28 Mar Horse Country’s Guide to the Keeneland Spring Meet
As spring arrives in the Bluegrass, it’s time to make plans to attend the Keeneland Spring Race Meet, which begins on April 4!. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or heading to the track for the first time, Keeneland is a can’t miss experience for anyone traveling to Kentucky in April.
Keeneland’s spring meet is uniquely important to the calendar of racing as it also offers two prep races on opening weekend with the G1 Toyota Blue Grass and the G1 Central Bank Ashland. These races are a significant part of The Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, as the winners will earn enough points to guarantee a spot in the gate on the first weekend in May.
P.S. Every guest who purchases a ticket for a Horse Country tour in April will receive a free general admission ticket for a day at the races, for each guest in their party. Be sure to check your confirmation email for more information!
Due to construction of the new Paddock Building, certain portions of the grounds are currently limited to construction personnel. Your entry to Keeneland during the Spring Meet will look different, but you can expect the same Keeneland experience waiting for you just past the gate. Please visit keeneland.com/welcome for more information.
Morning Training
Enjoy the sights and sounds of morning training at Keeneland, seven days a week from 5:30am-10am. Thoroughbreds are like any athlete, and they work out on a regular basis to prepare for their next race. You might see horses out for a casual jog or completing a more serious ‘breeze’ before they compete in an upcoming race.
After watching morning workouts, we recommend heading to Keeneland’s Track Kitchen to enjoy a Southern, homestyle breakfast. You might even see some of racing’s most well known trainers, owners and jockeys, who are known to frequent this beloved establishment.
For more information on the Keeneland Track Kitchen, please click here
Place Your Bets
Wagering can be a fun way to add some excitement to your day at the races, even if you’re not a seasoned handicapper! BETologists are the resident experts on betting the races at Keeneland. There are a few stations around the track (and the Hill, for those who enjoy tailgating!), where BETologists provide helpful tips about reading the program, how to wager and more. Just look for the folks in the fedoras!
If you’re already betting-savvy, be sure to check out the Keeneland Select app, and view the free digital program provided by Keeneland for each day of the race meet.
Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Grab a few friends and start a show parlay! Put in a few dollars and wager on a horse each race to show, using your winnings to bet on the next race.
Race Day ‘Musts’
On a race day at Keeneland, there are so many things to see, enjoy and experience in the warmer weather. A great option for an afternoon snack at the races is their signature kettle corn or popcorn! If you’re in need of a sweet treat then head over to the Ice Cream Shoppe, located on the second floor of the Grandstand, which offers soft serve ice cream and candy.
Be sure to stop by the Keeneland Shop, located near the South Grandstand Entrance, which features everything from stunning race day outfits to home goods that represent the best of Kentucky. Spend some time at the paddock and walking ring to see the horses before the head out to the racetrack. It’s great to see the contenders up close, especially during stakes races when top horses from around the world are competing!
Go Behind the Scenes
Did you know that Keeneland offers tours of their facility, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark? There are a few different ways to go behind the scenes at Keeneland and learn about its history and current operations.
The Keeneland Morning Works Tour and Backstretch Tour are both offered early in the day, when horses are training on the track.
The Keeneland Owner’s Experience is a truly one of a kind experience, giving guests a feel of what it is like to be a Thoroughbred racehorse owner on race day. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the paddock, walking ring, and even watch a race from the winner’s circle!
Learn more about Keeneland’s tour offerings here.
Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Stop by the Keeneland Library while you’re in town for the races. The Library is the world’s largest repository of information related to the Thoroughbred, and often has exhibits relating to the history of the sport of horse racing, and Kentucky.
Make the Most of Your Time in Kentucky
If you’re making plans to visit Keeneland’s spring meet, we also recommend going on a nearby horse farm tour! There are a variety of farms around Keeneland that offer morning tours so that you can still have time to spend the afternoon at the races. The following farms offer morning tours, and are within a 10 mile or less drive from Keeneland: Three Chimneys Farm | Stallion Complex Tour, WinStar Farm | Stallion Complex Tour, Extended Shuttle Tour of WinStar Farm, Morning Training Experience at WinStar Farm, Jonabell Farm | Stallion Complex Walking Tour, Mill Ridge Farm
If your schedule is more flexible, check out the wide array of horse farm tours available during April in Lexington and the surrounding areas on our Upcoming Tours page!
Horse Country Staff Recommendation: if you’re not sure which tour to book, give us a shout! Our team of locals is passionate about Kentucky and helping you find the perfect tour. We can provide details about tours as well as other attractions, restaurants and more!
