Keeneland's 2018 Spring Meet will offer 16 stakes worth a season record $4.4 million in purse money, the track announced Thursday.
Headlining the meet, to be held Apr. 6-27, are the $1 million GII Toyota Blue Grass S. and $500,000 GI Central Bank Ashland S. Fifteen of the spring's 16 stakes are graded events with half contested on the turf.
The Appalachian S., a 1-mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies, was upgraded to Grade II status for 2018 by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Keeneland accordingly increased the purse of the Appalachian by $75,000 to $200,000 and moved the race to the first Sunday of the meet.
“Keeneland takes great pride in the strength and diversity of its racing program, and we continually elevate the opportunities to attract North America's top horsemen,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing and Sales Bob Elliston said. “We know the Keeneland Spring Meet is a special event on everyone's calendar. For that reason, we strive to offer the best racing experience possible for horsemen and fans alike.”
To view the entire stakes schedule for the meet, click here.
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