This has generated a lot of buzz in Lexington’s equestrian and business circles, Keeneland Association has announced plans to expand the historic racetrack and auction house. The multi-million dollar project which is expected to start next spring will further improve Keeneland’s infrastructure and will contribute to the establishment of the racetrack and sales complex as one of the leading facilities for thoroughbred horse racing and sales.

The focal point of the expansion will be a new climate-controlled sales structure which will serve as the new home of the facility. The new pavilion will be able to accommodate more than 1000 people and will have the latest technology for both live and online bidding as the trend of the thoroughbred sales changes. The design that reflects the historical traditions of Keeneland and incorporates all the features of a contemporary facility has been highly acclaimed by the experts.

Besides the sales pavilion, the new development plan entails construction of new barns, an improved training track, and better facilities for the visitors. Special emphasis has been made on the aspect of sustainability where features such as solar panels, rain water harvesting systems and energy efficient features have been included in the new buildings.

Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said she was looking forward to the project: “This expansion is our vision for the future of thoroughbred racing and sales. We are not just building for the present but for the future generations. ” Arvin said the enhancements would enable Keeneland to host bigger events and entice more international buyers and sellers, hence cementing Lexington’s status as the Horse Capital of the World.

The economic effects of the expansion will be felt to a great extent. According to economic analysis, the construction phase only will generate hundreds of employment opportunities and pump millions of dollars into the economy. Upon completion, the upgraded facilities will be expected to attract more tourists and business in the area thus having a domino effect on other sectors such as hotels and restaurants.

Lexington’s mayor, Linda Gorton, said that it was a good news for the city, saying, “Keeneland is not only a racetrack but a part of the community and its economy. This expansion will create more job opportunities and strengthen Lexington’s position as an international hub in the equine industry. ”

But the plans have not been without some form of controversy as well. Some of the residents of the area have complained of traffic congestion as well as the effects that the project may have on the environment. To this, Keeneland officials have planned a series of public forums to listen to these concerns and explain how they will work to minimize the adverse impact.

It has also sparked debate on the future of horse racing in Kentucky especially due to the expansion. Both Churchill Downs in Louisville is also going through major expansion and improvements, which the insiders view as a sign of the continued commitment to the sport despite the problems that it has encountered in the recent past.

With the groundbreaking of this project imminent, the spotlight is well and truly on Lexington as the thoroughbred industry’s next big venture. It also aims at improving the facilities of Keeneland and also the position of the city as a leading center for equine in the world. Over the next few years, this project will surely influence the development of Lexington’s horse business and its economy for many years ahead.