LEXINGTON, Ky. — Keeneland will award a record $9.4 million for a total of 19 stakes during its 15-day Spring Meet, set for April 4-25. 

This is led by a $250,000 boost to the meet’s signature Toyota Blue Grass, set for Saturday, April 5, which carries a purse of $1.25 million. The meet joins the Fall Meet’s Coolmore Turf Mile as Keeneland’s two $1.25 million races, the richest in track history.

Other races with purse increases include $150,000 for the Central Bank Ashland, now worth $750,000, and $200,000 for the Transylvania Presented by Keeneland Select, now worth $600,000. Keeneland said contributing to the purses is $2.25 million from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, pending approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.

“Keeneland’s Spring Meet is the destination of many of thoroughbred racing’s biggest names,” said Gatewood Bell, Keeneland vice president of racing. “The racing world converges here because they know this is where the best jockeys, trainers and horses will be and they want to compete at the highest level. We are excited to continue to grow our racing program and eager to welcome horsemen and fans from around the world for Keeneland this spring.”

The 101st running of the Toyota Blue Grass and the 88th running of the Central Bank Ashland, set for opening day of the meet, Friday, April 4, are both worth 200 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks, respectively. The winners of each stakes earn 100 qualifying points to their respective race. Early nominations for both races is Feb. 15, and late nominations are due March 19.

Stakes races take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. No racing will be held Mondays, Tuesdays or Easter Sunday, April 20. Post time is 1 p.m. daily, with the exception of Friday, April 25 at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Spring Meet go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. Visit Keeneland’s website for the full Spring Stakes schedule.