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Keeneland
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Keeneland History |
Keeneland Race Course was founded in
1935, sited on 147.5 acres of Keeneland Stud Farm on Versailles Pike
west of Lexington, which was owned by Jack Keene. It embarked on a
tradition of equestrian distinction with the closure of the Kentucky
Association track in 1933. It formally opened its gates in October 1936,
supervised by a group of volunteers known as the Keeneland Association,
and was to become one of the world's foremost and solitary non-profit
tracks.
Due to Keeneland's commitment in preserving its racing traditions
and moderately changing its appearance over the last several decades, it
was chosen as the primary location for the majority of the racing scenes
in the movie Seabiscuit, shot in 2003. Until 1997, it was also the last
track in North America to transmit race calls over the public-address
system.
From its inauguration, the earnings from races and its auctions
have been distributed back into the community, as well as to advance the
Thoroughbred industry. In 1940, in order to direct further profits into
the community through charitable contributions, the Keeneland
Association restructured its corporate configuration, and initiated the
implementation of horse sales.
Today, globally, it's the leading Thoroughbred auction house,
hosting four horse auctions annually, captivating the attention of
buyers internationally, and in the process, priding itself annually,
with over half-billion dollars in gross sales. The profits are dispersed
by means of increased winnings to horsemen, investment development and
liberal donations to charitable, research and educational institutions.
Two of the biggest meets in Keeneland occur annually in the
spring and fall. Held on the first Saturday in May, the spring meet is
host to a number of preps for the Kentucky Derby - the most
distinguished being the Blue Grass Stakes, and numerous Breeders' Cup
preps convening at the fall meet.
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Keeneland Contact Info |
Phone (859) 254-3412
Fax (859) 255-2484
Website www.keeneland.com
Physical Address Keeneland Association, Inc.
4201 Versailles Road
Postal Address Keeneland Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 1690
Lexington, Kentucky
40588-1690
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| | 2009/11/20 11:34:36 AM |
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