1940s

Grandstand at Keeneland, 1941

First tent sale at Keeneland, 1943

The original Breeders' Sales Pavilion at Keeneland, 1944

Clubhouse Dining Room at Keeneland, 1946

Crowd watching a race during the Spring Meet 1947

Wind damage after a storm at Keeneland, 1948

Wind damage to the barns at Keeneland after a storm, 1948

Crowd in the Paddock at Keeneland watching horses before a race, 1948

Horses in the Paddock at Keeneland before a race, 1948

Crowds in the Grandstand at Keeneland, 1948

Clubhouse and Grandstand at Keeneland, 1949

Several innovations took place at Keeneland throughout the 1940s. Keeneland became the first track in Kentucky to use an enclosed electric starting gate for the 1940 Spring Meet. This starting gate was moved around and off the track by draft horses rather than a tractor. Besides a new photo finish camera in 1946, Keeneland became the first track in the United States to install an inside aluminum rail, which was in place for the 1949 Spring Meet. The Keeneland Foundation was established in 1944 and in 1947, permanently loaned an electron microscope to the University of Kentucky, the first in the state, for research.

Due to restrictions on the use of fuel and rubber during World War II, Keeneland did not host race meets between 1943 and 1945. Instead, Keeneland Association leased Churchill Downs, which could continue to operate as it was accessible via public transportation. In 1943, Fasig-Tipton, the oldest auction house for Thoroughbreds in the United States, held the first tent sale at Keeneland as restrictions on rail travel during World War II meant that the popular summer sale in Saratoga had to be canceled. The sale featured 312 horses, including the yearling Hoop, Jr. who went on to win the 1945 Kentucky Derby. The Breeders’ Sale Company at Keeneland was formed in 1944 to manage sales, and the first permanent pavilion to replace temporary paddock tents was constructed that year.