Keeneland

Address:4201 Versailles Road
Lexington, Kentucky

It's not quite Churchill Downs, but Lexington's Keeneland Race Course is one of the finest not only in Kentucky, but in the whole of the United States. In addition to the racecourse, it also features a noteworthy thoroughbred breeding farm and stable area. Although racing is confined to the months between April and October, the track still attracts visitors year-round. That is because the facility holds four horse auctions throughout the year that have brought many big-time buyers from all over the world to Kentucky.

The biggest race of the year at Keeneland is the Grade I Bluegrass Stakes, one of the most important prep races for the Kentucky Derby. The track also holds several other Grade I races, as well as multiple stakes races of other grades. In the October meet, several important Breeders Cup prep races are held.

Opening in 1936, Keeneland has tried to maintain a sense of tradition and history, not remodeling or refurbishing the racetrack except when absolutely necessary. As a result, the 2003 film "Seabiscuit" featured many racing scenes filmed here because of its resemblance to an old-time track. However, in recent years, even Keeneland has grudgingly made some changes, most notably the installation of a new synthetic track.

Keeneland is located just west of downtown Lexington, between the airport and downtown.