Keeneland opens its Spring Meet on Friday, April 4 to launch 15 days of exceptional Thoroughbred racing along with a slate of popular special events for fans of all ages and exciting wagering action for all skill levels of handicappers. The first Saturday of the meet is Toyota Blue Grass Day, traditionally the biggest racing day of the year at Keeneland, with an 11-race card featuring five stakes worth a combined $3.15 million and led by the 101st running of the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1). The season overall will present 19 stakes worth a Spring Meet record $9.4 million.
“We can’t wait to usher in spring in the Bluegrass with racing that will showcase budding stars and accomplished veterans alike who represent the most successful owners, trainers and jockeys in Thoroughbred racing – all while offering hospitality that is second to none,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Our Keeneland team is attentive to every detail to ensure the best possible experience for our horsemen, fans, handicappers, corporate partners and others who participate in this beloved Central Kentucky tradition.”
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Blue Grass Gets Purse Boost
With a $250,000 purse increase this year, the 1 1/8-mile Toyota Blue Grass for 3-year-olds joins the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) as Keeneland’s two $1.25 million races, which are the richest in track history. The Coolmore Turf Mile reached that amount during the 2024 Fall Meet.
The Toyota Blue Grass and the 88th running of the Central Bank Ashland on opening day, which features an increased purse of $750,000 and is the year’s first Grade 1 event for fillies, are key springtime races on the dirt for 3-year-olds. Both stakes are worth 200 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks, respectively, with the winners of each stakes earning 100 qualifying points to the respective classic.
In all, the Spring Meet will offer five Grade 1 stakes: the aforementioned Central Bank Ashland and Toyota Blue Grass as well as the $650,000 Resolute Racing Madison on April 5, the $650,000 Maker’s Mark Mile on April 11 and the $650,000 Jenny Wiley on April 12.
Racing during the Spring Meet will be conducted Wednesdays through Sundays, but Keeneland will be closed for racing on Easter, April 20. Post time for the first race is 1 p.m. ET each day, except April 25 when the first race is at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate the 10-race card that will conclude in time for that evening’s April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale. The auction is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Wagering Highlights at Keeneland Spring Meet
Handicappers will enjoy a variety of wagering opportunities during the Spring Meet at Keeneland, including:
- The Daily Double wager with a 15% takeout.
- The popular Keeneland Turf Pick 3 on the final three turf races each day. Requires a $3 minimum wager.
- The Super High Five on the final race each day.
- The $3 Big 3 Pick 3 on opening Saturday, April 5, featuring Keeneland’s Toyota Blue Grass, the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and the Wood Memorial (G2) Presented by Resorts World Casino from Aqueduct.
- The New York Racing Association’s Cross Country wager on Saturdays will include Keeneland races.
On April 4, the Lafayette (L), the Transylvania (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select and the Central Bank Ashland (G1) will be included in late Pick 4 and late Pick 5 wagers. The Transylvania Presented by Keeneland Select will be part of the Keeneland Turf Pick 3.
On April 5, the All-Stakes Pick 4 and All-Stakes Pick 5 will conclude with the Toyota Blue Grass.
The two stakes on April 6 – the MiddleGround Capital Beamont (G2) and the Palisades (L) – will be included in late Pick 4 and late Pick 5 wagers.
Free Past Performances
Keeneland will continue to provide complimentary digital programs with Equibase past performances available for download and Powered by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF). Click here to access.
