The new Paddock area is part of a $100 million project at Keeneland that is expected to be finished in 2026.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The horse racing world is converging in Lexington this weekend for the start of the Fall Meet at Keeneland.

The historic track has undergone significant renovations over the last couple of years, part of a $100 million project.

As races began on Friday, Oct. 3, fans got their first glimpse at the new east entrance, which is underneath the new Paddock Building.

“It is beautiful and a very grand way to enter into Keeneland, walking up the path past the Sales Pavilion and into the Paddock area,” said Kara Heissenbuttel, senior director of community relations at Keeneland.

Underneath the Paddock Building sits the set of new saddling stalls. Keeneland officials said the location is safer for horses and the jockeys. The stalls are also more visible for fans to witness race preparation.

“It really provides a great experience for our fans to be able to be closer to the action, to see the horses getting saddled, see the conversations that are taking place between the trainers and the jockeys,” Heissenbuttel said. “It’s just exciting for our fans to be able to be closer to the action.”

The paddock area will also be the site of future trophy presentations, which Heissenbuttel said is bringing a special moment closer to the audience.

“In the past, they have gone over to the turf track, which was a fun tradition,” she explained. “But you had the best horses, jockeys, owners, trainers, and all of that excitement taking place so far away from our fans. So this will allow all of that to take place here in the heart of the Paddock, where all of the fans are able to be a part of that.”

Construction is ongoing at the new Paddock Building, which will include a number of new dining rooms. 

The project is expected to be finished in the spring of 2026, ahead of the Breeder’s Cup, which will be held at the track in November 2026.