Keeneland concluded its 2023 spring meet April 28 following 15 days of exceptional racing that generated record all-sources handle of $224 million.
"A huge thanks to our fans, the community, and our horsemen who turned out in full force this spring to support Keeneland racing," said Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin. "From morning works to watching the races along the rail or tailgating on The Hill in the afternoon—there are many ways to celebrate Keeneland. It's rewarding to see memories being made and traditions shared across the grounds and around this great sport."
All-sources wagering (not including whole-card simulcasting at Keeneland) for the April 7-28 spring meet totaled $224,348,745, surpassing the previous record of $219,284,979 set during last year's 15-day spring meet.
The 2023 meet marks the fifth consecutive season of record wagering at Keeneland. Wagering was boosted by an all-time record Pick 6 handle of $4,788,759 April 21.
On-track wagering for the spring meet did not fare as well, down 2.1% to $15,844,092.
Racing Highlights
Average daily purses at Keeneland this spring were a record $1,185,532, resulting in full fields that averaged nine starters per race.
Keeneland awarded a season-record $8.05 million for 19 stakes held this spring. The schedule featured the $1 million Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and the $600,000 Ashland Stakes (G1), both major targets for the nation's top 3-year-olds.
Among the memorable moments this spring:
• Tapit Trice prevailed by a neck in a thrilling Blue Grass and became a leading contender for the Kentucky Derby (G1).
• Defining Purpose sprang an upset in the Ashland to propel her into the Kentucky Oaks (G1) field.
• Goodnight Olive, champion female sprinter of 2022, returned in style with a one-length victory in the Madison Stakes (G1).
"Tremendous thanks to our horsemen and women, who continually elevate the quality of racing here at Keeneland," said Keeneland vice president of racing Gatewood Bell. "Keeneland in the spring is so competitive. The best owners, trainers and jockeys all converge here; many of them don't get a chance to race against each other any other time. It makes for a fun season of racing for them and for the betting public."
Spring Meet Leaders
Boosted by two multiple-win race days, jockey Tyler Gaffalione recorded 21 victories to secure his second consecutive spring meet riding title and fifth overall. Gaffalione won four races April 21 and three races April 12.
Wesley Ward notched 12 wins to earn his sixth consecutive spring meet training title and ninth total.
Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin celebrated its third leading owner title at Keeneland with six meet wins that included two stakes wins. Barbara Banke's Stonestreet Stables captured five races, including three stakes.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
