Ashland, Blue Grass coming up strong; on-site construction under way

The Keeneland grounds look different this spring. Inside, however, the same quality racing reigns, with compelling editions of the Grade 1, $600,000 Ashland Stakes and Grade 1, $1 million Blue Grass taking shape for opening weekend.

Keeneland begins its 16-day spring meet Friday with the Ashland awarding points toward the Kentucky Oaks on a 100-50-25-15-10 basis. A small but select field for the race, to be drawn Monday, was expected to include Eclipse Award champion Just F Y I in her 3-year-old debut; Busher Stakes winner Jody’s Pride; Ruthless Stakes winner Halina’s Forte; and rising talent Impel.

One day later, the historic Blue Grass awards Kentucky Derby points on the same scale. The race, to be drawn Tuesday, was shaping up with a slightly larger field, headed by a compelling rematch between Dornoch and Sierra Leone, both winners of Grade 2 stakes in their 3-year-old debuts. Encino, Epic Ride, Just a Touch, and Seize the Grey also were considered possible entrants by Keeneland stakes coordinator Jorie Beschizza.

Other stakes on opening weekend are the Grade 3, $400,000 Transylvania and $400,000 Lafayette on Friday; the Grade 1, $600,000 Madison, Grade 2, $400,000 Appalachian, Grade 2, $350,000 Shakertown, and Grade 3, $300,000 Commonwealth on Saturday; and the Grade 2, $400,000 Beaumont and $250,000 Palisades on Sunday.

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Keeneland is in the early stages of the largest facility update in its history, with construction of a three-level paddock building that will include additional ticketed experiences, administration offices, and a reimagined paddock. The current paddock is still largely unchanged, although the former administration building has been completely removed.

Parking and entry to the grounds have been changed because of the large construction footprint that encompasses the former parking areas and main gate. While free parking is still available in The Hill tailgate area and in The Meadow – with shuttles to the admission gates – and handicap parking and shuttles are available in a paved lot, other parking spaces near the structure must be pre-purchased. These spots are limited each day and are expected to sell out.

The ongoing construction will move to night shifts during the meet and noise-dampening protocols have been put in place for the equine population.

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