Keeneland

Keeneland is a boutique racecourse located in Lexington, Kentucky and with its 1,200 acres of perfectly manicured grounds in the heart of the bluegrass, is known as one of the most beautiful race courses in the country.

Our story began in 1935, in the midst of the Great Depression. A volunteer committee comprising 10 men and led by respected horsemen Hal Price Headley and Major Louis Beard began their quest to bring racing back to Lexington after the downtown track had closed a few years prior.

Their goal was to create a race track unique in structure, and from this idea came our first prospectus. “To be made a racing plant so attractive, so typical of racing’s best traditions, and so wholesome in every respect that it will be a gathering place for all who are truly interested in the Thoroughbred, and a living embodiment and symbol of a great sport.” As Headley said, “We want a place where those who love horses can come and picnic with us and thrill to the sport of the Bluegrass. We are not running a race plant to hear the click of the mutuel machines. We want them to come out here to enjoy God’s sunshine, fresh air and to watch horses race.”

From among 20 locations, they selected Jack Keene’s property, which included a mile and a furlong private track, combination stone castle and barn, a 100,000-gallon water tank, a roadway, and land for future stables and parking.

While many of these facilities have transformed over the years, the original layout and many of the Kentucky Limestone structures on the grounds still stand today. One of these buildings is Keene Place, which was the original home of the Keene Family. Originally built in 1806, the German-styled mansion with its original fireplace, floors, mantles, and icehouse were restored in 2006 back to their original grandeur. Some of the additional wood was even handcrafted into furniture. Since the renovation, Keene Place is home to our most intimate weddings and celebrations and brings a wonderful touch of historic Kentucky charm to each event. Another ode to our past is our iconic Sycamore Tree which is estimated to be over 100 years old and stands majestically amidst the array of horses getting ready for their grand debut on the track. It is also one of our more photographed locations on the grounds and is visible from a few of our venues as well.

Over the years, Keeneland has grown to be more than just a racing facility, taking on horse sales as well to become the world's leading Thoroughbred auction house. Today, buyers and sellers come from 50 different countries all around the world to showcase and their horses on racing's most iconic stage.

Although Keeneland has evolved as our history has progressed, we still carry the same theology and goals with us today and would love the opportunity to share our unique and historic facilities to help make your event one that will create lasting memories for years to come.

With our expansive grounds, we are blessed to have a variety of venues to share, each with their own motifs and backdrops. From historic mansions to barns, green spaces, stunning stonework, and breathtaking views, Keeneland has much to offer all in one property. If you have a specific vision in mind, feel free to give us a call and we would be more than happy to walk through any recommendations that will best assist with making your event one of a kind.