1980s
In the 1980s, Keeneland launched a number of significant construction projects. First, an enclosed octagonal walking ring was added to the Sales Pavilion in 1980. The Keeneland Training Center, built on property along Rice Road, opened in 1981 to accomodate trainers who would stable their horses year-round as every barn was needed during sales. A new dining room was added to the Clubhouse which overlooked the Walking Ring in the Paddock, and a food service and lounge area were built onto the Sales Pavilion in 1982. The aluminum safety rail on the main track was replaced with a Fontana Safety Rail in 1983.
A massive 40,000 square foot extension to the Grandstand began in 1984, which was followed by the enclosure of the 2nd and 3rd levels and the installation of elevators. The saddling stalls arranged in a semicircle at the west end of the Paddock, still in use in early 2025, were built at the same time. The expansion was completed for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II during the 1984 Fall Meet. The Winner's Circle was built next to the Grandstand where the Queen presented the trophy to the winner of the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.
The Adminstration Building expansion was completed in 1986, creating larger spaces for the Library, offices, and Clubhouse dining facilities as well as new Jockeys Quarters. Keeneland was honored as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. In the fall of 1988, Keeneland began offering simulcasting in the Sales Pavilion, which moved to the Grandstand the following year.