Keeneland Barn Notes

Posted On 14 Apr 2025

By Amy Owens —-

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

First post during the Spring Meet is 1 p.m. ET except for the April 25 closing day,
when the first race is at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate
the Keeneland April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale after the races.

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CHOISYA (GB) HEADING HOME FOLLOWING JENNY WILEY VICTORY
GOSGER EXITS STONESTREET LEXINGTON TRIUMPH IN GOOD ORDER
SPRING MEET LEADERS
SECOND WEEK SPECIAL EVENTS

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CHOISYA (GB) HEADING HOME FOLLOWING JENNY WILEY VICTORY

The idea was to strike while the iron was hot, and Choisya (GB) did just that Saturday afternoon when she won the Jenny Wiley (G1) going a mile and a sixteenth on the grass.

“She really took to everything the two weeks she’s been here, and she’s very happy,” said John Clarke, assistant to trainer Simon Crisford.

Now a 5-year-old, Choisya brought a two-race win streak from Grade 2 events in Dubai to Keeneland.

“She is a filly on the improve and when they are improving like that, just leave them alone and let them go about their business,” Clarke said.

In the Jenny Wiley, Choisya received a ground-saving trip from Luis Saez. She made the lead at the top of the stretch and held off a late bid from favored Excellent Truth (IRE) to prevail by a half-length.

“She got the perfect trip and did everything right,” Clarke said.

Choisya is scheduled to fly back to England Monday night.

“She will probably get a little break and the plan is to come back for the race at Saratoga,” Clarke said, referring to the $500,000 Diana (G1) on July 12 at 1⅛ miles.

In her start prior to the Jenny Wiley, Choisya handled the 1⅛-mile distance with a victory in the Balanchine (G2) Presented by DP World in which she defeated Cinderella’s Dream (GB), runner-up in last fall’s Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) at Del Mar.

GOSGER EXITS STONESTREET LEXINGTON TRIUMPH IN GOOD ORDER

Paul Madden, assistant to trainer Brendan Walsh, reported that Gosger came out of his stakes-debut victory in Saturday’s Stonestreet Lexington (G3) in good order.

“He’s good this morning,” Madden said. “He stepped up big time yesterday.”

Owned by Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stables, Gosger had two works at Keeneland prior to his victory Saturday with the major work coming March 29 with a half-mile in :47.20.

In that breeze, he served as the workmate with East Avenue, who would come back to run second in the Toyota Blue Grass (G1) and punch his ticket to the Kentucky Derby (G1) Presented by Woodford Reserve.

SPRING MEET LEADERS

Through April 12 (7 days of 15-day season)

Jockey Starts Wins 2nd 3rd Purses

Flavien Prat

$1,847,431

Jose Ortiz

$1,098,481

Luis Saez

$791,655

Trainer Starts Wins 2nd 3rd Purses

Brad Cox

$848,728

Brendan Walsh

$740,162

OwnerW Wins

Godolphin (Mohammed Al Maktoum et al)

CHC Inc (Kit Ng) and WinStar Farm (Kenny Troutt)

Flying Dutchmen (Travis Boersma)

Kenneth L. Ramsey

SECOND WEEK SPECIAL EVENTS

Keeneland has been investing in the horse industry and the Central Kentucky community since it began racing in October 1936. Throughout the 2025 Spring Meet, special events at the track will benefit worthwhile organizations, while other activities are designed to educate and entertain racing fans.

Year-round

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

Through Aug.15

Keeneland Library. Located on Keeneland’s campus, Keeneland Library is presenting the free exhibit Of Turf and Stone: Keeneland Through the Ages to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Keeneland Association. Enjoy photographs and memorabilia in the exhibit, which coincides with 250LEX celebrations of Lexington’s 250th anniversary this year. The Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To reach the Library, enter Keeneland at Gate 1 on Keeneland Blvd. and take the first right on Entertainment Court. The Library is to the left of the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday

The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for tailgating on 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 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 final 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.

New this meet is the Race Day Social at The Hill located in the RevelXP Village. This exclusive space offers guests a perfect blend of comfort and excitement to enjoy the race day in style. Relax under a covered tent with plush lounge seating, enjoy classic yard games and watch live race coverage while having a catered lunch featuring local cuisine. A full bar with signature cocktails and other alcoholic beverages is available for purchase. BETologists will be on hand to provide wagering insights throughout the day. Exclusive amenities include access to private restroom trailers, comfortable seating and a premium atmosphere. The space has a capacity of 250 guests per day. Visit Keeneland.com/tailgating for full details.

Sunday, April 13

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, access to the Family Zone on the North Terrace and a complimentary meal provided by Marriot Griffin Gate. The day will have special programming on the track, including a flag rollout.

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.