Keeneland Officials Plan For Possible April Snowstorm

With weather forecasts calling for anywhere from a dusting to six inches or more of snow for the Lexington area Friday night into Saturday morning, Keeneland management is preparing for contingencies for its April 7 race card that features the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) and four other graded stakes.

The Lexington oval opens its spring meet April 6, with a forecast of a sunny afternoon with a high of 60 degrees. However, a storm is expected that evening, although meteorologists are uncertain what areas will take the brunt of it.

Keeneland vice president of racing and sales Bob Elliston exited a meeting of Keeneland managers April 5 and said, "Nobody will be going on the racetrack in an unsafe situation. We are going to be mindful about the safety of the course for the horses and the riders, and that will guide us always. We are considering various scenarios based on the timing and the amount of the snow, and we will continue to evaluate that."

Elliston added that the facility is used to dealing with inclement weather, most often in hosting its January sale.

"We deal with a lot of people on the grounds then, and we have a great team, both regarding the racing surface and our overall maintenance department," he said. "And this weather certainly seems more appropriate for January than for an April race meet."

Elliston said road conditions will determine whether the April 7 card goes on as scheduled. He said Keeneland is in contact with local law enforcement officials.

"We don't want to put on a show if it's not smart for people to get out on roads that aren't safe," Elliston noted. "We don't want to contribute to a problem in the community."

Elliston said he hoped the forecast would be more accurate at the end of racing April 6, so that a plan can be made at that point. 

Keeneland is adjusting the morning schedule for Saturday to allow more time to prepare for the afternoon's race card. Keeneland will cancel Sunrise Trackside, its morning program for fans held during training hours. Additionally, gates will open an hour early (noon). Post time for the first race is 1:05 p.m.

"This change gives our racetrack and grounds crews extra time to get ready for the race day in the event of inclement weather," Keeneland president and CEO Bill Thomason said. "It also enables our fans, especially those traveling from out of town, to plan their day at Keeneland."

The Hill, the official tailgating lot, will be closed Saturday.