who owns keeneland race course

Was Keeneland ever a good venue for a horse race?

Many horse industry personnel were skeptical of Keeneland as a suitable venue because the track and town were too small to host such a large event. However it was a huge success and even had a Thoroughbred Daily News writer report "I was wrong...it was spectacular" and how he "couldn't be more impressed".

What is the mission of Keeneland Racing Company?

Only at Keeneland are world-class racing and industry-leading sales united under one mission-driven entity. Today, Keeneland continues to be guided by its original mission, taking a leadership role in the industry to improve safety, promote integrity and strengthen the sport of racing.

How much money does Keeneland contribute to its racing purse?

Racing purses – Over the past 7 years, nearly $40 million has been contributed by Keeneland sales above what is required per horsemen agreements to fund one of the richest purse structures in North America.

What is the Keeneland horse racing classification system?

It includes two distinct divisions: the Keeneland Race Course, a Thoroughbred racing facility, and Keeneland Sales, a horse auction complex. It is also known for its reference library. In 2009, the Horseplayers Association of North America introduced a rating system for 65 Thoroughbred racetracks in North America.

Does Churchill Downs own Keeneland?

Churchill Downs and Keeneland Announce Historic Partnership to Propose Construction of Two New Racing Facilities in Corbin and Oak Grove, Kentucky. LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) (“CDI”) and Keeneland Association, Inc.

Is Keeneland a non profit organization?

Keeneland Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 2000, and donations are tax-deductible. Is this your nonprofit?

How does Keeneland make money?

Keeneland retains a large portion of its annual earnings after subsidizing purses and contributing to its Foundation. Its cash reserves, sources have told the Paulick Report, are in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Does Churchill Downs own Kentucky Downs?

Churchill Downs Incorporated is the parent company of Churchill Downs. The company has evolved from one racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, to a multi American-state-wide, publicly traded company with racetracks, casinos and an online wagering company among its portfolio of businesses.

How much money does Keeneland make?

Keeneland's September Yearling Sale, a bellwether event for the Thoroughbred industry, concluded Friday with gross sales of $352 million, sixth-highest in sale history, and record cumulative average and median prices.

What horse is buried at Keeneland?

SecretariatThe festival also features tours of Lane's End Farm, Spendthrift Farm, Calumet Farm, and Claiborne Farm, where Secretariat was a longtime stallion and was buried upon his death in 1989. The Secretariat Festival remains committed to bringing fans together annually to celebrate the life and legacy of Secretariat.

How many acres is Keeneland?

1,000 acresKeeneland started as 147 acres in 1935 and today is over 1,000 acres. The tradition that exists here is unparalleled. There's just no other place like it. Keeneland has 46 barns which encompass 1600 stalls.

Who is Keeneland named after?

Jack KeeneJack Keene, for whom Keeneland is named, was an extraordinary figure in American racing, and helped revive this industry during the 1930s when it was beginning to suffer. Keene was a descendant of a distinguished Lexington family and was known worldwide as a trainer of thoroughbreds.

How many horses are sold each year?

Live SalesJanuary Horses of All Ages Sale2018Total:$35,819,200Sold9392017Total:$29,962,000Sold99936 more rows

Who owns Ellis Park?

Laguna Development CorporationIn the summer of 2019, Ellis Park was purchased by Ellis Entertainment, LLC - a subsidiary of Laguna Development Corporation in New Mexico - for $11 million.

Who owns Twin Spires?

Churchill Downs IncorporatedChurchill DownsTwinSpires/Parent organizations

Who owns the Santa Anita race track?

Stronach GroupSanta Anita Park / OwnerStronach Group, doing business as 1/ST, is an entertainment and real estate company in North America with Thoroughbred horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core. Wikipedia

Who owns Keeneland Association?

In other words, the Keeneland Association is now owned by Keeneland Trustees, Inc.

Who controls Keeneland shares?

The vast majority of shares given back to Keeneland are controlled by three trustees who make all of the critical decisions for the company . Keeneland's board of directors is viewed as a “rubber stamp” board, according to several board members who spoke with the Paulick Report. “It's usually 'Here is what we're going to do, and thank you for coming,'” one longtime board member said. Another said financial documents distributed at Keeneland board meetings are skeletal compared with those of other boards.

Why was Keeneland founded?

Keeneland was formed because of the widespread support of horsemen and the local community, and it became an extremely profitable company because of the many Thoroughbred breeders who sell their horses there.

Who are the trustees of Keeneland?

The current trustees are Will Farish, Louis Lee Haggin III and William M. Lear Jr. An attorney who is not active in the horse business, Lear only recently replaced another attorney, William T. “Buddy” Bishop III, the son of the longtime Keeneland general manager. Buddy Bishop, who died earlier this year, was named a trustee in 2005 following the death of Charles Nuckols Jr. Farish was named a trustee in 2005 as a replacement for James E. “Ted” Bassett III, who had to step down because of age requirements. Bassett has been associated with Keeneland since 1968 and served as its president and board chairman. Haggin is the longest-running trustee.

When is Keeneland's annual shareholders meeting?

Those individuals are entitled to attend the annual shareholders meeting, which usually is held in October. At that meeting, shareholders are given an opportunity to inspect the financial records of the company, but no financial materials are distributed.

Is Keeneland looking at expansion?

Some have suggested the retained earnings could present a tax problem, and that is one reason Keeneland is looking at an expansion project that could take a huge bite out of those cash reserves. Potential legal issues might also help explain why the last two individuals appointed Keeneland trustees are attorneys.

Does Keeneland offer lifetime membership?

As an enticement to return the shares to the association, sources have said Keeneland may have offered lifetime membership in the Keeneland Club or coveted clubhouse or grandstand boxes. At any rate, of the 3,500-plus shares of Keeneland stock originally sold, only a few remain in the hands of individuals.

How much has Keeneland contributed to racing purses?

Racing purses – Over the last 5 years, $30 million has been contributed by Keeneland Sales above what is required per horsemen agreements to fund one of the richest purse structures in North America.

When did Keeneland open?

Since opening in October 1936, Keeneland has been unique in the Thoroughbred industry. Only at Keeneland are world-class racing and industry-leading sales united under one mission-driven entity.

Is Keeneland a community?

Local community – Proudly serving as a leader in Central Kentucky, Keeneland is committed to the community. This community activism began with Keeneland founders and continues to this day. Keene land has donated millions to local charities, as well as to health and educational programs. Intended as a gathering place for the local community, Keeneland hosts hundreds of charitable and private events annually.

When was Keeneland founded?

Keeneland was founded in 1936 as a place that welcomed everyone and gave back to our industry and community. Today, we continue to follow that mission - a mission that's only possible through the hard work of our talented employees.

What is the Keeneland Promise?

The Keeneland Promise defines our guiding principles – a commitment to our founders, our industry, our community and to each other.#N#Let these words guide your actions and you'll fit right in.

Is Keeneland a good place to work?

Over the course of the last five years, including 2020, our employees’ feedback on our work environment has resulted in Keeneland being named one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky! We offer three types of positions: full-time, year-round part-time, and seasonal race meet and special event employment. We also offer Spring and Fall internships to college students.

Are you ready to join the Keeneland family?

Everything we do at Keeneland is the result of the hard work and talent of our employees. We are committed to providing our team members with a great place to work.

How many stakes are there in Keeneland?

Keeneland’s fall meeting opens with FallStars Weekend, featuring nine graded stakes, led by the Shadwell Turf Mile, Darley Alcibiades, Juddmonte Spinster, Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity and First Lady, all Grade 1 stakes which have served as a springboard to Breeders’ Cup success for many horses.

Who founded Keeneland?

From its inception in 1936, Keeneland’s founders, led by respected horsemen Hal Price Headley and Major Louis Beard, intended it to be a special place—one that symbolizes the best in Thoroughbred racing.

When is Keeneland meeting?

Each April and October, the nation’s best Thoroughbred owners, trainers and jockeys converge at Keeneland to compete for some of North America’s richest purse money. The spring meeting is anchored by the Toyota Blue Grass and Central Bank Ashland Stakes, Grade 1 prep races for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1), respectively. Keeneland’s fall meeting opens with FallStars Weekend, featuring nine graded stakes, led by the Shadwell Turf Mile, Darley Alcibiades, Juddmonte Spinster, Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity and First Lady, all Grade 1 stakes which have served as a springboard to Breeders’ Cup success for many horses.

Is Keeneland open to the public?

Keeneland is a National Historic Landmark, and its beautiful, park-like grounds are open to the public every day. Fans also are welcome to visit the Keeneland Library, one of the world’s largest informational and pictorial repositories related to Thoroughbred racing.

Is Keeneland a TAA member?

Keeneland is a proud supporter of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA).

How many races does Keeneland have?

Keeneland usually runs nine races a day Wednesday through Sunday. First post is 1:05 p.m. unless otherwise announced, and gates open at 11 a.m. for the racing day.

How much does it cost to park at Keeneland?

Once you’re on the grounds, parking is relatively straightforward. Members of the Keeneland Club and their guests receive valet parking outside the clubhouse for $10. There are paved parking areas close to the grandstand that cost $5 a spot (accessible through Gate 1, the main gate), but the vast majority of Keeneland’s parking is free and spread throughout the gently rolling grounds approaching the racetrack (accessible through Gate 2). That usually means parking on grass or gravel and making a long trek in, but those in less comfy shoes can take heart: Keeneland also operates four complimentary shuttles that loop through the parking area all day, stopping at each covered and numbered stop every 10 or 15 minutes. There is handicapped-accessible parking, too.

How long is the Haggin course?

The racetrack itself consists of a 1 1/16-mile Polytrack oval with a 7 1/2-furlong turf course, called the Haggin Course, inside it (interestingly, when a temporary rail is set 15 feet from the inside rail on the turf course, the course is then referred to as the Keeneland Course). Until 2006, the outer 1 1/16-mile strip was dirt, and in 1948, ...

What is the Keene Place plantation house?

Another notable building on the grounds, though not part of the racetrack proper, is the Keene Place plantation house. It dates to the early 1800s and is now available to rent for private functions.

What is the winner's circle in Keeneland?

For its first 48 years, Keeneland’s winner’s circle was just a chalk circle that the clerk of scales drew on the dirt track or , in the case of stakes races, simply a spot on the turf course where winning owners and trainers picked up the trophy (still a Keeneland tradition).

When was Polytrack installed?

Keeneland installed the Polytrack in 2006 as part of a major renovation that also reconfigured the main track to improve the oval’s symmetry (and eased what had been a notoriously tight turn in the previous asymmetric design), added high-definition television cameras, replaced the marker poles with more prominent square versions, and installed a new LED tote board, among other changes.

Where is the Hill at Keene?

There is one other free parking area on the grounds. Known as “The Hill,” it is prime tailgating territory, and you can find it adjacent to the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center after you enter through Gate 1.