The Keeneland Association has announced purse increases for
its Spring Meet, which will run April 8-29. Total purses will increase to $4,125,000,
an escalation of $350,000 from last year. None of the scheduled 19
stakes races, 15 of which are graded, will be run for less than $100,000.
The Lexington, Kentucky, track will present two Grade 1s, four Grade 2s, eight Grade 3s
and a Grade 1 steeplechase event during the spring.
“Our goal with our racing program is to give horsemen a varied stakes
schedule,” Director of Racing Rogers Beasley said. “We also strive to maintain
some of the richest purses in North America, giving horsemen yet another reason
to compete at Keeneland.”
Horsemen on the top end of the Makers’ Mark Mile (G2) next season will find
added revenue, as the event will be boosted to $250,000, and increase of
$50,000. The Commonwealth Breeders’ Cup (G2) got a $150,000 raise to
$400,000. The Jenny Wiley S. (G3) was increased from $100,000 to $200,000 while
the Stravinsky S. jumped to $100,000, up from $75,000 offered last year. The Vinery
Madison S. will now boast Grade 3 status and its purse has been increased to $200,000.
Keeneland’s 16-day meet will encompass at least one stakes race every day.
Nine of these will be run on the main track, with nine on the turf and one over
hurdles.