Keeneland increases purses for spring meet

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.