LEXINGTON, Ky. — Churchill Downs in Louisville is under renovation and now Kentucky’s other major horseracing track is doing the same. Keeneland announced plans for a major overhaul. 

The capital investments project includes building a permanent paddock building and a “reimagined saddling experience.” The new building will sit alongside the Keeneland Paddock and the Walking Ring. Fans will get expanded viewing and the track will offer dining experiences during signature race meets and the thoroughbred auctions. Keeneland said in the release, its dedication to equine safety will reposition the saddling stalls so that humans and equine participants will be safe, while giving visitors a good view of the Saddling Paddock.

Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said, “This project is central to our mission because it will allow us to welcome more fans and give them a variety of world-class experiences during our race meets and beyond. The improvements to our saddling processes are not only functional in providing more space for horses and horsemen, but the results will offer unobstructed views to showcase the beauty and pageantry of our equine and human athletes.”

Keeneland announces construction of a new Paddock Building and enhancements to the Saddling Paddock. This is a rendering of the saddling area. (Keeneland Photo)

Construction will begin Jan. 2024 following Keeneland’s January Horses of All Ages sale. The track hopes to complete the project in the Fall of 2025. Keeneland will continue to hold race meets and sales at full capacity during the construction. Churchill Downs did the same thing during its construction.

The new paddock building will be three levels and will sit where Keeneland’s administrative building and jockeys quarters currently stand. It will take up the entire length of the Paddock and Walking Ring. The new area will offer fans different experiences including sit-down dining, new bar concepts, a rooftop and more.

“We spent a great deal of time looking at racing venues and sports facilities around the world for inspiration.” Arvin said. “We also talked to our stakeholders and fans to understand what they love most about spending a day at Keeneland, whether it be during racing, sales or another occasion. Keeneland’s fans are the best in the industry, and we know the demand for tickets is often greater than the supply. This new facility will allow us to provide a variety of unique experiences, allowing more fans to enjoy the finest hospitality in sports.”

The East Gate entrance will be reconfigured into the Paddock Building. This will allow the area around the historic sycamore tree to be expanded.

New jockeys’ quarters will be inside the building and this will allow fans to see jockeys walk directly through the area before each race.

Keeneland announces construction of a new Paddock Building and enhancements to the Saddling Paddock. This is a look at the view of the track from Keeneland Boulevard. (Keeneland Photo)

With the addition of the new Paddock Building, a new two-story operations building is also planned. The creation of this space will let Keeneland consolidate business and operations teams, putting everyone under one roof.

This capital project is the largest at Keeneland since the track opened almost 90 years ago and is the first major construction at Keeneland since the library was built in 2002.

The project is expected to cost $93 million. Keeneland is working with state and local government to secure incentive money to support the project. The Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet has recommended, and Keeneland has received preliminary approval for incentives to support the project totaling up to $23.2 million.

“Keeneland is a historic destination for our local families and travelers, and this exciting investment will create more opportunities for everyone to enjoy, while boosting our signature horse racing industry and Kentucky’s $12.9 billion tourism industry,” said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky. He added, “The horse racing industry is as indispensable to our economy as it is to our culture, and after a record-breaking year for tourism in 2022, leaders like Keeneland are going to help ensure Kentucky’s success continues for years to come.” 

Populous is serving as lead architect and will carry out exterior and interior architecture and design, landscape design and experiential branding for the project. 

Keeneland opened in 936 and has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2-15, 2020 and 2022. The track was named a National Historic Landmark in 1986.