Lexington, Kentucky, January 21, 2026
Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky has announced a historic $9.55 million in total stakes purses for its upcoming Spring Meet. This meet, running from April 3 to April 24, will include 19 stakes races, with major events like the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass for males and the $750,000 Central Bank Ashland for fillies. The Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund is contributing significantly to these purses, highlighting Kentucky’s commitment to supporting Thoroughbred racing. Several races have also been upgraded with increased purses, promising thrilling competition.
Lexington, Kentucky – Keeneland Race Course has announced a record-breaking $9.55 million in total stakes purses for its 2026 Spring Meet, setting a new high for the track’s spring racing history. The 15-day meet, scheduled from Friday, April 3, through Friday, April 24, will feature 19 stakes races, including two marquee events for 3-year-olds: the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) for males and the $750,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1) for fillies.
The Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) is contributing $2.25 million toward the stakes purses, pending approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. This substantial contribution underscores the state’s commitment to supporting Thoroughbred racing in Kentucky.
Notably, three races have been upgraded for 2026, each receiving a $50,000 purse increase. The Giant’s Causeway has been elevated to Grade 2 status with a $400,000 purse on April 12. The Baird Doubledogdare also received Grade 2 status and a $400,000 purse on April 17. The FanDuel Limestone was upgraded to Grade 3 with a $350,000 purse on April 10.
The Spring Meet will commence on April 3 with four stakes races for 3-year-olds. The day’s highlight is the 88th running of the $750,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1) at 1 1/16 miles, marking the year’s first Grade 1 event for sophomore fillies. The card also includes the $400,000 MiddleGround Capital Beaumont (G2) at 7 furlongs on dirt for fillies, the $600,000 UK HealthCare Transylvania (G3) at 1 1/16 miles on turf, and the $400,000 Lafayette (L) at 7 furlongs on dirt.
Saturday, April 4, will feature the 102nd Toyota Blue Grass as the centerpiece of five stakes races. The card includes the $650,000 Resolute Racing Madison (G1) for fillies and mares, the $500,000 Appalachian (G2) Presented by Japan Racing Association, the $400,000 Valvoline Global Shakertown (G2), and the $350,000 Commonwealth (G3).
Both the Toyota Blue Grass and Central Bank Ashland are part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks series, each awarding 200 points toward their respective classics. Winners of each race will earn 100 qualifying points.
The meet will conclude on April 24 with the $350,000 Bewitch (G3) Presented by Keeneland Sales for fillies and mares at 1½ miles on turf. Following the races, Keeneland will hold its April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale.
Stakes races are scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the meet, featuring a mix of dirt and turf races for various age groups and distances. This diverse schedule aims to attract a wide range of competitors and provide fans with exciting racing action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total value of the stakes purses for the 2026 Keeneland Spring Meet?
The total value of the stakes purses for the 2026 Keeneland Spring Meet is a record $9.55 million.
When does the 2026 Keeneland Spring Meet begin and end?
The 2026 Keeneland Spring Meet begins on Friday, April 3, and concludes on Friday, April 24.
What are the two marquee events for 3-year-olds during the 2026 Spring Meet?
The two marquee events for 3-year-olds during the 2026 Spring Meet are the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) for males and the $750,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1) for fillies.
How many stakes races are scheduled for the 2026 Spring Meet?
A total of 19 stakes races are scheduled for the 2026 Spring Meet.
What is the contribution from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund to the stakes purses?
The Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund is contributing $2.25 million toward the stakes purses, pending approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.
Which races have been upgraded for the 2026 Spring Meet?
Three races have been upgraded for the 2026 Spring Meet: the Giant’s Causeway to Grade 2 status with a $400,000 purse on April 12; the Baird Doubledogdare to Grade 2 status with a $400,000 purse on April 17; and the FanDuel Limestone to Grade 3 status with a $350,000 purse on April 10.
What is the schedule for stakes races during the 2026 Spring Meet?
Stakes races are scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the meet, featuring a mix of dirt and turf races for various age groups and distances.
Key Features of the 2026 Keeneland Spring Meet
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Stakes Purses | $9.55 million |
| Number of Stakes Races | 19 |
| Marquee Events | $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) and $750,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1) |
| Race Upgrades | Giant’s Causeway to Grade 2 with $400,000 purse; Baird Doubledogdare to Grade 2 with $400,000 purse; FanDuel Limestone to Grade 3 with $350,000 purse |
| Meet Duration | April 3–24, 2026 |
| Stakes Race Schedule | Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the meet |
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