Although, Churchill Downs may be the center of attraction when it comes to American thoroughbred racing, the horse racing true capital is Keeneland. This racetrack is also in the state of Kentucky.
Lexington suddenly found itself without a racetrack when the century old Kentucky Association course in 1933 closed, an unthinkable situation for Thoroughbred City. Jack Keene who already had a stylish private track and stables on his property opened as a non-profit community venture of horse racing in 1936. Yes, a non-profit, as it remains today under the stewardship of Keeneland Association Inc.
Keeneland looks much today like it did in the ’30s, which is why the 2003 movie Seabiscuit was filmed here. However, there has been one important change since that movie came out: the 8.5-furlong dirt oval was re- surfaced with Polytrack in 2006. You will also find a 7.5-furlong turf oval in addition to the gorgeous Keeneland Library, which counts the entire Daily Racing Form archive among its important collections from the sport’s rich history.
Keeneland offers many of the best horse racing meets in the country. Eleven Grade 1 stakes races are run every year at Keeneland, including the $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes (nine furlongs, dirt, 3-year-olds) during the April spring meet, on the road to the Kentucky Derby. In addition, Keeneland also hosts several Breeders’ Cup prep races during the fall meet in October, highlighted by the $750,000 Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes for 3-year-olds and up.
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