The inaugural running of the event was on 11 October 1986 as the '''Keeneland Breeders' Cup Stakes''' at a distance of miles with added purse incentive for horses that were entered to the
Breeders' Cup. The winner of the fourth running in 1989, the
British bred
Steinlen in his next start won the
Breeders' Cup Mile at
Gulfstream Park. In 1994 the distance of the event was decreased to one mile. In 1998 the event was upgraded to Grade II and in 2001 to Grade I. After the race's name reverted to the
Keeneland Turf Mile Stakes for 2021, it was announced that
John Magnier's
Coolmore Stud would become the title sponsor. The
Coolmore Turf Mile will carried a $1 million purse for its 2022 running and was increased to $1,250,000 in 2024. The event continues to be part of the
Breeders' Cup Challenge series with the winner automatically qualifying for the
Breeders' Cup Mile. == Records ==