Buy Tickets$1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass, $750,000 Central Bank Ashland, opening of Paddock Building among highlights
Keeneland kicks off a blockbuster 2026 on Friday, April 3 with the opening of the Spring Meet, 15 days of spectacular Thoroughbred racing featuring the public opening of the Paddock Building along with an offering of popular special events and exciting wagering action. The first Saturday of the meet is Toyota Blue Grass Day, an 11-race card featuring five stakes worth a combined $3.15 million and led by the 102nd running of the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) — which will be broadcast live on NBCSN and Peacock. The entire season will present 19 stakes worth a Spring Meet record $9.55 million.
“Keeneland is incredibly excited to kick off what is sure to be a landmark year,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “The Spring Meet is just the start of the excitement, which will carry through the Fall with more world-class racing and the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, framed by our banner September and November Sales that have launched so many of racing’s biggest stars.”
The Toyota Blue Grass and the 89th running of the opening-day Central Bank Ashland, the year’s first Grade 1 event for fillies, are key springtime races on the dirt for 3-year-olds. Both stakes are worth 200 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks, respectively, with the winners of each stakes earning 100 qualifying points to the respective classic.
Racing during the Spring Meet will be conducted Wednesdays through Sundays with post time for the first race at 1 p.m. ET each day. Keeneland will be closed for racing on Easter Sunday, April 5. Closing day, April 24, will feature 10 races followed by the April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, scheduled to begin at approximately 6:30 p.m.
As always, all tickets must be purchased in advance via Keeneland’s Official Online Ticket Office at tickets.Keeneland.com/racing. Cash and walk-up purchases are not available at the main entrance gates on race days. Season passes, which offer General Admission throughout the meet, are available for purchase at $50 apiece through April 2.
Keeneland offers a return policy of up to 48 hours in advance of race day. Because ticket inventory is updated automatically and available for purchase at tickets.Keeneland.com, fans should check this site regularly and sign up to be notified when tickets become available.
Also:
Complimentary digital programs with Equibase past performances Powered by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) are available to download by clicking here.
Information about attending the races during the Spring Meet is available on the Patron Experience Guide at Keeneland.com/welcome.
Paddock Building opens to public
The Spring Meet marks the public debut of the new Paddock Building, which introduces more than 1,000 dining tickets each race day and offers guests a range of distinctive options. Designed for year-round use, the Paddock Building will serve as a premier setting for sales and private events in addition to enhancing the race-day experience.
Last October, fans and horsemen at the Fall Meet were the first to experience the initial phase of Keeneland’s construction enhancements led by centrally located saddling stalls repositioned along the east side of the Saddling Paddock; a new Jockeys Quarters located beneath the Paddock Building that enables riders to enter the Saddling Paddock through a centralized location from the Paddock Building; and a Stakes Winner’s Circle (formerly the Walking Ring) where the horse and jockey return after winning a stakes to join connections for photographs in an area where fans can share in the thrill of victory.
Watch races on TV and online
Fans can watch all Spring Meet races live and at no charge thanks to the Keeneland Livestream on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland’s YouTube channel.
Other coverage of Keeneland racing includes:
- “Today at Keeneland,” a 30-minute race-day preview show with handicapping picks and discussion of horses of interest. Racing analysts Gabby Gaudet, Keeneland’s Director of Communications, and Scott Hazelton will host the program, which streams live on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Select, Keeneland’s YouTube channel, WKYT.com and FanDuel TV+. Airs live on The CW Lexington.
- FanDuel TV, which will present extensive live coverage of every race beginning at noon.
- Live coverage of the April 4 Toyota Blue Grass on NBCSN and Peacock from 6-8 p.m.
- Live coverage of the April 11 Jenny Wiley (G1) and the Stonestreet Lexington (G2) on FS1 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Parking for the races
Free parking: Available at The Hill and The Meadow with no reservation required. Patrons will have access to complimentary shuttling to the track.
Green Lot parking: Patrons may purchase a Green Lot pass to reserve a spot in the paved parking rows. (Spaces are offered first come, first served and are only for car parking.) Click here to purchase a Green Lot pass.
To reach the Green Lot, enter Gate 2 and follow signage to the right. Green Lot parking will open at 8 a.m. and close 60 minutes after the final race.
Accessible parking: Enter Gate 1 to reach complimentary accessible parking in Rows 21-25. No reservation or permit is required, and all spaces are located in the semipaved lot. Complimentary golf cart shuttles from the parking lot to the South Entrance are available.
RideShare: Uber/Lyft/taxis, personal pickups/drop-offs and private car services (sedans and SUVs) will be directed to RideShare, located adjacent to the Shuttle Depot. There is no vehicular access to the North, East or South Entrances for drop-off/pickup.
Bus Lot: A permit is required for vehicles such as charter buses, RVs (no overnight parking), school buses, etc. Click here for more information and to purchase.
Track Kitchen: Most parking is limited to horsemen and barn staff. For those coming to eat at the Track Kitchen, limited parking spots are available to the public directly in front of the building.
Click here for the grounds map with the parking options.
Also visit Parking FAQ: Keeneland.com/racing/parking-frequently-asked-questions
The Hill is for tailgaters
The place for tailgating at Keeneland is The Hill, which is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the meet, weather permitting. The area is accessible via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland).
Two levels of accommodations are available:
- Free tailgating. No tickets or reservations are required for fans, who can watch Keeneland 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 for those with paid tickets. The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the last race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Premium tailgating. Tailgate packages for groups of any size are available from RevelXP, which will furnish a designated tent, catering, amenities and more.
Click here for full details.
Special events showcase Keeneland philanthropic mission
Throughout the Spring Meet, these special events and promotions will reflect Keeneland’s commitment to community engagement, philanthropy and growing the sport:
Saturday, April 4, 11, 18: Sunrise Trackside. This free Saturday morning program from 8-10 a.m. is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Fans can enjoy coffee and breakfast items at a concession stand while watching horses train. Children’s activities on the first floor of the Grandstand include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting and games. Mini tours are available at the Welcome Stand near the Saddling Paddock.
Every Saturday, the John Deere Tractor Break will take place during the renovation period on the main track from 8:30-9 a.m. and include a drawing for a kids John Deere electric-powered truck with trailer from John Deere/Meade Tractor. Meanwhile, a meet and greet with a horse will be held in the Saddling Paddock from 8:30-9 a.m.
On April 4, the Easter Bunny will appear at the special Easter edition of Sunrise Trackside.
Friday, April 10: College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane’s End. Keeneland invites college students to enjoy a day of racing, prizes, scholarship giveaways, behind-the-scenes tours, reserved seating and more. By pre-registering, students will receive a free general admission ticket good for April 10 and the opportunity to win one of 10 $2,000 scholarships provided by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Keeneland. Students who attend the race day and have their tickets scanned day-of also will be eligible to win one of two additional $10,000 scholarships provided by Lane’s End Farm, as well as prize packages from local Kentucky businesses. Students must be on site to be eligible to win all prizes and scholarships. Activities will take place at the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-register at www.Keeneland.com/csd.
Saturday, April 11: Keeneland Library Exhibit Companion Book Signing. On the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., meet some of the people featured in Keeneland Library’s current exhibit, Raíces: The Making of Latino Legacies in Racing, a landmark bilingual showcase and education initiative. The Raíces exhibit companion book shares stories and never-before-published photographs. Books are $10 each with all proceeds benefiting the Keeneland Library Foundation. (Cash only. Patrons are required to have a race meet ticket to attend the book signing.)
Sunday, April 12: Heroes Day. This event honors members of the military (active duty and veterans), first responders and community heroes with programming tied to Lexington Navy Week. 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 from Jimmy John’s. A flag rollout will take place on the track, and heroes will be recognized in the Winner’s Circle.
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.
Each hero is eligible to receive up to four complimentary tickets. Click here to reserve.
Saturday, April 18: Jockey Autograph Signing: Fans will meet active and retired Keeneland riders and Hall of Famers in an event that benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Hats, posters, goggles and autograph books that can be signed will be available for purchase; personal items may be signed with a donation to PDJF. The event will take place on the North Terrace from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 18: PDJF Telethon Presented by Lane’s End. Racing Hall of Fame riders, leading active jockeys and racing personalities will take part in the eighth annual fundraiser. Keeneland will hold a call center in the Limestone Café in the Sales Pavilion. The event will be broadcast on both FanDuel TV and America’s Day at the Races on the Fox Sports family of networks and be streamed on tvg.com. Fans can participate by calling 1 844 884-7353 from 12:30-6 p.m. or by donating directly at https://pdjf.org/donate/.
Sunday, April 19: Kids Club Family Day Presented by Golisano Children’s at UK. The Keeneland Kids Club is the Official Kids Club for Keeneland fans ages 12 and under. Children 12 and under receive free general admission (no ticket required); Kids Club members may reserve up to two complimentary general admission tickets for accompanying adults in advance of the event. Access to reserved grandstand seating in Sections A, B & C is also available. Children’s activities in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will include face painting, sweet treats and activities with such local community partners as Amplify Horse Racing, Golisano Children’s at UK, LexArts and The Salvation Army. Sign up for the Kids Club at Keeneland.com/kidsclub.
Wagering action and tools expand
Click here for more detailed information on updated wagering opportunities debuting during the Spring Meet.
In addition, Keeneland Select, the track’s advance-deposit wagering platform (ADW), is offering a bonus for new customers who sign up between March 30-April 24: Each will receive $100 back after wagering $200 on the Spring Meet (use promo code Spring2026).
This is in addition to Keeneland Select’s sign-up bonus that will earn new customers $100 after they wager $300 in the first 30 days. In addition, members will receive free admission to the Spring Meet if they have wagered $500 or more since the start of 2025.
These handicapping contests are for horseplayers of all skill levels.
Wednesday, April 8, 15, 22: WINS-Day Challenge Presented by Malone’s. Enter for $10 at Wagering Central on the first floor of the Grandstand and place a mythical $2 win and place wager – no actual money is required – on Keeneland’s final six races of the day. This is an inexpensive way for beginner handicappers to give contests a try.
Friday, April 10: $400 Spring Challenge. Available only at Keeneland, this handicapping contest offers one berth to the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) on Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland and as many as four spots to the 2027 National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) in Las Vegas. Players will wager a live bankroll of $250 on Keeneland races. Click here to register and for more information.
Saturday, April 11: Grade 1 Gamble. Keeneland hosts this signature handicapping contest of the Spring Meet with the cooperation of XpressBet, NYRABets, 4NJ Bets, HPI and TVG on the day of the Jenny Wiley and the Stonestreet Lexington. Entry fee is $3,500 with $2,500 going to a live bankroll and $1,000 to the prize fund. Contestants may play at Keeneland or on one of the aforementioned ADW platforms. Prizes include an estimated $70,000 for first place (based on 300 entries), as many as six berths in the BCBC and 10 spots in the NHC. Click hereto register and read more information about the contest, which will be held in the Dogwood Room in Keeneland’s new Paddock Building.
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Keeneland 2026 Spring Meet at a Glance
Schedule: 15 days from April 3-24. No racing Mondays, Tuesdays and Easter Sunday (April 5).
Five Grade 1 stakes: the $750,000 Central Bank Ashland on April 3; the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass and the $650,000 Resolute Racing Madison on April 4; the $650,000 Maker’s Mark Mile on April 10; and the $650,000 Jenny Wiley on April 11.
Gates open: 11 a.m.
First race: 1 p.m.
Tickets: tickets.Keeneland.com/racing
Parking FAQ: Keeneland.com/racing/parking-frequently-asked-questions
How to watch: Through the Keeneland Livestream, fans can watch all races live and at no charge on Keeneland.com, Keeneland Race Day App, Keeneland Select and Keeneland’s YouTube channel. FanDuel TV will present live extensive coverage of every race.
Complimentary digital programs Powered by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF): Including Equibase past performances, these will be available for download at https://www.keeneland.com/complimentary-pps
Patron Experience Guide: Make the most of your day at the races and refer to the latest information about parking and entry atKeeneland.com/welcome.
What to wear?: Visit Keeneland.com/racing/dress-codes
Keeneland Race Day App: Download this guide to handicapping and enjoying a day of Keeneland racing.
Tailgating. The Hill, the popular free tailgating area accessible through via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland), is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. No tickets or reservations are required for fans, who 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 last race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Keeneland en Español: Visit Keeneland en Español and DRFenEspañol,com for information about Spanish coverage of the Spring Meet.
Keeneland Newsletter: Sign up for email updates of your areas of interest at Keeneland.com/newsletter.
Official Keeneland Tours: Click here for availability and to purchase.
The Keeneland Shop: Located near the Grandstand South entrance, The Keeneland Shop will host Taste of the Races through Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests will receive 20% of all in-store purchases (some exclusions apply) and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
The Keeneland Shop is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on race days from 9 a.m. to 30 minutes after the final race. Milliners Corner, Wagering Central and Finish Line locations also will be open on race days.
During the Spring Meet, The Keeneland Shop will feature Stephanie Hilen (East Plaza, April 3), Darren K. Moore (April 3-4), Christine A. Moore (Milliners Corner, April 3-4), Hats Off by Helen (Milliners Corner, April 11); and a book signing with selected contributors to Racetracks of America (April 18).
Keeneland Library: Located on Keeneland’s campus, Keeneland Library is presenting the free exhibit Raíces: The Making of Latino Legacies in Racing, a landmark bilingual showcase and education initiative that highlights 100 trailblazing Latino men and women whose contributions have shaped Thoroughbred racing and breeding from the late 1800s to today. Raíces (Spanish for roots) shines a light on Latino industry professionals across the Americas through biographical vignettes, rare images and never-before-displayed artifacts. The exhibit is presented in English with an accompanying Spanish audio guide, marking the Library’s first fully bilingual interpretive experience. Developed in collaboration with writers, historians and photographers from six countries, the exhibit underscores the depth, breadth and enduring impact of Latino heritage within the sport.
The Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enter Keeneland at Gate 1 on Keeneland Blvd. and take the first right on Entertainment Ct. The Library is to the left of the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center.
Website: Keeneland.com
Social: @keeneland on Facebook and Instagram and @keenelandracing on Twitter. Use hashtag #Keeneland