Keeneland Legacy Exhibit

In 2004 a revolutionary new track surface was introduced. Polytrack®, a manufactured combination of conventional and synthetic materials, was installed on the three-fifths-mile training track as the first public use in North America.

Developed more than 30 years ago in the United Kingdom by Martin Collins, Polytrack is a unique formula of polypropylene fibers, recycled rubber, and silica sand covered in a wax coating. In keeping with Keeneland’s long tradition, the new track provides a safer, more consistent racing surface than a conventional dirt track.

Keeneland is the third racecourse in North America to install the new surface on its main track (the other two tracks are owned by the Keeneland Association), which required construction of a completely new sub-surface and drainage system. Completed in time for the 2004 Fall Meet, the surface insures there will be no more “slow” tracks on rainy days.
To the naked eye, the track appears to be as any other dirt track. But a lot of innovation lies beneath the surface. On top is a loose layer of Polytrack about three inches thick. Beneath that is another seven inches of tightly compacted Polytrack. Then a layer of porous asphalt supported by layers of stone and dense gravel that feed water into perforated drainage pipes.

The Keeneland Foundation

In addition to the Keeneland Legacy exhibit, you can also see Lexington Salutes the Keeneland Foundation.  This exhibit documents the history of the Keeneland Foundation, the charitable giving arm of the Keeneland Association.  Many organizations in Lexington would not be what they are today with out the donations of the Keeneland Foundation.