Keeneland's 2012 spring meeting opens Friday, April 6 and continues thru Friday, April 27, with no racing on Monday or Tuesday or on Easter, Sunday, April 8.  Track spokeswoman Julie Balog explains what's in store for the three week meet.

Highlights include:

Opening Day is Friday, April 06, 2012

It is also College Scholarship Day: Full-time college students receive free general admission and the chance to win one of ten $1,000 scholarships after each race. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. in the College Zone. In the College Zone, students will enjoy live music; free snacks by Qdoba and Coke; photos by LexScene; prize drawings from Campus Quilts, Fusion Tanning, Jamba Juice, Keeneland Gift Shop, Orange Leaf, Pazzo's, Raising Cane's, Sleep Outfitters, Urban Active, Victoria's Secret, Vineyard Vines and much more.

Central Bank Ashland (G1) Saturday, April 07, 2012

The Central Bank Ashland Stakes is a Grade I race for 3yo fillies going 1 1/16 miles over Keeneland's Polytrack. The purse is $500,000; the nomination fee is $100. First post is 1:05 p.m.; races are run approximately every 30 minutes; the feature race is typically the eighth race, except on Saturdays, when it is the ninth race.

Maker's Mark Bottle Signing Friday, April 13, 2012

A bottle signing, scheduled the day of the $300,000 Maker's 46 Mile (G1) (formerly known as the Maker's Mark Mile), will be held at 6:30 AM, Friday, April 13, trackside at Keeneland, with Couch, Samuels and Nicholson.

Bottles go on sale on Friday, April 6, at retail liquor stores across the state. Please contact your local retailer for more specific information; bottles are not sold at Keeneland. For complete information on when to line up and how to get signing tickets, go to www.keeneland.com .

Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) Saturday, April 14, 2012

The Toyota Blue Grass Stakes is a Grade I race for 3yo going a 1 1/8 miles over Keeneland's Polytrack. Purse is $750,000. Closing date for entries is Feb. 23. First Post is 1:05 p.m. each race day; races are run approximately every half hour except for Blue Grass Stakes day when post times may vary slightly to accommodate television. Visit www.toyotabluegrassstakes.com  for more information.

Horses and Hope Pink Day Sunday, April 15, 2012

Keeneland hosts Pink Day in conjunction with First Lady Jane Beshear's Horses and Hope program. Wear your pink and help us promote breast cancer awareness while we raise money for this worthy cause. Keeneland's North Terrace will be all things pink for the day. Join survivors and supporters for live music, a lady's only handicapping contest, prize drawings, and special pink day activities. For more information, visit www.horsesandhope.org.

Military Appreciation Day presented by Windstream Sunday, April 22, 2012

All active and inactive members of the military and their families receive free general admission with a military ID at any pass gate. The North Terrace will be transformed into the Military Family Zone with free food, live music and activities throughout the day. April is Month of the Military Child, so to honor our youngest military heroes, Keeneland will have special giveaways and activities for the children in the Military Family Zone 12-4 p.m.

Here are a few things you might want to know so that your day at Keeneland is as enjoyable as possible.

Gates open at 11 a.m.

General admission is $5 per person; children 12 and under admitted free

Post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m.; races are run approximately every half hour

Mutuel windows in the grandstand areas open at around 12:30 p.m.; drive-thru wagering opens at 8 a.m.

Lawnchairs and umbrellas are permitted

Alcohol, coolers, food, grills and tents are not permitted inside the admission gates

All bags are subject to inspection at the admission gate

Parking is free in the tailgating lot. Preferred parking is $5. Valet parking is $10. Bus parking is $10.

Tailgating at Keeneland

Tailgating at Keeneland is a wonderful tradition and one of the many things that make coming to Keeneland with your friends a great way to spend an afternoon. To help make a little more enjoyable for everyone, please observe the following rules:

Tailgating is allowed throughout the Keeneland grounds.

Off-duty uniformed officers patrol the Keeneland parking lots each day.

Open bars and kegs are not permitted.

Laws pertaining to disorderly conduct and underage drinking will be similarly enforced.

Keeneland

4201 Versailles Road

Lexington, Kentucky 40588-1690

Telephone: (859) 254-3412

Toll Free: (800) 456-3412

For information on Keeneland's Spring Meet, go to www.keeneland.com .

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