Keeneland Race Course
Lexington, Kentucky
Keeneland Race Course, a National Historic Landmark, opened its gates in 1936. This picturesque setting with its ivy-covered walls and tree-lined paddock is located in the heart of horse country. The stone of the clubhouse, grandstand, and other original structures was quarried from native Kentucky limestone. Keeneland has preserved a tradition, showcasing all that is noble and fine about thoroughbred racing. The greatest horses, trainers, and jockeys have graced these historic grounds.
Home to the $1 million Toyoto Blue Grass Stakes, a premier Kentucky Derby prep race for contenders from across the country. For the 1984 inaugural running of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, the Queen herself was present. It was the only race she had attended in America.
Keeneland began conducting horse sales in the early 1940s. Today it is the world’s premier Thoroughbred auction house, with gross sales totaling more than a half-billion dollars annually.
