Apr 2, 2018
Keeneland Welcomes 2018 Spring Race Meet
Opening weekend features eight graded stakes, anchored by $1 million Toyota Blue Grass
Keeneland’s 2018 Spring Meet, which kicks off Friday, April 6, promises 16 days of spectacular racing highlighted by 16 stakes worth a season-record $4.4 million. The meet gets off to a fast start as opening weekend will showcase many of racing’s stars competing in eight graded stakes, led by the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G2) and $500,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1), nationally prominent prep races on the 2018 Roads to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1), respectively.
The Spring Meet runs April 6-27, with racing Wednesdays through Sundays. Gates open at 11 a.m. ET, with post time for the first race set for 1:05 p.m.
Lucrative Purses Attract Racing’s Top Stables
This spring, Keeneland will offer average daily purse money of $731,365, among the highest in North America. The rich purse schedule and idyllic surroundings attract the nation’s top owners, trainers and jockeys, who come to Keeneland to compete with the best in Thoroughbred racing.
Keeneland welcomes Kentucky Utilities as the new sponsor of the $150,000 Transylvania (G3) on opening day. The Transylvania is a 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds over the turf course.
Opening Saturday, April 7, features 11 races, including five graded stakes led by the Toyota Blue Grass for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles and the Central Bank Ashland for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles. Each is worth 100 points to the winners on the Roads to the Derby and Oaks, respectively. The post position draw for both classic preps will be held Tuesday,...