Entry to the grounds at Keeneland will look slightly different to fans during its upcoming 16-day spring meet April 5-26. In January, the Lexington track began construction of a three-level Paddock Building that will expand ticketed experiences for the public coupled with a reimagined Saddling Paddock.
Keeneland pledges its same exceptional Keeneland experience waiting just past the gates with more information available at Keeneland.com/welcome.
The meet will feature the 100th running of the $1 million Blue Grass Stakes (G1) on April 6, among 19 stakes worth a meet-record $8.1 million.
“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.
Sign up for BloodHorse Daily
Advance ticket sales are required and available at tickets.Keeneland.com/racing. Because ticket inventory is updated automatically, fans should check this site regularly and sign up to be notified when tickets become available.
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 and paid parking is available, with further details available online.
Numerous promotions are planned through the meet, and for bettors, Keeneland has reduced the takeout on its Daily Double wager from 22% to 15%.
“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.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
