After initially communicating that the opening date for its Spring Meet would be moved to Monday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 8, Keeneleand has now announced its season opening day will be Sunday, April 6.
From Keeneland's website:
Due to a forecast of severe storms and significant flooding expected in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky this weekend, Keeneland has announced it is rescheduling the first two days of its Spring Meet to ensure the safest environment for horses, participants and fans. The decision was made following Gov. Andy Beshear’s declaration earlier today of a state of emergency ahead of potentially historic amounts of rain and strong winds across the state during the next four days.
Keeneland’s opening Friday, April 4 race card, including the $750,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1), now will take place on Monday, April 7. The Saturday, April 5 race card, featuring the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1), will be rescheduled to Tuesday, April 8. Mondays and Tuesdays are typically non-racing days.
Keeneland is closely monitoring track conditions and plans to run Sunday’s race card, which now will serve as opening day of the Spring Meet, as planned.
“The safety of our equine and human participants, as well as of our fans, is at the core of every decision we make at Keeneland,”said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “Our team has spent months preparing for opening weekend, and we recognize the significant impact of rescheduling our two biggest race days. While we have navigated challenging weather in the past, the conditions being forecast for the region are unprecedented for Keeneland. Ultimately, ensuring the safety of everyone involved is our top priority.”
“Keeneland takes its responsibility seriously to host these important racing events in the safest environment possible,”said Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell. “We have been in close communication with horsemen, industry officials and trusted meteorologists, and we believe rescheduling these race days is the best way to take care of each other. Keeneland appreciates the understanding of its fans, horsemen, jockeys, trainers and sponsors as we work to ensure the safety of all involved in our race meet.”
Information for Friday and Saturday ticketholders
For those patrons who purchased tickets for opening Friday and Saturday:
- Previously Purchased General Admission Tickets now will be valid for single entry on any race day during the Spring Meet, including dates that are currently sold out.
- All Grandstand reserved seating, dining reservations and parking will automatically receive a full refund including fees. This credit will appear to the original purchaser up to seven business days after the refund is processed.
Previous Friday and Saturday ticketholders will have the opportunity to purchase new tickets for Monday and Tuesday race days through an exclusive pre-sale window. Eligible patrons will receive an email with instructions to access. Remaining tickets for Monday and Tuesday will be available to all fans at tickets.keeneland.com beginning 8:00 am on Friday.
Free admission for historic Monday and Tuesday race days
Free General Admission will be available to all guests on both Monday and Tuesday, and no ticket purchase is required. Headlining Monday’s race card is the Central Bank Ashland Stakes and Tuesday’s race card will feature the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, important prep races for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1), respectively.
Changes to scheduled opening weekend events at Keeneland
- The Hill will be closed the first week of racing and resume normal operations on Friday, April 11.
- Guests who purchased private tailgate experiences or Race Day Social tickets will be contacted by RevelXP regarding your reservation. Race Day Social tickets will be automatically refunded.
- Sunrise Trackside is canceled for opening Saturday and will resume Saturday, April 12.
- Kids Club Family Day will be held as planned on Sunday, April 6, with slightly modified activities.
For more information and ongoing updates regarding Keeneland’s opening weekend operations and Monday and Tuesday race cards, please click here.