The History of Keeneland

The lovely and well-manicured grounds of Keeneland are at the center of the Bluegrass horse industry. The facility is both a major racetrack and an important facility for horse sales. It's a must-see for anyone who loves horses and happens to be in the Lexington, Kentucky, area.

Backstory

The Kentucky Association racetrack was closed in 1933, creating the need for a replacement. An early contender was the property of J.O. "Jack" Keene on Versailles Road (then Versailles Pike).

Foundation

In 1935 the Keeneland Association was incorporated, with Hal Price Headley as its first president. They bought the Keene property for $130,000 plus some stock in the association.

Opening Day

The racetrack opened its doors for its first race day on Oct. 15, 1936. Attendance was for the Oct. 15th to 24th race period was 25,337.

Sales

The first auction of thoroughbred race horses at Keeneland was on April 25, 1938. Sales have been a major even there ever since.

Landmark

Keeneland was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Thoroughbred Center

In 2000, Keeneland bought the Kentucky Horse Center from Louisville's Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. They renamed it the Thoroughbred Center.

References

• Kenneland Timeline
• Lexington History Museum

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