Blue Grass Stakes
- Location: Keeneland Race Course, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Inaugural Race: 1911
- Race type: Thoroughbred
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 Furlongs)
- Track: Polytrack, Left-handed
- Qualification: 3-year-old American-bred
- Weight: 123 lbs
- Purse: $750,000
- Grade 1 race
The Blue Grass Stakes, held annually in mid April at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky is named for the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, characterized by grass having bluish-green culms, which is known as the "heart" of the thoroughbred racing industry.
The $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, will be broadcast live on April 12 on on Fox and USracing.com. The Fox show is scheduled for 4:30-6 p.m. (ET).
Keeneland which has been around since 1936 is more than just a great racecourse! Keeneland is also one of the most prestigious world class Thoroughbread Auction companies with a diverse clientele from around the world and if that wasn't enough, they are also the one of the leading innovators of Polytrack and Best Pad Saftey as they are continously seeking new ways to bring more safetey to the sport.
Since 1972, 9 Blue Grass Starters went on to win the Kentucky Derby, 8 won the Preakness and 7 Blue Grass runners went on to win at Belmont.
2014 Blue Grass Stakes Day Schedule
- Saturday, Apr. 12 - $175,000 Commonwealth (G3)
- Saturday, Apr. 12 - $100,000 Shakertown (G3)
- Saturday, Apr. 12 - $300,000 Madison (G1)
- Saturday, Apr. 12 - $300,000 Jenny Wiley (G1)
- Saturday, Apr. 12 - $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass (G1)
- Sunday, Apr. 13 - $200,000 Beaumont (G2) Presented by Keeneland Select
Lexington, KY (April 7, 2014) - A full field of 14 3-year-olds is expected to go postward in Saturday's 1 1/8-mile, $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.
Horses under consideration for the Toyota Blue Grass are Bobby's Kitten, Casiguapo, Asserting Bear, Dance With Fate, Vinceremos, Harry's Holiday, Extrasexyhippzster, Coastline, Mr Speaker, So Lonesome, Gala Award, Big Bazinga, Scotland (possible), Pablo Del Monte, Danza, Coltimus Prime and Divine Oath.
The recent allegations of mistreatment of racehorses that came to light in March 2014 have prompted tighter security measures for horses competing in the Toyota Blue Grass (G1) Stakes at Keeneland and other tracks around the nation. The Blue Grass is a major prep race for the Kentucky Derby.
“These protocols, similar to those followed by the New York Racing Association and other major racing venues, ensure that the Toyota Blue Grass will be run with the utmost integrity,” said Keeneland Vice President of Racing W.B. Rogers Beasley. “They will provide enhanced protection for the participants and our fans, and guarantee a level and safe playing field for all.”
On Saturday, April 12, horses participating in the Toyota Blue Grass will be required to be in the Assembly Barn between 45 minutes to 1 hour before post time for TC02 testing. They will then be escorted with security personnel to the paddock.
Bet on the Blue Grass Stakes
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Blue Grass Stakes Past Winners
| Year |
Winner |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Owner |
Time |
| 2013 | Java's War | Julien Leparoux | Kenneth G. McPeek | Charles E. Fipke | 1:50.27 |
| 2012 | Dullahan | Kent Desormeaux | Dale Romans | Donegal Racing | 1:47.94 |
| 2011 | Brilliant Speed | Joel Rosario | Thomas Albertrani | Live Oak Plantation | 1:50.92 |
| 2010 | Stately Victor | Alan Garcia | Michael J. Maker | F. Thomas & Jack Conway | 1:48.69 |
| 2009 | General Quarters | Eibar Coa | Thomas R. McCarthy | Thomas R. McCarthy | 1:49.26 |
| 2008 | Monba | Edgar Prado | Todd A. Pletcher | Starlight Stables et al. | 1:49.71 |
| 2007 | Dominican | Rafael Bejarano | Darrin Miller | Silverton Hill LLC | 1:51.33 |
| 2006 | Sinister Minister | Garrett Gomez | Bob Baffert | Mercedes Stable et al. | 1:48.85 |
| 2005 | Bandini | John R. Velazquez | Todd A. Pletcher | Michael Tabor | 1:48.85 |
| 2004 | The Cliff's Edge | Shane Sellers | Nick Zito | Robert V. LaPenta | 1:49.42 |
| 2003 | Peace Rules | Edgar Prado | Robert J. Frankel | Edmund A. Gann | 1:51.73 |
| 2002 | Harlan's Holiday | Edgar Prado | Ken McPeek | Starlight Stable | 1:51.51 |
| 2001 | Millennium Wind | Laffit Pincay, Jr. | David Hofmans | D & J Heerensperger | 1:48.32 |
| 2000 | High Yield | Pat Day | D. Wayne Lukas | Tabor/Lewis/Magnier | 1:48.60 |
| 1999 | Menifee | Pat Day | W. Elliott Walden | Hancock / Stone | 1:48.60 |
| 1998 | Halory Hunter | Gary Stevens | Nick Zito | Celtic Pride Stable | 1:47.80 |
| 1997 | Pulpit | Shane Sellers | Frank L. Brothers | Claiborne Farm | 1:49.80 |
| 1996 | Skip Away | Shane Sellers | Sonny Hine | Carolyn Hine | 1:47.20 |
| 1995 | Wild Syn | Randy Romero | Thomas K. Arnemann | Jurgen K. Arnemann | 1:49.20 |
| 1994 | Holy Bull | Mike E. Smith | Warren A. Croll, Jr. | Warren A. Croll, Jr. | 1:50.00 |
| 1993 | Prairie Bayou | Mike E. Smith | Tom Bohannan | Loblolly Stable | 1:49.60 |
| 1992 | Pistols and Roses | Jacinto Vasquez | George Gianos | Willis Family Stables | 1:49.00 |
| 1991 | Strike the Gold | Chris Antley | Nick Zito | BCC Stable | 1:48.40 |
| 1990 | Summer Squall | Pat Day | Neil J. Howard | Dogwood Stable | 1:48.60 |
