Keeneland Barn Notes –Friday, March 29

By Amy Owens —-

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Keeneland’s 16-day Spring Meet opens Friday, April 5 and runs through Friday, April 26.
First post is 1 p.m. ET except April 26, when the first race is at 12:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, April 2, post positions will be drawn for the 100th running of the $1 million
Toyota Blue Grass (G1) to be run Saturday, April 6. Keeneland will produce an early
flash press release with a list of entries followed by a full advance release.
Keeneland social media also will report the field of horses after the draw.

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KEENELAND SPRING MEET OPENS WITH STANDOUTS NOMINATED
TO STAKES
PROSPECTIVE STAKES FIELDS

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KEENELAND SPRING MEET OPENS WITH STANDOUTS
NOMINATED TO STAKES

Keeneland’s 2024 Spring Meet begins Friday, April 5 to launch three days of outstanding Thoroughbred racing led by a total of 10 stakes worth $4.7 million and including champions, Grade 1 winners and defending race winners among the nominees. The weekend includes the 100th running of the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) on Saturday, April 6.

The Spring Meet will cover a total of 16 days through Friday, April 26 with no racing Mondays and Tuesdays. The first race is at 1 p.m. ET with the exception of closing day, Friday, April 26 when the first post is 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.

FanDuel TV will present extensive live coverage of every Keeneland race beginning at noon and will have the exclusive live broadcast of the Toyota Blue Grass (5:52 p.m. post) on April 6.

In addition, all races will be livestreamed at no charge on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland’s YouTube channel.

Click here for the 2024 Keeneland Spring Meet stakes schedule, which includes links to the lists of nominees for each race and their past performances.

Opening day features Central Bank Ashland

The $600,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1) will headline three stakes for 3-year-olds on the 10-race opening-day card. The year’s first Grade 1 event for 3-year-old fillies and an important springtime target for the division’s most talented runners, the 1 1/16-mile Central Bank Ashland will be run for the 87th time.

A total of 91 fillies, including George Krikorian’s champion Just F Y I and Parkland Thoroughbreds and Sportsmen Stable’s recent Busher (L) winner, Jody’s Pride, were nominated to the Central Bank Ashland. The race offers 200 qualifying points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale to the respective first- through fifth-place finishers toward the 150th running of the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) to be run May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Other opening-day stakes are the 36th running of the $400,000 Transylvania (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select going a mile and a sixteenth on the turf and the 76th running of the $400,000 Lafayette at 7 furlongs on the main track.

A total of 45 horses were nominated to the Transylvania Presented by Keeneland Select. They include Can Group, who was a fast-closing fourth in the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) after winning the Castle & Key Bourbon (G2) at Keeneland for trainer Mark Casse and the ownership group of D.J. Stable and Cash Is King. Other nominees include West Point Thoroughbreds and Steven Bouchey’s Carson’s Run, winner of the bet365 Summer (G1) trained by Christophe Clement; Repole Stable’s Noted, runner-up in the Castle & Key Bourbon trained by Todd Pletcher; and Qatar Racing and Hunter Valley Farm’s First World War, fourth as the favorite in the Castle & Key Bourbon and winner of the Kitten’s Joy (G3) in February for trainer Brendan Walsh.

Aaron Kennedy, Toby Joseph and trainer Doug Anderson’s Glengarry, winner of the Bowman Mill Stakes at Keeneland last fall, tops a list of 28 nominees for the Lafayette.

Other nominees of note include Repole Stable’s Be You, third in the American Pharoah (G1) and fourth in the Hopeful (G1) for trainer Todd Pletcher, and Godolphin’s Nash, second in the Lecomte (G3) and winner of the March 23 Hot Springs Stakes for trainer Brad Cox.

Entries for opening day will be taken Monday, April 1.

Toyota Blue Grass leads five Saturday stakes

Opening Saturday of the Spring Meet will present 11 races, including five stakes: Toyota Blue Grass, $600,000 Resolute Racing Madison (G1), $400,000 Appalachian (G2) Presented by Japan Racing Association, $350,000 Shakertown (G2) and $300,000 Commonwealth (G3).

A total of 114 3-year-olds were nominated to the milestone running of the 1 1/8-mile Toyota Blue Grass, including Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, Brook Smith’s Risen Star (G2) winner, Sierra Leone.

Also nominated is Coolmore Fountain of Youth (G1) winner Dornoch, trained by Danny Gargan for West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing and Pine Racing Stables.

The Toyota Blue Grass, the 10th race with a post time of 5:52 p.m., offers 200 points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale to the first- through fifth-place finishers toward the 150th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) Presented by Woodford Reserve to be run at Churchill on May 4.

The 23rd running of the Resolute Racing Madison, for fillies and mares going 7 furlongs on the main track, drew 25 nominees. Headlining them is Pamela Ziebarth’s Sweet Azteca, winner of the recent Beholder Mile (G1) for trainer Michael McCarthy.

Other prominent nominees include the 1-2 finishers from last fall’s Lexus Raven Run (G2) here: Vahva and Alva Starr. Cherie DeVaux trains Vahva for a partnership headed by Belladonna Racing; Brett Brinkman trains Alva Starr for P. Dale Ladner.

Wise Racing’s undefeated Hard to Justify, who capped her 2023 campaign with a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), headlines the 51 fillies nominated to the Appalachian Presented by Japan Racing Association. Hard to Justify is trained by Chad Brown.

Other notable nominees include Rigney Racing’s Buchu, winner of the Jessamine (G2) Presented by Keeneland November for trainer Phil Bauer; Resolute Racing’s Pounce, winner of the recent Herecomesthebride (G3) for trainer Mark Casse; and Repole Stable’s Life’s an Audible, runner-up to Hard to Justify in the Miss Grillo (G2) and to Pounce in the Herecomesthebride for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Reeves Thoroughbred Racing’s Big Invasion, winner of the Nearctic (G2) prior to finishing a fast-closing second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1), tops a roster of 36 nominees to the Shakertown. Christophe Clement trains Big Invasion.

Among the other nominees are Sonata Stable’s Arzak, winner of last fall’s Woodford (G2) Presented by FanDuel at Keeneland for trainer Mike Trombetta; MyRacehorse and Spendthrift Farm’s Forbidden Kingdom, winner of the Joe Hernandez (G2) for trainer Richard Mandella; and Calumet Farm’s two-time graded stakes winner Gear Jockey, trained by Rusty Arnold.

The Commonwealth attracted 27 nominations headed by Nathan Hayden’s defending champion, Here Mi Song. He is trained by Billy Stinson Jr.

Other nominees of note include Spendthrift Farm’s Kingsbarns, winner of the 2023 Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) for trainer Todd Pletcher; Susan Moulton’s Manny Wah, winner of the 2022 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) at Keeneland and now trained by Will Walden; and Andrew and Raina Warren’s Raise Cain, winner of the Perryville (L) at Keeneland last fall for trainer Ben Colebrook.

Entries for the April 6 program will be taken Tuesday, April 2.

MiddleGround Capital Beaumont, Palisades headline Sunday program

Two stakes for 3-year-olds top the nine-race program for Sunday, April 7.

The 39th running of the $400,000 MiddleGround Capital Beaumont (G2) for fillies drew 31 nominations including aforementioned champion Just F Y I.

Run over the Beard Course of 7 furlongs, 184 feet, the MiddleGround Capital Beaumont nominee list also attracted Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Candied. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Candied won Keeneland’s Darley Alcibiades (G1) last fall before finishing third behind Just F Y I in the Breeders’ Cup.

The 18th running of the $250,000 Palisades (L) at 5½ furlongs on the grass drew 31 nominations. They include two colts who closed 2023 with solid showings at the Breeders’ Cup: My Boy Prince and No Nay Mets (IRE).

Gary Barber’s My Boy Prince finished third in the 1-mile Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Trained by Mark Casse, he was runner-up to Carson’s Run in the Summer and posted daylight victories in two stakes at Woodbine.

Bregman Family Racing, WWBD LLC and Edge Racing’s No Nay Mets closed 2023 with a fourth-place finish as the favorite in the 5-furlong Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1). He is trained by George Weaver.

Entries for the April 7 program also will be taken Tuesday, April 2.

PROSPECTIVE STAKES FIELDS

According to Keeneland Stakes Coordinator Jorie Beschizza, here are the prospective fields for the stakes on opening weekend of the Spring Meet:

Friday, April 5 races. Entries taken Monday, April 1.

$600,000 CENTRAL BANK ASHLAND (G1) – Halina’s Forte (trainer Phil Bauer), Impel (Brad Cox), Jody’s Pride (Jorge Abreu), Just F Y I (Bill Mott).

$400,000 TRANSYLVANIA (G3) PRESENTED BY KEENELAND SELECT – Depiction (Cherie DeVaux), First World War (Brendan Walsh). Possible: Tennessee (Cox).

$400,000 LAFAYETTE – Bolt At Midnight (Mick Ruis Sr.), Doncho (Michelle Lovell), Glengarry (Doug Anderson).

Saturday, April 6 races. Entries taken Tuesday, April 2.

100TH RUNNING OF THE $1 MILLION TOYOTA BLUE GRASS (G1) – Dornoch (Danny Gargan), Encino (Cox), Epic Ride (John Ennis), Just a Touch (Cox), Seize the Grey (D. Wayne Lukas), Sierra Leone (Chad Brown).

Keeneland will have full coverage of the draw for post positions, including
an early flash press release with a list of entries followed by a full advance release.
Keeneland social media also will report the field of horses after the draw.

$600,000 RESOLUTE RACING MADISON (G1) – Alva Starr (Brett Brinkman), Big Pond (Tim Yakteen), Olivia Darling (Jorge Delgado), Red Carpet Ready (Rusty Arnold), Sterling Silver (Tom Albertrani), Vahva (DeVaux).

$400,000 APPALACHIAN (G2) PRESENTED BY JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION – Austere (Brendan Walsh), Buchu (Bauer), Crown Imperial (John Ortiz), Mo Fox Givin (Leonard Powell).

$350,000 SHAKERTOWN (G2) – Arzak (Michael Trombetta), Beer Can Man (Phil D’Amato), Front Run the Fed (Caio Caramori), Our Shot (John Terranova).

$300,000 COMMONWEALTH (G3) – Here Mi Song (Billy Stinson), Manny Wah (Will Walden), Minnesota Ready (Tom Amoss).

Sunday, April 7 races. Entries taken Tuesday, April 2.

$400,000 MIDDLEGROUND CAPITAL BEAUMONT (G2) – Chi Chi (Herman Wilensky). Possible: Legadema (Bauer), Tipsy Tammy (Bauer).

$250,000 PALISADES (L) – Works for Me (Joseph Lee). Possible: No Nay Mets (IRE) (George Weaver).

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Keeneland Spring Meet Opens Friday, April 5 with Nods to Track’s Storied Past and Exciting Future

Keeneland Spring Meet Opens Friday, April 5
with Nods to Track’s Storied Past and Exciting Future

Season includes 100th Toyota Blue Grass, reduction in Daily Double takeout

LEXINGTON, KY (March 29, 2024) – Keeneland is combining evidence of a significant commitment to its future with a salute to its rich history during its 16-day Spring Meet from April 5-26. While in the early stages of the largest construction project here since opening in 1936, the season will feature the 100th running of the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) on Saturday, April 6 among 19 stakes worth a meet record $8.1 million and will offer a schedule of popular activities and special events for fans of all ages. Meanwhile, Keeneland has reduced the takeout on its Daily Double wager from 22% to 15%.

In January, Keeneland began construction of a three-level Paddock Building that will expand ticketed experiences for the public coupled with a reimagined Saddling Paddock. For patrons, entry to the grounds will look slightly different during the Spring Meet, but guests will find the same exceptional Keeneland experience waiting just past the gates. For the latest information, refer to the Patron Experience Guide at Keeneland.com/welcome.

“We are doubly excited this spring: first to welcome fans to Keeneland for a spectacular racing season highlighted by the 100th running of the Toyota Blue Grass and second to have construction of our new Paddock Building underway,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “This project is central to our mission to invest in the future of our sport and will allow us to offer fans a variety of world-class experiences during race meets, sales and beyond. And while fans may see a few construction-related adjustments to parking and entry this spring, we will ensure they will find the Keeneland they know and love inside the gates.”

Racing will be conducted Wednesdays through Sundays. Post time for the first race is 1 p.m. ET each day, except April 26 when the first race will be 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.

Advance ticket sales required

Once again, all tickets for the Spring Meet must be purchased in advance via Keeneland’s Official Online Ticket Office at tickets.Keeneland.com/racing.

Keeneland offers a return policy of up to 48 hours in advance of race day. Because ticket inventory is updated automatically and available for purchase at tickets.Keeneland.com/racing, fans should check this site regularly and sign up to be notified when tickets become available.

Parking for Spring Meet

With construction of the Paddock Building, Keeneland has adjusted parking operations for the Spring Meet to ensure patrons have a smooth entry and exit.

Free parking: Available in The Hill and The Meadow with no reservation required. Patrons will have access to complimentary shuttling to the track. Customer service representatives will be at each shuttle stop to help with questions.

Handicap parking: Complimentary handicap parking in Rows 21-25. No reservation or permit is required, and all spaces are located in the paved lot. Complimentary golf cart shuttles from the parking lot to the South Grandstand Entrance are available.

Permit parking: Patrons who have purchased race-day tickets for the Spring Meet are able to pre-purchase a parking space in the Green Lot. These parking spaces will be limited each day and are expected to sell out. Click here to purchase.

Ride Share: Uber/Lyft/taxis, personal pickups/drop-offs and private car services (sedans and SUVs) will be directed to Ride Share, located adjacent to the Shuttle Depot. Because of the construction footprint, there will be NO vehicular access to the North or South Grandstand Entrances for drop-off/pickup.

Bus Lot: Parking spaces are for commercial buses and must be purchased in advance by calling the Ticket Office at (859) 254-3412.

Track Kitchen: Most parking is limited to horsemen and barn staff. For those coming to eat at the Track Kitchen, there are limited parking spots available to the public directly in front of the building.

Also visit Parking FAQ: Keeneland.com/racing/parking-frequently-asked-questions

Tailgating on The Hill

The Hill – Keeneland’s popular tailgating area – will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the Spring Meet, weather permitting. No ticket or reservation is required for The Hill, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center and accessible via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland).

Fans on The Hill can watch the racing action via a jumbo TV and place their bets in a wagering tent while they enjoy live music presented by The Burl, food trucks and handicapping assistance from BETologists. Complimentary shuttles to the track are offered.

The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the last race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For fans who want to elevate their experience, Keeneland again is partnering with RevelXP to offer tailgate packages for groups of any size. RevelXP will organize tailgates by furnishing a designated tent, catering, amenities and more. Visit Keeneland.com/tailgating for full details.

Watch races on TV and online

Fans can watch all Spring Meet races live and at no charge thanks to the Keeneland Livestream on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland’s YouTube channel.

Other coverage of Keeneland racing includes:

“Today at Keeneland,” a 30-minute race-day preview show with handicapping picks and discussion of horses of interest. Racing analysts Gabby Gaudet and Scott Hazelton will host the program, which streams live on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Select, Keeneland’s YouTube channel, WKYT.com and FanDuel TV+. Also airs live on The CW Lexington and can been seen live Saturdays and Sundays on FanDuel Racing.
FanDuel TV, which will present live extensive coverage of every race beginning at noon. FanDuel will carry the exclusive live broadcast of the Toyota Blue Grass on April 6 (5:52 p.m. post).

Lower Daily Double takeout headlines wagering action

Beginning at the Spring Meet, Keeneland is reducing the takeout on a Daily Double wager from 22% to 15%. The wager, which requires a handicapper to select the winners of two consecutive races, is offered on all but the final race each race day.

“This pricing is advantageous to our core horseplayers but also is a great opportunity for emerging bettors to try horse racing’s equivalent of a ‘two-game parlay,’ ” Keeneland Director of Wagering Development Jim Goodman said.

Beginning opening day, casual to experienced handicappers will find a variety of action.

On April 5, the Lafayette, 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, the popular bet offered on the final three turf races each day. The Keeneland Turf Pick 3 requires a $3 minimum wager.

On April 6, the All-Stakes Pick 4 and All-Stakes Pick 5 will conclude with the Toyota Blue Grass.

On that day and on Saturdays of the meet, races from Keeneland and Aqueduct will be part of the Cross Country Pick 5 wager.

The two stakes on April 7 – the MiddleGround Capital Beamont (G2) and the Palisades (L) – will be included in late Pick 4 and late Pick 5 wagers.

Additional handicapping events during the Spring Meet include:

Wednesday, April 10, 17, 24: WINS-Day Challenge Presented by Malone’s. Enter for $10 at Wagering Central on the first floor of the Grandstand and place a mythical $2 win and place wager – no actual money required – on Keeneland’s final six races of the day. This is an inexpensive way for beginner handicappers to give contests a try.

Friday, April 12: Spring Handicapping Challenge. Available only at the track, the Spring Handicapping Challenge offers one berth to the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) in November at Del Mar and as many as four spots to the 2025 National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) in Las Vegas. Players will wager a live bankroll of $250 on Keeneland races. Click here to register and for more information.

Saturday, April 13: Grade 1 Gamble. The signature handicapping contest of the Spring Meet is the Grade 1 Gamble, which Keeneland is hosting in cooperation with XpressBet, NYRABets, 4NJ Bets, HPI and TVG on the day of the Jenny Wiley (G1), Stonestreet Lexington (G3) and Giant’s Causeway (G3). Entry fee is $3,500 with $2,500 going to a live bankroll and $1,000 to the prize fund. Contestants may play at Keeneland or on one of the aforementioned ADW platforms. Prizes include an estimated $75,000 for first place (based on 300 entries), as many as six berths in the BCBC and 10 spots in the NHC. Click here to register and for more information.

Also for the Spring Meet:

· Keeneland will provide complimentary digital programs with Equibase past performances available for download. Click here to access.

· Keeneland Select is offering a sign-up bonus to new customers. Each new customer will receive $100 back after $200 is wagered on Keeneland races. This is in addition to the sign-up bonus that earns $100 back after a new customer wagers $300 in the first 30 days.

· Visit Keeneland en Español and DRFenEspañol,com for information about Spanish coverage of the Spring Meet. Roberto Rodriguez will provide daily coverage and analysis for the season.

Special events reflect Keeneland mission

Throughout the Spring Meet, special events and activities will continue Keeneland’s historic mission to support the Central Kentucky community and the Thoroughbred industry. They include:

Saturday, April 6: Jockey Autograph Signing. Fans will meet active and retired Keeneland riders and Hall of Famers in an event that benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). Hats, goggles and autograph books that can be signed will be available for purchase; personal items and commemorative Toyota Blue Grass poster may be signed with a donation to PDJF. Event will take place in the North Terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 6, 13, 20: Sunrise Trackside. This free Saturday morning program from 8-10 a.m. is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Fans can enjoy coffee and donuts at the Starting Gate concession stand while watching horses train. Children’s activities on the first floor of the Grandstand will include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting and games. Mini tours will be available at the Welcome Stand near the Paddock.

Every Saturday, the John Deere Tractor Break will take place during the renovation period on the main track from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and include a drawing for a kids tractor from John Deere/Meade Tractor. The April 6 Sunrise Trackside will feature the appearance of two-time champion Goodnight Olive in the Paddock between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. On April 6 and 13, a meet and greet with a horse from the Life Adventure Center of Versailles, Kentucky, will be offered in the Walking Ring from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Sunday, April 14: Heroes Day. Event honors members of the military (active duty and veterans), first responders, health care workers and their families. Heroes and their families will receive free general admission, reserved Grandstand seating and a complimentary meal at the North Terrace provided by Marriot Griffin Gate. The day will have special programming on the track, including a flag rollout by the Henry Clay High School Junior ROTC and the singing of “God Bless America” by Dr. Everett McCorvey, and honoree recognitions in the Winner’s Circle.

A POW-MIA Chair of Honor will be displayed near the Paddock to bring awareness to past and current POW-MIA military members through a partnership with The Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 5.

Each hero is eligible to receive up to six complimentary tickets. Visit https://keeneland.com/racing/heroes-day for more information and to reserve complimentary tickets.

Friday, April 19: College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane’s End. Keeneland invites college students to enjoy a day of racing, prizes, scholarship giveaways, behind-the-scenes racing experiences, reserved seating and more. By pre-registering, students will receive a free general admission ticket good for April 19 and the opportunity to win one of 10 $2,000 scholarships provided by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Keeneland. Students who attend the race day and have their tickets scanned day-of also will be eligible to win two additional $10,000 scholarships provided by Lane’s End Farm, as well as prize packages from local Kentucky businesses. Activities will take place at the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-register at www.Keeneland.com/csd.

Sunday, April 21: Keeneland Kids Club Family Day Presented by Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The Keeneland Kids Club is the Official Kids Club for Keeneland fans 12 and younger. Kids Club members and their families are invited to a special day at the races and will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating when they present their membership cards at admission entrances. Children’s activities, which will take place in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., include face painting and activities with local community partners such as Amplify Horse Racing, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, LexArts, Lexington Ballet and Salvation Army. Sign up for the Kids Club at Keeneland.com/kidsclub.

Sunday, April 21: PDJF Telethon. The fourth annual fundraising event will be based in the Limestone Café in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion.

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Keeneland 2024 Spring Meet at a Glance

Schedule: 16 days from April 5-26. No racing Mondays and Tuesdays.

Gates open: 11 a.m.

First race: 1 p.m. except for April 26, when first post is 12:30 p.m.

Five Grade 1 stakes: the $600,000 Central Bank Ashland on April 5, the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass and the $600,000 Madison on April 6, the $600,000 Maker’s Mark Mile on April 12 and the $600,000 Jenny Wiley on April 13.

Tickets: tickets.Keeneland.com/racing

Parking FAQ: Keeneland.com/racing/parking-frequently-asked-questions

How to watch: Thanks to the Keeneland Livestream, fans can watch all races live and at no charge on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland’s YouTube channel. FanDuel TV will present live extensive coverage of every race.

Complimentary digital programs: Including Equibase past performances, these will be available for download at https://www.keeneland.com/complimentary-pps.

Patron Experience Guide: Make the most of your day at the races and refer to the latest information about parking and entry at Keeneland.com/welcome.

Construction updates: Keeneland.com/paddock building

The Hill: Popular free tailgating area is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. No tickets or reservations required.

Keeneland en Español: Visit Keeneland en Español and DRFenEspañol,com for information about Spanish coverage of the Spring Meet.

Keeneland Newsletter: Sign up for email updates of your areas of interest at Keeneland.com/newsletter.

Official Keeneland Tours: Click here for availability and to purchase.

The Keeneland Shop: Located near the Grandstand South entrance, The Keeneland Shop will host Taste of the Races through Saturday, March 30. Shoppers will receive a 20% discount in the store and samples of Keeneland Brown Butter Popcorn and Keeneland Lager.

The Keeneland Shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 30 minutes following the final race and on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On race days, Milliners Corner, Wagering Central and Finish Line locations will be open.

Milliners Corner near The Keeneland Shop will feature Christine A. Moore (April 5-7) and Formé Millinery (April 14).

These vendors will be located just inside the North Grandstand entrance from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Draper James (April 5), CC Custom Watches (April 11), signing with Wylie Caudill, official artist of the 150th Kentucky Derby (April 12), book signing with John Paul Miller, author of “False Riches” (April 13) and My Darling & Co. hat customization (April 20).

Keeneland Library: Keeneland Library will celebrate this year’s historic running of the Toyota Blue Grass at its free exhibit, A Rite of Spring: The 100th Running of the Blue Grass Stakes, from April 1 through Aug. 16. The exhibit will feature photographs that capture race highlights curated from Keeneland Library collections and public submissions from professional and amateur photographers along with memorabilia from noted jockeys Bill Shoemaker, Mike Manganello and Chris Antley and celebrated runners Whirlaway, Riva Ridge, Spectacular Bid and Strike the Gold.

Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Library is located on the Keeneland campus. Enter Keeneland at Gate 1 on Keeneland Blvd. and take the first right on Entertainment Ct. The Library is to the left of the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center.

Central Bank Thursday Night Live on April 5: Keeneland will kick off the Spring Meet with a celebration of the 100th Toyota Blue Grass, including a promotion of Keeneland Library’s exhibit about the race and handicapping tips from BETologists. The event, which includes beverages, food, art and live music, takes place from 5-8 p.m. at Fifth Third Pavilion in Tandy Park in downtown Lexington.

Website: Keeneland.com

Social: @keeneland on Facebook and Instagram and @keenelandracing on Twitter. Use hashtag #Keeneland

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Since its first race meet more than 85 years ago, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts five sales a year, in January, April, September and November. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015, 2020 and 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.

For more information contact Amy Gregory at 859 361-3490 or Amy Owens at 859 421-2566