LEXINGTON, KY – Keeneland is set to host one of its most prestigious spring racing seasons to date, featuring a record-breaking $8.1 million in stakes purses across 19 stakes races. The 2024 Spring Meet, held from April 5–26, will also mark the historic 100th running of the $1 million Blue Grass Stakes (G1), a key stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Grade 1 Highlights & Historic Milestones
Joining the Blue Grass as marquee attractions are four Grade 1 fixtures worth $600,000 each:
- Ashland Stakes (G1) – 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles
- Madison Stakes (G1) – Fillies & mares at 7 furlongs
- Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) – Older horses on turf at 1 mile
- Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1T) – Fillies & mares at 1 1/16 miles on turf
“Lucrative purses and outstanding competition make Keeneland’s Spring Meet a highlight of the racing calendar,” said Gatewood Bell, Keeneland’s vice president of racing. “We’re thrilled to welcome the best horses and horsemen to Lexington.”
A supplemental $1.5 million from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (pending KHRC approval) will contribute to purse enhancements throughout the meet.
Opening Weekend & Derby Prep Races
Opening Day – April 5
Features three stakes for 3-year-olds:
- Ashland (G1)
- Transylvania (G3T) – $400K, 1 1/16 miles on turf
- Lafayette – $400K, 7 furlongs on dirt
First Saturday – April 6
Five high-profile events headlined by the Blue Grass Stakes (G1):
- Madison (G1)
- Appalachian (G2T) – $400K, 3YO fillies at 1 mile on turf
- Shakertown (G2T) – $350K, 5 1/2 furlongs on turf
- Commonwealth (G3) – $300K, older horses at 7 furlongs on dirt
Derby & Oaks Points
- Blue Grass and Ashland each award 100 qualifying points, with winners earning 50 points toward the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, respectively
- Early nominations: Feb. 17
- Late nominations: March 20
Mid-Meet Highlights & Upgraded Races
- April 7:
- Beaumont (G2) – $400K, 7 furlongs, 184 feet
- Palisades – $250K, 5 1/2 furlongs turf
- April 12:
- Maker’s Mark Mile (G1)
- Limestone – $250K, 3YO fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs turf
- April 13:
- Jenny Wiley (G1T)
- Lexington (G3) – Final Derby prep, awards 20 points (10 to winner)
- Giant’s Causeway (G3T) – $300K, newly upgraded for 2024
Closing Week & Sales Day
- April 19–20:
- Baird Doubledogdare (G3) – $300K
- Elkhorn (G2T) – $350K, 1 1/2 miles turf
- Ben Ali (G3) – $300K, 1 3/16 miles dirt
- April 26 – Closing Day:
- Bewitch (G3T) – $300K, 1 1/2 miles turf
- April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale follows the races
