1940
Louis Lee Haggin II was elected Keeneland Race Course president, a position held to 1956.
1943
The first yearling sale at Keeneland was conducted by Fasig-Tipton under a tent in the paddock. The auction ran for three days (Aug. 9-11)
1943 - 1945
Keeneland, rated a "suburban" plant, was requested not to operate during World War II due to the shortage of rubber. Keeneland Association leased the facilities at Churchill Downs, where streetcars ran, and conducted spring meetings there during 1943-1945.
1946
Keeneland used the photo-finish camera for the first time.
1949
Keeneland installed an inside aluminum rail for its spring meeting, replacing the conventional wooden one. The new rail, at a cost of approximately $5,000, was the first of its kind to be used at an American racetrack.