The Breeders’ Cup World Championship will return to Kentucky in 2026, with Keeneland Race Course in Lexington set to host the prestigious two-day horse racing event. This announcement highlights Keeneland and Churchill Downs as the primary venues for the festival, which showcases top thoroughbreds and features races worth tens of millions of dollars.

Keeneland is currently undergoing a significant $100+ million renovation, the largest in its 89-year history, which includes the construction of a new three-level Paddock Building. This development is expected to enhance the facilities and is scheduled to open this fall.

Previously, Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup in 2022 and 2020. Following the 2026 event in Lexington, the championship will move to Belmont Park in New York, which is also undergoing redevelopment.