Tag: spring meet

Churchill Downs’ Spring Meet Stakes Schedule Worth Record $13.44 Million

Led by America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1, Churchill Downs will present 40 stakes races cumulatively worth a record $13.44 million during its 38-day Spring Meet that runs April 24-June 26.

Derby Week (April 24-May 1) kicks off the nine-week 147th Spring Meet in style with 18 stakes events that total a record $10.14 million over the six-day stretch, culminating with the 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade 1) for 3-year-olds at 1 ¼ miles.

Half of the 14 races on Derby Day are stakes races, including four Grade 1 events: the Derby; $1 million Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic; $500,000 Churchill Downs presented by Ford and $500,000 Derby City Distaff. There also will be a trio of Grade 2 events: the $500,000 Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile; $500,000 Pat Day Mile presented by LG&E and KU; and $500,000 American Turf.

One day earlier, Churchill Downs will host the Derby's female counterpart, the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) at 1 1/8 miles – the nation's most lucrative race for 3-year-old fillies. The six stakes that day total $3 million: the Oaks; $500,000 La Troienne (G1); $400,000 Alysheba (G2); $300,000 Eight Belles presented by Smithfield (G2); $300,000 Edgewood (G2); and $250,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint presented by Sysco (G2).

Derby Week stakes action that precedes Oaks and Derby days includes the $125,000 William Walker on Opening Night, Saturday, April 24; the newly-renamed $120,000 Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes on Champions Day, Tuesday, April 27, which honors the legendary African-American who was a three-time Derby winner and arguably the greatest jockey American racing has ever known; $125,000 Kentucky Juvenile on Wednesday, April 28; and the $150,000 Unbridled Sidney and $120,000 Opening Verse Overnight Night Stakes on Thurby, Thursday, April 29.

After Derby Week, there will be 22 stakes worth a total of $3.3 million.

Stephen Foster Preview Day is Saturday, May 29 with seven stakes that total $825,000: the $125,000 Matt Winn (G3); $125,000 Regret (G3); $125,000 Aristides (Listed); $125,000 Blame; $125,000 Shawnee; $100,000 Audubon; and $100,000 Douglas Park Overnight Stakes.

The $600,000 Stephen Foster (G2), which annually attracts some of the nation's top older horses, is situated on closing day, Saturday, June 26, for a second consecutive year. The 1 1/8-mile race anchors a seven-race stakes bonanza that totals $1.6 million and includes the $250,000 Fleur de Lis (G2) for fillies and mares and $250,000 Wise Dan (G2) for turf horses.

The lucrative prize money is attributed to returns from historical horse racing at Derby City Gaming, Churchill Downs Incorporated's $65 million facility that opened September 2018 at nearby 4520 Poplar Level Road.

The first condition book of scheduled races features $106,000 maiden races on Derby Week and $91,000 maiden races after Derby. The Churchill Downs stable area reopens Tuesday, March 16, and the first day of training is Friday, March 19.

2021 CHURCHILL DOWNS SPRING MEET STAKES SCHEDULE

Date Running Grade Purse Race Conditions Distance Surface
Saturday, April 24 6th Listed $125,000 William Walker 3yo 5 ½ F Turf
Tuesday, April 27 3rd   $120,000 Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes 4&up 1 ½ M Dirt
Wednesday, April 28 27th   $125,000 Kentucky Juvenile 2yo 5 F Dirt
Thursday, April 29 11th   $150,000 Unbridled Sidney 3&up, f&m 5 ½ F Turf
Thursday, April 29 16th   $120,000 Opening Verse Overnight Stakes 4&up 1 M Turf
Friday, April 30 147th I $1,250,000 Longines Kentucky Oaks 3yo f 1 1/8 M Dirt
Friday, April 30 36th I $500,000 La Troienne 4&up, f&m 1 1/16 M Dirt
Friday, April 30 18th II $400,000 Alysheba 4&up 1 1/16 M Dirt
Friday, April 30 66th II $300,000 Eight Belles presented by Smithfield 3yo f 7 F Dirt
Friday, April 30 37th II $300,000 Edgewood 3yo f 1 1/16 M Turf
Friday, April 30 27th II $250,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint presented by Sysco 3&up 5 ½ F Turf
Saturday, May 1 147th I $3,000,000 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve 3yo 1 ¼ M Dirt
Saturday, May 1 35th I $1,000,000 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic 4&up 1 1/8 M Turf
Saturday, May 1 86th I $500,000 Churchill Downs presented by Ford 4&up 7 F Dirt
Saturday, May 1 35th I $500,000 Derby City Distaff 4&up, f&m 7 F Dirt
Saturday, May 1 36th II $500,000 Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile 4&up, f&m 1 M Turf
Saturday, May 1 97th II $500,000 Pat Day Mile presented by LG&E and KU 3yo 1 M Dirt
Saturday, May 1 30th II $500,000 American Turf 3yo 1 1/16 M Turf
Saturday, May 8 2nd   $100,000 Mamzelle Overnight Stakes 3yo f 5 F Turf
Saturday, May 15 84th III $125,000 Louisville 4&up 1 ½ M Turf
Saturday, May 22 18th III $125,000 Winning Colors 4&up, f&m 6 F Dirt
Saturday, May 22 8th   $100,000 Keertana Overnight Stakes 4&up, f&m 1 ½ M Turf
Saturday, May 29 24th III $125,000 Matt Winn 3yo 1 1/16 M Dirt
Saturday, May 29 52nd III $125,000 Regret 3yo f 1 1/8 M Turf
Saturday, May 29 33rd Listed $125,000 Aristides 4&up 6 F Dirt
Saturday, May 29 2nd   $125,000 Blame 4&up 1 1/8 M Dirt
Saturday, May 29 2nd   $125,000 Shawnee 4&up, f&m 1 1/16 M Dirt
Saturday, May 29 2nd   $100,000 Audubon 3yo 1 1/8 M Turf
Saturday, May 29 1st   $100,000 Douglas Park Overnight Stakes 4&up 1 1/16 M Turf
Saturday, June 5 5th   $100,000 Mighty Beau Overnight Stakes 3&up 5 F Turf
Saturday, June 12 45th III $125,000 Old Forester Mint Julep 4&up, f&m 1 1/16 M Turf
Saturday, June 19 11th   $100,000 Roxelana Overnight Stakes 3&up, f&m 6 ½ F Dirt
Friday, June 25 11th   $100,000 Kelly's Landing Overnight Stakes 3&up 7 F Dirt
Saturday, June 26 40th II $600,000 Stephen Foster 4&up 1 1/8 M Dirt
Saturday, June 26 46th II $250,000 Fleur de Lis 4&up, f&m 1 1/8 M Dirt
Saturday, June 26 32nd II $250,000 Wise Dan 4&up 1 1/16 M Turf
Saturday, June 26 120th III $125,000 Bashford Manor 2yo 6 F Dirt
Saturday, June 26 120th Listed $125,000 Debutante 2yo f 6 F Dirt
Saturday, June 26 2nd   $125,000 War Chant 3yo 1 M Turf
Saturday, June 26 2nd   $125,000 Tepin 3yo f 1 M Turf

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Keeneland ‘Eager To Welcome Fans,’ Unveils Spring Meet Ticketing Plans

Keeneland today released plans to offer fans a limited number of ticket packages for dining, Reserved Grandstand seating and General Admission for the 2021 Spring Meet, to be held April 2-23. All ticket packages were designed in accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols and will be pre-sold online in two phases.

Fans are encouraged to visit Keeneland.com/tickets for information on Spring Meet ticket options and the process to purchase.

“Keeneland is eager to welcome fans, although fewer in number, back this spring for what promises to be an exciting race meet,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We have missed our fans as much as they've missed Keeneland, particularly at this time of year as we shake off winter to celebrate the return of spring. While we are still limited in capacity, our team is hard at work creating unique touches that will deliver the exceptional and safe race-day experience our guests expect from Keeneland. And for those fans who can't attend in person, Keeneland will provide ways for you to enjoy your race-day traditions from the comfort of your home.”

Keeneland has worked to ensure the most fair ticket selection process possible given the anticipated demand and to create a safe and fun on-site environment for its guests. In addition, Keeneland will offer a 48-hour cancellation policy without penalty.

Beginning Monday, March 8, fans may apply for the opportunity to purchase a table for six in the fourth-floor Lexington/Kentucky Room or Phoenix Room or up to six Reserved Grandstand seat ticket packages on specific race days.

Fans may purchase General Admission ticket packages online on a first-come, first-served basis starting Wednesday, March 24. A maximum of six tickets may be purchased per order.

Reserved Grandstand and General Admission ticket packages will include admission, a race-day program and a concession allowance. Dining ticket packages will include admission, a race-day program and a prix fixe three-course meal.

Keeneland will continue to enforce COVID-19 protocols during the Spring Meet and implement new initiatives with regard to mobile ticketing and cashless payment to further create a safe environment for all guests.

Keeneland's new ticketing platform enables patrons to complete their ticketing purchase online and to add tickets to their mobile wallet for easy scanning at the admission gates. Additionally, all Grandstand and General Admission ticket packages will include a $10 concession card and concession stands will feature new meal deals for lunch, all aimed to reduce wait times in lines as well as the amount of cash transactions.

As always, all forms of seating at Keeneland, including dining tables, outdoor boxes, pods of tickets in the Reserved Grandstand area and Grandstand benches, will be kept at a social distance.

All individuals will be required to wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds. Health screenings and temperature checks will resume at all entrance gates for the race meet.

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Keeneland’s Spring Meet To Include 18 Stakes Races Worth $4.1 Million

Keeneland will present 18 stakes, featuring the 97th running of the $800,000 Toyota Blue Grass (G2) and the 84th running of the $400,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1), worth a total of $4.1 million during its 2021 Spring Meet from April 2-23. The Toyota Blue Grass and the Central Bank Ashland are two nationally prominent classic preps.

Post time for the first race during the 15-day season will be 1:05 p.m. ET. Keeneland will be closed Easter Sunday, April 4.

“Keeneland is excited to welcome racing back to the Bluegrass in April,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “With the cancellation of last year's Spring Meet because of the pandemic, it is critical to the Thoroughbred industry that we are able to offer our full slate of April stakes on their traditional dates. These races are key fixtures on the international racing calendar.

“For this year's Spring Meet,” Arvin added, “Keeneland is working on plans for ticketing options under our COVID-19 safety protocols and we plan to make an announcement in the next few weeks.”

Keeneland will conduct a total of 10 stakes on grass and eight stakes on dirt while offering multiple stakes on four days during the Spring Meet.

Opening day, Friday, April 2, features three stakes: $150,000 Kentucky Utilities Transylvania (G3), a 1 1/16-mile turf race for 3-year-olds; $150,000 Beaumont (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select, at 7 furlongs, 184 feet, on dirt for 3-year-old fillies; and $100,000 Palisades Turf Sprint, for 3-year-olds going 5½ furlongs on the grass. The Beaumont is worth 17 points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, with the winner collecting 10 points.

The Toyota Blue Grass and Central Bank Ashland will be contested the following day, Saturday, April 3, as part of a blockbuster card of six stakes. The Toyota Blue Grass, for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles, and the Central Bank Ashland, for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles, both are worth 180 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks, respectively. The winners of each stakes will earn 100 qualifying points to the respective races.

The early nomination deadline for the Toyota Blue Grass and Central Bank Ashland is Feb. 13. Late nominations are due March 17.

Joining the Toyota Blue Grass and Central Bank Ashland on April 3 are the $300,000 Madison (G1), for older fillies and mares at 7 furlongs; $200,000 Appalachian (G2) Presented by Japan Racing Association for 3-year-old fillies at 1 mile on the grass; $200,000 Shakertown (G2), for 3-year-olds and up at 5½ furlongs on the turf; and $200,000 Commonwealth (G3), for older horses at 7 furlongs.

For the remainder of the Spring Meet, racing will be held Wednesday through Sunday.

Stakes action resumes Friday, April 9, with the $300,000 Maker's Mark Mile (G1), for 4-year-olds and up at 1 mile on turf, and the $100,000 TVG Limestone Turf Sprint for 3-year-old fillies going 5½ furlongs on the grass.

Saturday, April 10, will present four stakes on a day highlighting the $300,000 Coolmore Jenny Wiley (G1), a 1 1/16-mile turf race for fillies and mares and the $200,000 Stonestreet Lexington (G3), for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles. One of the final preps on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Stonestreet Lexington awards 34 Derby qualifying points. The winner will earn 20 points.

The day's other stakes are the $150,000 Ben Ali (G3), for older horses racing 1 1/8 miles, and the $100,000 Giant's Causeway (L) a 5½-furlong turf race for fillies and mares.

Older horses will be showcased in three graded stakes during the final days of the season. The $100,000 Baird Doubledogdare (G3) for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles is set for Friday, April 16. The $200,000 Elkhorn (G2), for older males at 1½ miles on the turf, is the following day.

The April 23 closing-day feature is the $150,000 Bewitch (G3), for fillies and mares racing 1½ miles on the turf.

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Despite ‘Unprecedented Pandemic,’ Churchill Downs Reports 53.3 Percent Wagering Increase

All-sources wagering on Churchill Downs' abbreviated 27-date Spring Meet totaled $240.5 million, which was a 53.3% increase from the 32 days of racing that followed last year's Kentucky Derby. Additionally, the average daily handle was up 81.7% from $4.9 million one year ago to $8.9 million this season.

The 146th Spring Meet, which was delayed and shortened to seven weeks from May 16-June 28, was staged under strict government-sanctioned protocols and without spectators for the first time in track history because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With no guests in attendance, many bettors were able to watch the racing action on FOX Sports' “America's Day at the Races,” which aired nationally every race day in high definition on either FS1 or FS2 through a partnership with FOX Sports and the New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA).

Wagers on Churchill Downs' racing product were placed almost exclusively online via advance deposit wagering outlets, led by TwinSpires.com – the official advance-deposit wagering service for Churchill Downs Incorporated, its family of racetracks and the Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs experienced four of the track's six largest non-Derby, Oaks or Breeders' Cup betting days in track history, led by a record $19.3 million on May 23 (Stephen Foster Preview Day). Other big days were $16.8 million on May 30 (Winning Colors/Old Forester Mint Julep); $14.3 million on May 16 (Opening Day); and $13.8 million on June 27 (Stephen Foster Day).

“In the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, we can't thank our horsemen and horseplayers enough for their continued support and enthusiastic response throughout the Spring Meet,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery. “Our team worked tirelessly with public health officials and our horsemen navigated through uncharted territory to deliver an important economic driver in a safe environment for thousands of individuals in the Commonwealth. I couldn't be more proud of our staff and everyone who made the season possible. It was, however, an incredibly unusual season without fans in the stands, and they were greatly missed. We very much look forward to welcoming them back to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby Week in September.”

A total of 2,536 horses made starts in the 268 races for a substantial average of 9.5 horses per race – up from 8.4 horses in 2019.

Purses paid to horsemen totaled $15.6 million and averaged $576,000 per day compared to last year's $601,000 daily average. The average purse per race was $58,000 compared to last season's $63,000.

Some of the sport's brightest equine stars shined at Churchill Downs during the Spring Meet, led by Midnight Bisou (21-13-5-3—$7,371,520) and Tom's d'Etat (18-11-2-1—$1,627,272), the top two-ranked horses on the June 29 National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Top Thoroughbred Poll.

On June 27, Midnight Bisou, the 2019 Champion Older Dirt Female, powered home to an easy 8 ¼-length win in the $200,000 Fleur de Lis presented by Coca-Cola (Grade II). One race later, Tom's d'Etat delivered a brilliant performance in the $500,000 Stephen Foster presented by Coca-Cola (Grade II) as the 7-year-old horse collected his fourth consecutive stakes win while clocking 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.30 – just .02 off Victory Gallop's 1999 track and stakes record.

Both Tom's d'Etat and Midnight Bisou earned spots in the Breeders' Cup Classic and Distaff, respectively, at Keeneland on Nov. 7.

Other top horses who won stakes during the meet included $100,000 Aristides winner Volatile (5-4-1-0—$203,540), who emerged as a top contender for this fall's Breeders' Cup Sprint (GI); $100,000 Louisville (GIII) winner Admission Office (14-4-5-2—$432,957); $100,000 Blame winner Owendale (16-6-2-2—$1,143,735); $200,000 Wise Dan (GII) winner Factor This (29-10-3-4—$844,070); 2019 Breeders' Futurity (GI) winner Maxfield (3-3-0-0—$442,762), who won the $150,000 Matt Winn (GIII); 2019 Alabama (GI) winner Dunbar Road (8-5-1-1—$758,040), who won the $100,000 Shawnee; and 2019 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (GI) winner Sharing (6-4-1-1—$856,471), who won the $100,000 Tepin in advance of running second in the Group 1 Coronation at Royal Ascot.

Allowance winners during the season included 2018 Champion 3-Year-Old Filly and Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) winner Monomoy Girl (12-10-2-0—$3,008,618) and 2019 Acorn (GI) and Coaching Club American Oaks (GI) winner Guarana (5-4-1-0—$928,268).

Eleven horses won multiple races at the meet, including $100,000 Dogwood (GIII) winner Four Graces (4-3-0-0—$134,450); promising 2-year-old and Bashford Manor (GIII) winner Cazadero (2-2-0-0—$106,160); turf sprinter Change of Control (17-5-4-2—$295,849); improving 3-year-old Art Collector (7-3-1-0—$188,475); and rising 3-year-old filly Paris Lights (3-2-0-1—$95,412).

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen (100-17-11-10—$1,112,065) not only won his record-extending 23rd Churchill Downs training title, 17 wins to 16 over Brad Cox (69-16-8-6—$777,195), but he overtook south Louisville native Dale Romans (44-7-6-3—$239,159) as the track's all-time leading trainer. Asmussen has won 747 career races at Churchill Downs, three more than Romans, who overtook renowned Bill Mott (42-8-4-4—$481,140) on Nov. 12, 2017 after a 31-year reign.

Mott, who has 728 career wins at Churchill Downs, became only the seventh trainer in history to record 5,000 career wins when Moon Over Miami (7-2-0-0—$98,702) won at the Louisville track on June 20. Longtime Mott assistant Kenny McCarthy saddled the winner and accepted the local accolades.

Tyler Gaffalione (153-31-34-17—$1,711,573), 25, reaffirmed his status as one of the sport's escalating young stars by easily defeating 19-time local riding champion Corey Lanerie (167-24-18-23—$1,253,138), 31 wins to 24, in the jockey standings.

Owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey (18-5-2-1—$184,411) earned their record-extending 33rd crown as the leading owners at Churchill Downs. On May 24, the Nicholasville, Ky. couple registered their unprecedented 500th win beneath the Twin Spires, and finished the season with a total of 504 career Churchill Downs wins.

Gayle Benson's G M B Racing (7-2-1-0—$368,532), the owners of Tom's d'Etat, was the meet's top money-earning owner.

Racing in Kentucky will shift to Ellis Park (July 2-5 and July 17-Aug. 30) and Keeneland (July 8-12) before it returns to Churchill Downs in nine weeks for the rescheduled Kentucky Derby Week (Sept. 1-5). The 146th runnings of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) and Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) will be staged with spectators under strict guidelines on Friday, Sept. 4 and Saturday, Sept. 5, respectively.

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