Storms delay Keeneland opening -- Blue Grass Stakes moved to Tuesday

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Opening weekend at Keeneland is one of the most colorful scenes on the Kentucky racing calendar. But this year, the track will lead with caution.

With a forecast calling for torrential rain and potential widespread flooding across Kentucky, including a state of emergency declared by Gov. Andy Beshear, Keeneland announced Wednesday it is pushing back the first two days of its meet — including the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) — to early next week.

The Blue Grass, originally scheduled for Saturday, will now be run Tuesday, April 8 — an unusual move to a non-racing day that reflects the seriousness of the weather threat.

“The conditions being forecast for the region are unprecedented for Keeneland,” said track president and CEO Shannon Arvin. “. . . The safety of our equine and human participants, as well as our fans, is at the core of every decision we make.”

Moving the Blue Grass and the track's opening day was a difficult decision – but in the end, a clear call. With 100 Kentucky Derby points at stake and seven talented 3-year-olds in the gate, the Blue Grass and all involved deserve a safe stage.

Keeneland’s Sunday card, originally the third day of the meet, now becomes Opening Day — assuming the weather allows. Track officials will continue to monitor conditions.

As for the Blue Grass itself, Tuesday’s makeup card will include four other graded stakes and free general admission. Keeneland will offer a presale window for those who held tickets for the original Friday and Saturday dates, with all prior purchases fully refunded.

“Our team has spent months preparing for opening weekend,” Arvin said. “We recognize the significant impact of rescheduling our two biggest race days.”

Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell said the decision came after close consultation with horsemen, meteorologists, and racing officials.

“We believe rescheduling these race days is the best way to take care of each other,” Bell said.

The Blue Grass features a field of seven Kentucky Derby hopefuls, led by River Thames, the 5-2 morning-line favorite. Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., River Thames has done little wrong, with two wins and a narrow runner-up finish in the Fountain of Youth (G2) to a horse who came back to place in the Florida Derby. He breaks from the rail and figures to be part of the early mix in a race that offers Derby points on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale to the top five finishers.

Other top contenders include Owen Almighty, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), and Chancer McPatrick, a two-time Grade 1 winner who rallied for second behind Owen in Tampa. Burnham Square, winner of the Holy Bull (G3), looks to rebound after a flat effort in the Fountain of Youth, while East Avenue returns to the track where he dazzled in last fall’s Breeders’ Futurity (G1) and adds blinkers in hopes of moving forward.

INFORMATION FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY TICKETHOLDERS

For those 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 a.m. 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 and Tuesday’s race card will feature the Toyota Blue Grass, important prep races for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, 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 their reservations. 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.

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