A Model Race Track for Generations to Come

In January 2024, Keeneland began an exciting construction project centered on a permanent Paddock Building and a reimagined Saddling Paddock – designed to honor our traditions while enhancing the fan experience.

Located alongside the Keeneland Paddock and Walking Ring, the new Paddock Building will expand viewing and dining experiences available to the public during racing, enhance hospitality during Keeneland’s Thoroughbred auctions and provide exceptional new venues for special events year-round. Furthering Keeneland’s culture of equine safety, the saddling stalls will be repositioned to provide the safest environment possible for equine and human participants and to give fans an unmatched view of the Saddling Paddock.

paddock elevation — Paddock Building Entrance

Phase One Debuts at the 2025 Fall Meet

Fans attending the 2025 Fall Meet will be the first to see:

Centrally located saddling stalls and Saddling Paddock enhancements: Saddling stalls have been repositioned along the east side of the Paddock, giving fans improved visibility of horses and their connections as they prepare for each race. This layout invites fans deeper into the traditions of race day while providing more space inside the Paddock and enhanced safety for participants. 
Jockeys Quarters and jockey entry: A new Jockeys Quarters has been constructed beneath the Paddock Building for jockeys, featuring modernized locker rooms, fitness area, steam and sauna amenities and other race-day essentials. Riders will enter the Saddling Paddock through a new centralized location from the Paddock Building, creating a photo-worthy moment for fans before each race. 
New East Entrance and East Plaza: Opening this fall, the new East Entrance will offer fans a scenic and welcoming arrival experience, framed by Keeneland’s signature limestone and iconic arches. Situated at the end of Keeneland Boulevard adjacent to the historic Sales Pavilion, the East Plaza is a new pedestrian space designed for guests to gather before race days, while also enhancing hospitality for Keeneland’s sales.
Widened South and East Entrance walkways: To improve the arrival and departure experience, patron walkways have been expanded within the South and East Entrances. These improvements ease foot traffic flow and create more space for fans to take in the beauty and pageantry of Keeneland’s historic Saddling Paddock.  
Stakes Winner’s Circle: Formerly known as the Walking Ring, this space has been reimagined to be a vibrant new focal point in the Saddling Paddock where fans can share in the thrill of victory alongside the winners of graded stakes races. Historically, trophy presentations following graded stakes races were conducted on the Keeneland turf course. Now, after each graded stakes, winners will return to this area for trophy presentations and celebrations. The Stakes Winner’s Circle will be adorned by a pair of bronze statues that once stood atop limestone pillars in the Paddock – returning these treasured pieces to a place of honor.

Looking Ahead

The Fall Meet marks the exciting first step in Keeneland’s vision for the Paddock Building. This fall, the space will host select experiences for sales clients and special events, with additional venues opening in phases. By the 2026 Spring Meet, the Paddock Building will be fully activated for race-day guests – offering new dining, hospitality and viewing experiences that will be released ahead of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new features will Fall Meet guests experience related to the Paddock Building?: Fans will enjoy several exciting updates, including centrally located saddling stalls for improved views, a reimagined Stakes Winner’s Circle for post-race celebrations and the striking new East Entrance and Plaza to enhance arrival and gathering during the race day. Behind the scenes, jockeys will benefit from a new Jockeys Quarters with modern amenities, with riders entering the Paddock through a new, more visible route for fans to enjoy.
When will the Paddock Building be fully operational?: This fall and winter, the Paddock Building will host special events and sales activations. New ticketed dining and hospitality venues will open for race-day guests at the 2026 Spring Meet.
Will dining be available in the Paddock Building for the 2025 Fall Meet?: Dining and ticketed hospitality experiences inside the Paddock Building will debut for race-day patrons at the 2026 Spring Meet. Until then, interior dining spaces will be used for special events and Keeneland sales.
Why is Keeneland debuting the Paddock Building in phases?: A phased approach allows us to introduce key enhancements to the Paddock and entry experience for the Fall Meet, host sales clients and special events later in the year and fully open to race-day guests in the 2026 Spring Meet – all while ensuring the highest quality experience at every stage.