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Keeneland Economic Impact
Keeneland’s spring and fall race meets, annual Thoroughbred auctions, year-round special events, tour program, retail operations and Keeneland Library as well as the construction of new facilities generates over $1.6 billion to Fayette and surrounding counties.
The following provides highlights from Keeneland's Economic Impact Study conducted by Dr. Thomas E. Lambert from the University of Louisville's Departments of Equine Administration and Economics.
Total Annual Impact
$1.6 billion+
Keeneland's total Economic Impact on the Lexington Metro Area in 2023
Thoroughbred Auctions
$1.16 billion
The total economic impact of Keeneland Thoroughbred auctions on Fayette and surrounding counties
Keeneland Spring & Fall Race Meets
$300* million
The total economic impact of the Keeneland Spring and Fall Race Meets on Fayette and surrounding counties
*Includes Keeneland Retail
Keeneland Supporting Business Lines
$97.7 million
The total economic impact of Keeneland's Special Events Program, Tours and Keeneland Library on Fayette and surrounding counties
New Construction
$166.6 million
The total economic impact of Keeneland's construction to enhance the guest experience for racing, sales and special events on Fayette and surrounding counties.
Racing & Sales Patron Spending
Each year, participants attending Keeneland's Thoroughbred auctions in September, November, January and April spend
$336 million
at area restaurant, hotels, attractions, retail shops, transportation providers, area businesses, etc.
67% of Keeneland Sales participants come from outside the state. Of those from out of state, 24% are from outside the United States
Each year, fans from outside of Lexington come to the Keeneland Spring and Fall Race meet and spend
$190 million
at area restaurant, hotels, attractions, retail shops, transportation providers, area businesses, etc.