Keeneland revitalizes 2022 Spring Meet with record $7.7M in stakes, new schedule

Keeneland revamps the 2022 Spring Meet with record $7.7 million in awards. 19 stakes will be run during the meet to be held from April 8-29. The Toyota Blue Grass purse for 3-year-olds has been restored to $1 million. Central Bank Ashland for fillies has moved to opening day of the season. Keeneland will contest 10 stakes on grass and nine stakes in dirt. Post time for the first race each day is 1 p.m. ET. The Fall Meet will take place in October and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will happen on November 4-5.

Malathaat won the 2021 Central Bank Ashland (G1) at Keeneland. The purse of the 1 1/8-mile race has been increased from $800,000 in 2021 to $1 million. The opening weekend of Keeneland's Spring Meet will be blockbuster with 10 stakes worth a total of $4.55 million, including the Toyota Blue Grass.

The Spring Meet at Keeneland is Wednesday through Sunday with the exception of Easter Sunday. The opening Sunday will present two stakes for 3-year-olds: the $400,000 Beaumont (G3) Presented by Keenel Select, at 7 furlongs, 184 feet, on dirt for fillies and the Palisades ( G2) at 5½ furths on the grass. On Saturday, April 16, there will be three stakes: $500,00 Jenny Wiley (1.1 miles), $300, 000 Stonestreet Lexington (2.5 miles) and $200,0000 Giant’s Causeway (L). The Stonethreet is the final prep on this year”s Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Keeneland revitalizes 2022 Spring Meet with record $7.7M in stakes and new schedule.