Raceland in Greenup County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Race Track
1924–1928
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 30, 2018
1. Race Track Marker
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 Kentucky Derby winner “Black Gold” and four other Run for the Roses entrants.
Town’s name was changed from Chinnville to Raceland circa 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 build Keeneland in Lexington. Last season of racing was 1928. Track was sold and torn down in 1937.
Erected 2004 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways, and Friends of Raceland. (Marker Number 2143.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 38° 32.529′ N, 82° 44.822′ W. Marker is in Raceland, Kentucky, in Greenup County. Marker is at the intersection
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Caroline Furnace / Iron Made in Kentucky (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Swigert (approx. 1.8 miles away); Wurtland Union Church (approx. 1.9 miles away); Iron made in Kentucky / Steam Furnace (approx. 2.1 miles away); McConnell House Complex (approx. 2.3 miles away); John M. McConnell House (approx. 2.4 miles away); City of Ironton (approx. 3.2 miles away in Ohio); John Campbell Memorial Home (approx. 3.4 miles away in Ohio).
Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry. “During its heyday, Raceland was known as the ‘Million Dollar Oval’ because of its ornate appearance. The 1½-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.” (Submitted on November 16, 2018.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 30, 2018
2. Race Track Marker
Illustration by Tony Cumpton, 1924
3. Close Up of Illustration Reproduced on Marker
4. Close Up of Map Embedded in Marker
Map of Raceland, “The Million Dollar Oval”, 1924-1928, Chinnville, Kentucky. Owned by Tri-State Fair & Racing Association. 350 Acres.” “Chesapeake & Ohio Main Line. Old US Route 23, Greenup to Ashland.” “Standard One-Mile Race Track” around a lake. “Rail Spur with 3 tracks for passenger and horse cars, 22 stables, 100,000 water tank pumped from deep wells. Under grandstand are 30 pari-mutuel machines, 32 paying booths, soft drink stands, telegraph offices and jail.” “Judge’s Stand, Stewarts’ Stand, Jockey Club House, Dining Hall, Stable Yard.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 30, 2018
5. Race Track is Now a Golf Driving Range
One of Raceland’s original buildings is in the distance to the left. Its windows are boarded up.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 464 times since then and 153 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 16, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
