedrows for the January Sale.

Are masks required?

Yes, every person must be in a face covering, both indoors and outdoors, even when social distancing.

Will Keeneland be performing COVID-19 testing?

Yes, COVID-19 testing will be available on-site at Keeneland on the following dates for credentialed attendees to the January Sale. No appointment is necessary and you may arrive anytime during these testing windows.

All testing will take place at the Keene Barn and you should enter through Gate 1. If a participant is not available for testing during these windows, please contact credentialing@keeneland.com, and we will work to make testing available. 

Please note that your COVID-19 test does not have to be taken at Keeneland; however, you must show proof of a negative test within 10 days of your entry to the grounds.

Dec. 28-29 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Will Keeneland be increasing its sanitation of the grounds?

Yes, Keeneland will have increased sanitation throughout the grounds and in the Sales Pavilion, and more than 275 sanitizing stations throughout the grounds. Keeneland will also have nightly cleanings where everything will be disinfected.   

Will there be limitations on areas you can enter within the Sales Pavilion?

Capacity will be limited to 40% in the Sales Pavilion, including the Sales Arena. Buyers are encouraged to enter the arena just before they are ready to bid on a horse. Participants may not sit in the benches in the hallway. Congregating is prohibited in the balk walking ring.

What are the bidding options for buyers unable to travel to Keeneland?

Buyers may bid remotely by phone or online for the January Sale. We encourage you to sign up for an account and request credit digitally in the Keeneland Sales Portal at portal.keeneland.com. For full details on remote bidding options, visit keeneland.com/bidding.

How can buyers inspect horses remotely?

Keeneland has enhanced its online catalog, where sellers may submit walking videos. These can be viewed at flex.keeneland.com/saleindex/saleindex.html.

How will the repository differ this year?

Veterinarians are encouraged to register in-person at Keeneland and utilize the online 24/7 remote viewing that Keeneland’s repository provides for a contactless option. The on-site repository will operate at 50% capacity, and social distancing will be enforced. 

Will Keeneland implement contactless options within the sales process?

Keeneland’s ticket writers will be outfitted in personal protective equipment, including a face shield, and will provide sanitized pens and clipboards for each transaction. 

Are children permitted to attend the sale?

All sales participants, including children, will require a credential to enter the grounds. Only credentialed individuals participating in the sale will be permitted to attend. 

What is the earliest date I can test to be approved for a credential?

The earliest you can be tested and submit a credential request for the January Sale is Dec. 28.

What is the cost for COVID-19 testing at Keeneland?

No out of pocket expenses will be incurred. Keeneland will cover the cost of any expenses for testing outside of your insurance.

What is the turnaround time on tests conducted at Keeneland? Can I return to the barn with a mask if asymptomatic until results are sent?

Keeneland uses a PCR test and you will receive results electronically within 48 hours after you submit your test sample. After testing you must leave the grounds until you receive your negative test and approved credential. Keeneland is providing the testing early enough to allow everyone to be tested prior to needing to be on the grounds to work. 

Is an Agent considered a Buyer with regards to testing requirements?

Correct. Bloodstock agents will not be required to receive a negative COVID-19 test unless they are also a consignor or represent another group entering the barn area that requires testing.

Can an individual who shortlists receive a credential, and what are their requirements?

Each of these individuals will need to be credentialed, but a negative COVID-19 test will not be required as they will be considered buyers unless they are also working in the barn area for a consignor.

How should I submit a negative test taken outside of Keeneland?

Within your digital credential, you will have the ability to upload images of your negative COVID-19 test should it be taken at another location. Keeneland is requiring a PCR test should you receive a test off-site.

Will caterers need to be tested? How will deliveries to the barns work?

No. Those making deliveries will not be required to have a COVID-19 test, however we ask these individuals to enter through Gate 1 and pass the health screening process. There will be designated drop-off areas at the following locations where you should meet these caterers and other vendors: shuttle stop near Barn 49, Track Kitchen, North Gate entrance, location by Barns 2 & 3 where Entertainment Center Drive meets the parking lot

Will van drivers need to be tested?

No, a test is not required but van drivers will pass the screening process at entry. Van drivers will not be allowed to get out of their vehicle at the loading chutes and all consignors will need to meet their horses at the receiving chute. After all horses are loaded/unloaded the van must leave the grounds.

Will the Track Kitchen still be in service? How will it operate?

The Track Kitchen will be open from 5 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Dine-in will be available at a 25% capacity, unless stated otherwise in accordance with current capacity guidelines. The Track Kitchen will continue to offer its carry-out services and advanced ordering, which you can place online at keeneland.com/trackkitchen.

Do those who deliver hay/straw/feed need to be credentialed and tested? What about night watchmen?

Yes. As a rule of thumb, anyone who has a business need to enter the barn area will require a negative COVID-19 test.

What if I have previously tested positive for COVID-19 or the antibodies? 

If you have previously tested positive for COVID-19 and the results are dated prior to 10 days from your arrival on the grounds, you should submit the positive test. 

Per the Fayette County Health Department, a negative test is not deemed necessary after your 10-day quarantine and further testing is not warranted for 90 days.

If you tested positive more than 90 days before your entry to the grounds, you will be required to re-test as it is outside of the 90-day antibody window.

What forms of identification are required to present for testing?

Please bring your health insurance card. If you do not have health insurance, please bring a Social Security card or verbally supply your Social Security number. 

What should I do if I don't have access to a smartphone or computer/email?

Please email credentialing@keeneland.com or call (859) 254-3412 for assistance.