Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky

Keeneland was founded in 1935; the thoroughbred racing facility and sales complex is located in Lexington, Kentucky. The facility is a nonprofit racing and auction entity set on 147 acres of farmland purchased by Jack Keene. The races at Keeneland have been held during the months of April through October, since 1936. When the track first opened on October 11th, 1936, more than 11,000 people attended the parks open house. Keeneland is well known for its elaborate reference library, the collection contains over 10,000 pieces, volumes which include video tapes, newspaper clippings and photographic negatives.

Keenland held its inaugural race on October 15th, 1936 and the paid attendance for the nine day fall race series was 25,337. On April 25th, 1938, the track held its first auction with a total of 31 lots being bought at a total cost of $24,885.00. Between 1943 and 1946, Keeneland was rated a "suburban'' plant and requested not to operate during wartime, due to a rubber shortage. As a result, the Keeneland Association rented facilities at Churchill Downs and the spring meets were held there during 1943 through 1945.

The racing side of Keeneland is known as the Keeneland Race Course. From the time of its inception, Keeneland has taken all winnings and proceeds from racing and auctions, and donated the monies back into the Thoroughbred industry and the surrounding communities. In the springtime, the racing meets contain preps for the Kentucky Derby, the best known of which is the Blue Grass Stakes, and in the fall, the race track features many Breeders Cup preps.

Keeneland takes great pride in maintaining the traditions and history of racing; it is the last racing track in North America to broadcast over a public address system. Because the appearance of the track has changed so little over the past several decades, racing scenes for the movie, "Seabiscuit,'' were filmed at the track. During the summer of 2006, the dirt track was replaced with Polytrack, in time for the fall racing season.

Keeneland is as famous for its racing as it is for its Thoroughbred sales. Every year, the track holds five horse auctions that attract buyers from all over the world. Over the years, Keeneland has been responsible for breeding and selling some of the biggest names in racing such as, Advancing Star, Caress and Fat Fleet Feet.

While visiting Keeneland guests have a wide array of options to choose from. The Paddock area is the highlight of any visit to Keeneland; here guests are invited to watch a new colt or filly being trained in the art of racing. The unique and beautiful landscape of Keeneland has set it apart from other race tracks; guests can tour the grounds and view the horses, visit the lush grounds and picnic in the park-like setting. The racing park welcomes visitors year round, and offers walking tours in the morning or afternoon. Through the years, Keeneland has become synonymous with everything great in Thoroughbred horse racing. Visitors will leave the park with a complete understanding of the impressive and interesting history surrounding horse racing.