The Jockey House:
A Glimpse into Raceland's Storied Past
The Jockey House as seen on US 23 in Raceland.
Nestled in the small town of Raceland, Kentucky, the Jockey House stood as a silent witness to a bygone era of horse racing and grandeur. Its history is intricately tied to the Raceland Racetrack, a venture that brought a touch of the roaring twenties to this quaint town. In 1924, visionaries Jack O. Keene and Tom Cromwell transformed 270 acres of land near Russell, Kentucky, into the Raceland Racetrack. Dubbed the "Million Dollar Oval," the track was designed to rival the best horse racing facilities in the nation. With a 1-mile dirt track, a grandstand that could seat 4,000 spectators, and 22 horse stables, Raceland quickly became a hub of excitement and elegance.
A Haven for Horse Racing Enthusiasts
Opening season was in 1924 through July and August. Would you believe 27,000 people were in attendance!? A star horse by the name of Black Gold was also in attendence. Black Gold had won the Kentucky derby that same year.
The Raceland Racetrack didn't take long to make its mark. Events like the "Ashland Handicap" and the Raceland Derby drew large crowds, eager to witness thrilling races and bask in the glamour of the track. The design was a feast for the eyes, with white fences lined with roses and meticulous landscaping that added to the charm of the venue.The Jockey House was an integral part of this grand establishment. Serving as a residence for jockeys and a gathering place for racing enthusiasts, it was more than just a building; it was a symbol of the racetrack's vibrant community. The house echoed with the laughter and camaraderie of those who lived and worked there, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
The end of its RAce
Despite its initial success, the Raceland Racetrack faced financial difficulties. In 1929, the racetrack closed its doors, and the grandstands were demolished in 1937. Yet, the Jockey House remained, a relic of a glorious past that refused to fade away. Slowly the landscape surrounded it and it was almost hidden away, you would never had guessed its past.
Recent Improvements
I recall just last summer that the once overgrown lot was getting mowed and landscaped. Trucks were regularly in the area with heavy equipment nearby. You could once again see some of the horse artwork on the building, although it was faded. It gave a bit of hope something may be in the works for this place. An adjacent lot was recently put on the market and sold to SOMC and the surrounding properties also appear to be up for sale.
Disaster strikes
In the early morning hours on January the 2nd, 2025, the historic Jockey House was tragically discovered to be engulfed in flames, resulting in a total loss of the structure. Fire departments from the surrounding areas quickly converged to battle the fierce inferno and extinguish the flames, working under freezing conditions. An investigation into the cause of the fire began immediately as local authorities sought to determine what had caused this fire. As expected, rumors began to circulate throughout the community. With no electricity connected to the site at the time, it was presumed that a group of homeless individuals had accidentally ignited the fire while trying to stay warm during the frigid winter night. Additionally, whispers of potential arson began to surface, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and speculation in the aftermath of the disaster. Citizens of Raceland and surrounding areas were saddened, disheartened and angered over the fire. Memories for many people had just gone up in flames while others wished more could have been done with the property to properly restore it and possibly bring tourism to the area.
Investigators look to the public for help
Raceland police and investigators requested help from the community on January the 8th. Hoping evidence of any sort could lead to an answer for what had occurred. They asked for any sort of security camera footage and also had a lead on a vehicle that may have been in the area at the time.
Arrest Made
On Tuesday January 21st the Raceland police department made an arrest in this case. Sadly it does appear to be arson. Doyle T. Bonzo III was arrested and charged with first degree arson. He was arrested without incident. It is unclear what the motive was and it may come out as the case unfolds. A very sad turn of events and not something the community will forget anytime soon. No insurance was held on the location and the property is not owned by Bonzo.
Preserving the Legacy
The history of the Jockey House is a testament to Raceland's rich heritage. It serves as a reminder of a time when horse racing brought excitement and elegance to this small town. It is amazing to think this area is what contributed to Raceland getting its name (renamed from Chinnville). While the Jockey House may no longer stand, its legacy endures, inspiring future generations to cherish and preserve the stories of their past.
Sentencing - Guilty Plead
This story has come to and end as Doyle Bonzo plead guilty and was sentenced 5 years of unsupervised probation as well as an equal amount of Diversion. This ending feels empty to many who cannot understand such a sentencing for this crime. Others feel no crime had been committed and the city should have done more to preserve the site. Either way its history now.
From the Community
“I have looked at this building for as long as I can remember. Sad”
“How awful.”
“A moment in history of Raceland gone”