01-04-2025
Keeneland opening weekend marks return of thoroughbred racing to Lexington
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky basketball fans are always hopeful that the first weekend in April consists of cheering on their Wildcats in the Final Four, which they will not be doing this weekend after getting bounced last Friday in the Sweet 16.
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Here in Lexington, it's time to turn our attention to the beautiful sport of Thoroughbred Racing. Keeneland week is here, with the 2025 Spring Meet beginning on Friday.
Opening weekend is always a great time at the track, but oftentimes comes with some spotty weather and it looks to be the same on this weekend's forecast with a lot of rain headed our way, but will be a fun time regardless.
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The track is quiet early in the week with final preparations underway, as they get ready to see anywhere north of 20,000-30,000 horse racing fans on Friday and normally an even higher attendance on Saturday.
The featured race of Friday's opening day is the $750,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1). It is the 88th running of the historic race on the main track for three year old fillies, with the winner guaranteed a spot to run in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on the first Friday in May at Churchill Downs.
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A change made a few years ago, the Ashland Stakes now gets its own day on Friday. Then on Saturday, the colts take centerstage with the 101st running of the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1), with that winner granted the opportunity to run in the Kentucky Derby (G1) four weeks from then under the Twin Spires.
Here is the field for the Central Bank Ashland, with a post time of 5:16 p.m. as Race 9 of Friday's 10 race card:
Post
Horse
Trainer
Jockey
1
Look Forward
Michael McCarthy
Mario Gutierrez
2
La Cara
Mark Casse
Dylan Davis
3
Supa Speed
John Sadler
Joel Rosario
4
Muhimma
Brad Cox
Flavien Prat
5
Running Away
Wesley Ward
Gerardo Corrales
6
Take Charge Milady
Kenny McPeek
Brian Hernandez Jr.
7
Amarth
Eddie Kenneally
Luis Saez
8
Admit
Tom Drury
Jose Ortiz
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