Keeneland Racetrack

Keeneland Racecourse is a US horse racing venue found in Kentucky; an area famously known as the horse capital of the world. Located in the city of Lexington, the thoroughbred racing venue has been hosting nail-biting racing events since 1936. The venue operates events from April through to October and also provides live thoroughbred auctions throughout the year.

The venue, which is renowned for its traditional stone fences and buildings, was categorized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986, meaning it is recognized for its historical weight and significance. The venue is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

As well as being a profitable horse racing business, the owners of Keeneland are passionate about the preservation and progression of the thoroughbred horse racing industry. The business' mission statement reads that its ambition is “to create a model racetrack to perpetuate and improve the sport and to provide a course that is intended to serve as a symbol of the fine traditions of Thoroughbred racing.”

Races at Keeneland often serve as a launchpad for Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup champions, meaning some of the world's most regarded racers and hot prospects join races held at Keeneland.

Interestingly, the racecourse has been used in several films. This includes the 2003 sports film, Seabiscuit. The American course also provided the backdrop for the 2005 movie Dreamer and the 2010 film Secretariat.

Each year, the team that operates this celebrated venue awards the Mark of Distinction to one person. The awarded individual is presented with a button that displays the colors of their racing/farm silks.

Notable races at Keeneland Racecourse

Keeneland Racecourse hosts an impressive variety of races throughout the year; some of which boast huge attendee numbers. Races held at Keeneland Racecourse are also of keen interest to the betting community, with many of its Grade 1 fixtures being some of the most wagered-on races in the US.

Below, we profile the most notable races hosted by Keeneland Racecourse.

Grade I races at Keeneland:

Below, we look at the many Grade I races run at Keeneland Racecourse. Please note that the name of these races can change when new sponsorships come on board and attach their name to the events.

Alcibiades Stakes - The Alcibiades Stakes is an event held in October at Keeneland Racecourse. It was inaugurated in 1952 and covers a distance of 8.5 furlongs. The race is open to two-year-old fillies and is currently part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series. The winner of the Alcibiades Stakes gains automatic entry into the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. The race's purse currently sits around the $400,000 mark.

Ashland Stakes - The Ashland Stakes is an April fixture held at the Kentucky venue. The race was named after a popular American breeding farm and was first run in 1936. The Ashland Stakes made up part of the venue's inaugural race day, making it one of the most established races hosted by Keeneland. The Ashland Stakes at Keeneland is able to be entered by three-year-old fillies and like the Alcibiades Stakes covers a distance of 8.5 furlongs. While a key race for the Lexington course, the race was run at Churchill Downs in 1943, 1944 and 1945. This was during World War II.

Breeders' Futurity Stakes - This is an October event that boasts a purse of $500,000. Due to its interesting backstory and ability to attract top thoroughbred talent, the race is of keen interest to sponsors. The race has been sponsored by Lane's End Farm, Dixiana Farm and more recently, Claiborne Farm. It is open to two-year-old horses and covers one-sixteenth of a mile.

Other Grade I races at Keeneland Racecourse include the First Lady Stakes, Keeneland Turf Mile Stakes, Madison Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes, Jenny Wiley Stakes, Maker's 46 Mile Stakes and the Spinster Stakes.

Grade II races at Keeneland:

There are several Grade II races held at Keeneland Racecourse. These include the Appalachian Stakes, Elkhorn Stakes, Blue Grass Stakes, Shakertown Stakes, Phoenix Stakes, Raven Run Stakes, Woodford Stakes, Marathon Stakes, Jessamine Stakes and the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes.

Grade III race at Keeneland:

The Keeneland Racecourse also plays host to a full catalog of Grade III racing events. Races include the Bourbon Stakes, Franklin County Stakes, Beaumont Stakes, Lexington Stakes, Sycamore Stakes, Commonwealth Stakes, Doubledogdare Stakes, Ben Ali Stakes, Valley Vie Stakes, Dowager Stakes, Bewitch Stakes and the Transylvania Stakes.