LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Keeneland Race Course, in the midst of a historic expansion, is getting ready for another Breeders’ Cup closeup.
Officials announced Wednesday that Keeneland will host the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships — marking the fourth time the Lexington track will stage one of the sport’s premier international racing festivals. The two-day event is scheduled for Oct. 30-31, 2026, pending regulatory approval from Kentucky racing officials.
Keeneland’s selection comes at a pivotal moment for the historic venue, which is in the midst of a $100 million capital renovation — the most significant in its 89-year history.
“Keeneland exemplifies an unwavering dedication to excellence in Thoroughbred racing and is currently making a significant investment to benefit our great sport, making it an ideal venue to host the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “We look forward to welcoming fans back to the Horse Capital of the World, celebrating the rich history of the Bluegrass, and highlighting the tremendous farms that make the area so special as we celebrate the pinnacle of Thoroughbred racing.”
The centerpiece of that investment is a sweeping new Paddock Building designed to elevate the fan experience and streamline operations. Scheduled to debut this fall, the three-story facility stretches the length of the saddling paddock and walking ring, offering enhanced viewing, upgraded dining and lounge options, and new jockeys’ quarters that allow fans to interact with riders as they head to and from the track.
“We’re thrilled to share this global racing celebration with fans from all over the world and with the Lexington community,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “We are especially excited to host guests in our new Paddock Building with further enhanced hospitality experiences.”
Arvin added that Keeneland will again hold its “Championship Sale” the Wednesday before the 2026 event, providing another marquee moment for buyers and sellers of elite racehorses. And Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale, the most important auction of its kind in the world, will immediately follow the Breeders’ Cup, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The Breeders’ Cup’s return to Keeneland reaffirms the track’s continued importance as a world-class racing venue. And its track record at past Breeders’ Cups speaks for itself.
In 2015, American Pharoah capped his legendary Triple Crown season with a front-running, record-setting win in the Classic. In 2022, Flightline’s jaw-dropping 8¼-length Classic victory drew comparisons to the greats of the sport and helped launch the colt into retirement as one of racing’s most valuable stallions.
And then there are emotional moments — like Cody’s Wish, the colt named after Kentucky teen Cody Dorman, winning the 2022 Dirt Mile in a stirring finish that brought tears to eyes and a roar from the crowd.
In a parallel announcement, Breeders’ Cup officials also named the new Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., as host of the 2027 Championships.
Other sports stories:
Earl Clark to make much-anticipated TBT debut with Louisville alumni team
BOZICH | Readers respond to Louisville-Indianapolis sports town debate
CRAWFORD | Welcome to the college football oligarchy -- Greg Sankey is helping to build it
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
