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KEENELAND RACECOURSE |
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| Lexington, Kentucky is the home of Keeneland
racecourse which was opened in 1936 and administered by the Keeneland Association Limited.
Built on land owned by the wealthy Jack Keene, it was his vision to have his own
racecourse, and flat racing has taken place regularly in the Spring and Summer months from
April to October ever since. |
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In 1985 a grass track was added to supplement the original
dirt track, and in 2006 a further change was to an all-weather surface. |
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| The course hosts 11 Group One races annually,
including the Blue Grass Stakes, the Turf Mile and the Breeder's Futurity Stakes. The Blue
Grass, for 3 year olds run over 9 furlongs, has been run in Kentucky since 1911 being
first run at the Keeneland Association racecourse. However, it moved to Keeneland in 1937
when won by Fencing, and the most recent 2008 winner was Monba. The Shadwell Turf Mile was
introduced in 1986 for 3 year olds and upwards, with Leprechauns Wish, ridden by Jerry
Bailey, winning the first event. More recently Thorn Song has been victorious. |
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The most famous race to be held annually at the track is
the Breeder's Futurity Stakes for 2 year olds over 8 and a hlaf furlongs. It was first run
in 1910 at Keeneland Association racecourse but switched to this track in 1938 when
Johnstown was successful. The latest renewal in 2008 saw the John Best trained Square
Eddie claim victory. |
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| If you have badges, racecards, pictures
of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email
johnslusar@fsmail.net |