Raceland (Race track)
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Raceland was a horse racing track located in Chinnville, Kentucky, now known as Raceland, Kentucky. Founded by Jack O. Keene, who also created the Lexington, Kentucky track Keeneland, the race track operated from 1924 until 1928.
Raceland made its debut on July 4, 1924 with a first class boxing match. Over 5,000 people were in attendance. The first race, titled the "Ashland Handicap," was held on July 10, in which there were 15,000 spectators present.
During its heyday, Raceland was known as the "Million Dollar Oval" because of its ornate appearance. The 1.5 mile-long track was circled by a white fence of wood and iron, as well as rambling roses. The bridle paths and the front lawn were paved in red tapestry brick matching the club house, stewards' stand and judge's stand. The infield of the track contained a lake and several sunken gardens.
Financial difficulties forced the closure of the Raceland track in 1928.
[edit] Present Condition
The only notable structures still standing from the original complex is the clubhouse and two horse stables. On May 26, 2004, a historical marker was unveiled near the clubhouse to commemorate the location and historical significance of Raceland. The marker, designed by local artist Tony Cumpton, reads: Actually there are the old jockey quarters, stables and grand stand area still standing. There was extensive renovations made by the current owners of the property which are the Fairchilds and Bonzo's. The Bonzo's are who bought the property and dismantled it. And there is an old underground vault located on US 23 that used to house the winners purses and bets. The forsythes house is still standing also. The track was shutdown after 5 years of operation by Jack Keene due to a murder. He then moved his location to Lexington and opened Keeneland. Raceland would be today what lexington is. If you are ever traveling along US 23 in Ashland/Raceland stop and pay your repect. For this is where it all started for horse racing. The million dollar oval was the grandest track ever built. There are still tons of history and pictures in the area. The Bonzo family currently own 70% of old memorbilia and will not share it nor sale it for a good cause of a museum to be built in Raceland. If you turn up by the forsythes house you will run into the old jockeys quarters on an old horse farm. The stables are located beside pizza mans pizza on old US 23. The Bonzo family wants to currently tear them down and build a storage building buisness. Help stop the destruction of our history. As now no one wants to acknowledge it. Call Keenland today and ask of the old history of Raceland as it is now present day Keenland. They will deny the information. Even after the state has erected a historic marker. Hope this helps in seeking the truth. The renovations were made by Thoroughbred Construction and paid for by the Fairchild family. It is now an apartment building across from the old million dollar oval on US 23.
The race track named "Raceland" was known as the "Million Dollar Oval." A record crowd of 27,000 packed the grandstand for the inaugural Raceland Derby in 1924. That race featured Ky. Derby winner "Black Gold" and four other Run for the Roses entrants. Town's name was changed from Chinnsville to Raceland ca. 1924. The track's 350- acre complex, complete with 22 stables, a rail spur, and its own jail was built by J.O. Keene, who later built Keeneland in Lexington. Last season of racing was 1928. Track was sold and torn down in 1937.
– Kentucky Historical Marker, Raceland, Kentucky
