History
The Kentucky Association, formed in 1826, built its Lexington track on land acquired between 1828 and 1834, and the Phoenix Hotel Handicap was first run there in 1831. Isaac Murphy won his first race at the track in 1876, and the Blue Grass Stakes began there in 1911.
The association closed the track in spring 1933, the same year the Keeneland Association was incorporated, and the facilities were torn down in 1935.
Why it matters: It was the birthplace of the Blue Grass Stakes and a 19th-century center of American Thoroughbred racing.
Timeline
- July 23, 1826Association formed[1]
The Kentucky Association was formed to promote Thoroughbred breeding and racing.
- 1831Phoenix Hotel Handicap[1]
The Phoenix Hotel Handicap, today's Phoenix Stakes, was first run at the track.
- September 16, 1876Isaac Murphy's first win[1]
Jockey Isaac Burns Murphy earned his first win at the track.
- 1911Blue Grass Stakes founded[1]
The Breeders' Futurity (1910) and Blue Grass Stakes (1911) were first run at the track.
- January 27, 1921Man o' War arrives[1]
Man o' War was stabled at the track on his arrival in Kentucky.
- 1933Track closes[1]
The association closed the racetrack in the spring of 1933.
- 1935Facilities torn down[1]
The track's facilities were torn down.
The site today
| Physical status | Demolished[1] |
|---|---|
| Surviving remnants | The track's gates were replicated at Keeneland Race Course. |
| Mapped location | Former venue site |
We have not verified what occupies the site today. Know? Tell us, with a source.
Street View near the former site · Satellite view (external, current imagery)
Venue facts
| Other names | Lexington Race Course; Kentucky Racing Association |
|---|---|
| Location | East end of 5th Street at Race Street, Lexington, Lexington, Kentucky[1] |
| Venue type | Racetrack |
| Sports | Horse racing |
| Level | Thoroughbred |
| Opened | 1828–1834[1] |
| Last used for sports | 1933[1] |
| Demolished | 1935[1] |
| Physical status | Demolished |
| Owner / operator | Kentucky Association; Kentucky Jockey Club from 1918-1919 |
Documented details
- Wikipedia calls the Kentucky Association the oldest turf organization in America.[1]
Sources
- Kentucky Association, Wikipedia. Accessed 2026-10-19Supports: address, closed, coordinates, demolished, events, opened
Research confidence
Some facts on this page rely on a single source or are still being corroborated. Treat specific dates and figures with care. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.
See something wrong or missing? Suggest a correction or submit a source.