Today, Keeneland opens its gates for the 2026 Fall Race Meet, which marks 90 years of racing at Keeneland Race Course. As I reflect on the storied history and rich traditions behind this impressive milestone, I’m struck not only by the institution it has become, but by the vision and stewardship that have allowed Keeneland to remain true to its founding purpose for nearly a century.
Few law firms have the privilege of tracing their history so directly to one of Kentucky’s most cherished institutions, and it is a connection we remain deeply proud of today. In 1935, founder Richard C. Stoll and attorney Gayle Mohney drafted the articles of incorporation to create the Keeneland Association. That vision has stood the test of time, allowing Keeneland to thrive as both a world-class racetrack and sales venue, and as a prominent community partner.
More than nine decades later, our connection to Keeneland remains strong and is honored annually through the running of the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes. As the oldest continuously run stakes race in the United States, the Phoenix embodies tradition, resilience, and excellence — values that have guided our firm for nearly 130 years and continue to shape how we serve our clients and communities today. Each year, the running of the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes serves as a meaningful reminder of the enduring relationships, shared values, and commitment to excellence that have connected our firm to Kentucky’s equine industry for generations.
For more than 75 years, our attorneys have served owners, breeders, trainers, and industry organizations, helping them navigate opportunities and challenges facing the equine industry locally, nationally, and internationally. From transactions and syndications to litigation, tax planning, and regulatory matters, we provide comprehensive counsel to an industry that is both central to the Commonwealth’s heritage and vital to its economy.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen that lasting success is built on trust, strong relationships, and a commitment to serving others. Our clients rely on us to bring experience, creativity, and sound judgment to high-stakes legal challenges. In turn, our attorneys provide practical, strategic counsel that helps leaders and businesses navigate change, manage risk, and seize opportunity. Whether in equine, distilled spirits, manufacturing, banking, healthcare, energy, or beyond, we are proud to be the law firm for Kentucky.
Highly anticipated events like Keeneland’s Fall Race Meet and the upcoming Breeders’ Cup World Championships showcase not only the best of Thoroughbred racing, but also the spirit, hospitality, and economic vitality that make Lexington and Kentucky so special. On this opening day, I find myself both grateful for the history that brought us here and optimistic about what lies ahead. Institutions like Keeneland remind us that excellence is never accidental — it is built over generations through vision, stewardship, and a commitment to serving something larger than ourselves.
The 2026 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes has a post time of 4:12 p.m. EDT today, October 2, and can be watched live on YouTube. We look forward to welcoming friends, clients, colleagues, and community partners to Keeneland during the Fall Race Meet and the Breeders’ Cup, and to celebrating the traditions, partnerships, and shared commitment to excellence that continue to make Kentucky a remarkable place to live, work, and do business.
P. Douglas Barr
Managing Director
Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
