Churchill announces record stakes purses for spring meet

Led by the $3 million Kentucky Derby on May 6, a record 50 stakes races worth a total of $20.525 million will be staged at Churchill Downs during the 44-day spring meet that will run from April 29 through July 3.

The record-breaking lineup, which requires final approval by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, features 28 stakes races that received significant boosts in purse money – including the Grade 1, $1 million Stephen Foster for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles – and one new event, the $175,000 Chorleywood Overnight Stakes for 4-year-olds and up at 1 3/8 miles on turf on June 17.

Derby week (April 29-May 6) kicks off the nine-week 149th spring meet with 22 stakes that total a record $13.125 million over the six-day stretch that culminates with the highlight of the annual racing calendar – the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby for 3-year-olds at 1 1/4 miles.

Nine of the 14 races on Kentucky Derby day are stakes that total $7.65 million in purse money. In addition to the Derby, the first Saturday in May will showcase the $1 million Turf Classic (G1); the $750,000 Churchill Downs (G1); the $750,000 Derby City Distaff (G1); the $500,000 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2); the $500,000 Pat Day Mile (G2); the $500,000 American Turf (G2); the $500,000 Turf Sprint (G2); and the $175,000 Knicks Go Overnight Stakes.

The Turf Classic, which precedes the Derby, is the most lucrative of 22 stakes races scheduled to be run over the Matt Winn Turf Course.

One day earlier, Churchill Downs will host the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at 1 1/8 miles – the nation’s most lucrative race for 3-year-old fillies. The seven stakes that day total $4.2 million in purses: the Oaks; the $750,000 La Troienne (G1); the $600,000 Alysheba (G2); the $500,000 Eight Belles (G2); the $500,000 Edgewood (G2); the $300,000 Modesty (G3); andthe $300,000 Unbridled Sidney (Listed).

Derby Week stakes action that precedes Oaks and Derby days includes the $175,000 Roxelana Overnight Stakes on opening night; the $225,000 Mamzelle (Listed); and the $175,000 Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes on May 3; the $300,000 Opening Verse (Listed); the $200,000 Kentucky Juvenile; and the $175,000 St. Matthews Overnight Stakes on May 4.

Stephen Foster Preview Day is Saturday, June 3, with six stakes that total $1.35 million in purses: the $225,000 Blame (G3); the $225,000 Shawnee (G3); the $225,000 Arlington (G3);the $225,000 Regret (G3); the $225,000 Aristides (Listed); and the $225,000 Audubon (Listed).

The $1 million Stephen Foster, which has been elevated to Grade 1 status as it annually attracts some of the nation’s top older horses, is the centerpiece of an action-packed closing weekend. The 1 1/8-mile race anchors a six-stakes card that totals $2.475 million in purses on July 1, and includes the $400,000 Fleur de Lis (G2); the $400,000 Wise Dan (G2); the $225,000 American Derby (Listed); the $225,000 Tepin; and the $225,000 Kelly’s Landing (Listed).

The first condition book of scheduled races features $120,000 maiden races while allowance races range from $127,000 to $148,000. There also will be a $300 bonus awarded to trainers whose starters finish fourth through last in all non-stakes races.

Spring meet stall applications are due March 3. Following its annual closure for wintertime renovations, the Churchill Downs stable area will reopen on March 21. The first day of training on the main dirt track will be March 24.

Here is a complete listing of the stakes races at the meet: