We are pleased to continue our series about the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 and the region around the famed Kentucky Horse Park where the action will take place in four years. This article focuses on a nearby thoroughbred racing and selling institution known internationally as “Keeneland.” The Keeneland Association Located in Lexington, in the heart of Central Kentucky, Keeneland is a rare combination of high-stakes commerce, genteel sporting tradition and remarkable innovations. As the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction company, Keeneland’s horse sales annually exceed USD 800 million. Its racing program offers some of the richest purses — and therefore the most competitive racing — of any track on the continent. And, in 2006, Keeneland underscored its commitment to the horse by installing a revolutionary Polytrack racing surface on its main track in a project aimed at making it the safest, most modern racetrack in the world. Unique in structure, Keeneland operates as a for-profit company with a not-for-profit mission. Fueled mostly by the success of the horse sales, Keeneland funnels its profits back into the community and the industry in the form of higher purses to horsemen, capital improvements and generous contributions to charitable, educational and research organizations. Through the years, Keeneland has contributed more than USD 14 million to charitable causes. Now a National Historic Landmark, Keeneland attracts racing enthusiasts from around the world to watch top Thoroughbreds, trainers, owners and jockeys vie for a spot in racing history. Keeneland prides itself on maintaining the traditions instilled by its forefathers, while remaining consistent with changes in the ever-evolving equine industry. Keeneland began conducting horse sales in the 1940s. Initially, the horse sales were offered on a relatively small scale — in fact the first sale took place under a tent in the Keeneland paddock. Today, Keeneland is the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house. Visit Keeneland During the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games Keeneland is open year-round and visitors attending the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 are encouraged to add a trip to their itineraries. During the Games, Keeneland will be concluding its world-famous September Yearling Sale and gearing up for its fall race meeting in October. Visitors attending the sale will get a glimpse at Thoroughbred racing’s next big stars and witness first-hand the high-voltage energy in the sales pavilion, as owners and trainers huddle to make their selections. Through the years, Keeneland has sold 16 Kentucky Derby winners and 51 Breeders’ Cup winners. Keeneland’s fall race meeting has earned a reputation as a preview of coming attractions for the Breeders’ Cup Thoroughbred Championship. Since the inaugural running of the Breeders’ Cup in 1984, 26 horses have prepped at Keeneland before distinguishing themselves on this big day of racing. For those who like watching early morning workouts, Keeneland’s main track is open for training from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. After the workouts, patrons can enjoy breakfast in the track kitchen where they might dine next to a famous horse owner, trainer or jockey. The barn area at Keeneland also is open to the public. To Learn More Visitors wanting to learn more about Keeneland can visit its website at www.keeneland.com or send an email to communications@keeneland.com.