Rusty comes into Keeneland as track’s all-time win leader
Keeneland’s 15-day Spring Meet begins Friday and runs through Friday, April 24.
First post every day is 1 p.m. ET.
Keeneland will be closed for racing on Easter Sunday, April 5.
Click here for Keeneland’s 2026 Media Guide.
Click here for the Spring Meet stakes schedule, which includes links to the lists
of nominees for upcoming stakes and their past performances.
Every race during the Spring Meet will be streamed live and at no charge
on Keeneland.com and broadcast live on FanDuel TV.
Complimentary digital programs with Equibase past performances
Powered by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF)
are availlable to download by clicking here.
*************************
Barn notes by Keeneland’s publicity team (Keeneland photo above of presentation after Rusty Arnold earned his 300th victory at Keeneland on his way to being at least temporarily the all-time win leader last October)
- ‘PROUD’ ARNOLD SAVORING TIME AS KEENELAND’S ALL-TIME LEADING TRAINER
- GREAT WHITE CARRIES LOCAL HOPES IN TOYOTA BLUE GRASS
- MOONSTROCITY SWINGS FOR THE FENCES AS SUPPLEMENTAL TOYOTA BLUE GRASS ENTRANT
- LYNCH HAS 1-2 PUNCH LINED UP FOR APPALACHIAN PRESENTED BY JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION
- TOYOTA BLUE GRASS, CENTRAL BANK ASHLAND NOTES
- PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR UPCOMING STAKES
- OPENING WEEKEND SPECIAL EVENTS
*************************
‘PROUD’ ARNOLD SAVORING TIME AS KEENELAND’S ALL-TIME LEADING TRAINER
Training since 1975, George “Rusty” Arnold II begins the Spring Meet as Keeneland’s all-time leading trainer with 309 victories here among his 2,000 career wins — a milestone he reached March 14 at Gulfstream Park. While reaching 2,000 wins was a major event, Arnold said it did not compare to the occasion when he became Keeneland’s all-time leader in October.
“The younger guys are going to pass my record, but I got there (atop the list of all-time Keeneland trainers by wins),” Arnold said. “I am proud and that is enough for me. Getting by Wayne (Lukas, who won 296 Keeneland races) was such a huge deal. I had talked to him about it. I don’t have a Hall of Fame career and I know it. To get compared on the record books to (Racing Hall of Famers) Wayne and Billy Mott (second with 308 Keeneland wins) is a big deal. I didn’t do it in the whole world, but I did it here. That was a lot more important to me than 2,000 wins. We thought we could get it done several years ago and sort of aimed for it.”
A native of Paris, Kentucky, Arnold learned his trade from his late father, a Keeneland-based trainer, and grew up working on the family’s Thoroughbred farm. He eventually became an exercise rider and took pre-veterinary courses at the University of Kentucky before scoring his first training win in 1975. While Arnold typically sends divisions to Florida for the winter and Saratoga Race Course and Churchill Downs during the year, his operation has been based at Keeneland’s year-round Rice Road stable area adjacent to the track since the barns were completed in 1982.
Trainers now have more than 100 horses under their direction, but Arnold’s achievements have come with a stable that has averaged 30. He readily acknowledges that his time with the Keeneland title will not last long.
“Billy Mott still has a lot of horses, but he wasn’t running as many as he used to, so we ground it out and got him,” he said. “He might go past me on opening day (when he has starters in four races), but we have (the wins record) for whatever time we have it for. We got there. For one given day, we were there. I was born and raised here and remember my first win here.”
Arnold credits his wife, Sarah, for much of his success.
“She has been a key part since the late ’80s so she has been there for almost all the wins,” he said. “She galloped a lot of the good horses. When she decided not to ride anymore, she rode the lead pony. That gave me (an on-track) perspective that I couldn’t get. She has a great opinion about horses. I probably would be lost without her opinion.”
Arnold will begin his quest to add to his Keeneland total on Friday’s opening day with three entrants, including LNJ Foxwoods’ Zeppelin in the $600,000 UK HealthCare Transylvania (G3) going a mile and a sixteenth on the turf.
“He is doing very well and is a horse I think the world of,” Arnold said of Zeppelin, who finished third going a mile this winter at Gulfstream in the Colonel Liam (L) and the Dania Beach (L). “I think he will be better going a mile and a quarter or longer — distance runs in his family. I am excited about the summer, and I think he will get better as the year goes on.”
On Saturday, Arnold has Bregman Family Racing’s To a Flame set to go in the $500,000 Appalachian (G2) Presented by Japan Racing Association and Calumet Farm’s Track Mate in the $350,000 Commonwealth (G3).
“We planned on this race all along with her,” Arnold said of To a Flame, who returned to the races after a six-month layoff with an allowance victory at Gulfstream on March 7.
To a Flame has won two of three starts with the lone setback a third-place finish in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies (L) last August.
Track Mate, who breezed 3 furlongs in :35.20 Tuesday morning here, will be making his first start since a runner-up finish in the Pelican (L) at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 7.
“He didn’t get away very good at Tampa, but he ran well,” Arnold said. “He has been training well, and we will see how he fits.”
GREAT WHITE CARRIES LOCAL HOPES IN TOYOTA BLUE GRASS — While the rest of the field for the $1,250,000 Toyota Blue Grass (G1) on Saturday made their most recent starts outside Kentucky, Three Chimney’s Farm and trainer John Ennis’ Great White has raced exclusively in the state. All three of his races have been over the all-weather surface at Turfway Park, where in his most recent effort he captured the John Battaglia Memorial (L) on Feb. 21.
Video: Ennis and Three Chimneys’ Luis Ettedgui discuss Great White
Video: Jockey Alex Achard after working Great White for Blue Grass
On Wednesday, three days before the 1 1/8-mile Toyota Blue Grass, Ennis said he is not concerned about Great White’s lack of experience with dirt racing.
“He has always moved great at The Thoroughbred Center (TTC) on the dirt,” said Ennis whose stable is based at Keeneland’s TTC, 12 miles northeast of Keeneland.
“We are going into deeper waters, but better to find out now than the first Saturday in May,” Ennis said. “He is an improving horse and if he gets enough points in the Blue Grass for the Kentucky Derby (G1), I think it will be worth going to the Derby.”
Great White tuned up for his dirt race debut on Sunday at Keeneland by clocking a half-mile in :47.60 in company with maiden Just Munny. On Wednesday the stablemates were back at Keeneland to get acquainted with the Saddling Paddock.
“The Blue Grass is such a big event, so we wanted to make sure he sees the Paddock and has a quiet, easy time,” said Ennis about Great White.
In 2024, Ennis was represented in the Toyota Blue Grass by third-place finisher Epic Ride, who went on to finish unplaced in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
“They are different horses and (Great White) is probably a better horse,” he said.
After recognizing Great White’s potential during his early lessons under saddle as a yearling, Ennis readily agreed to become a partner with Three Chimneys.
“He just had so much presence about him and such a good demeanor,” Ennis said. “He was big with legs everywhere and a great attitude. He has a massive stride. He’s a big unit who is getting better and stronger. He is a business-type horse. He doesn’t want you petting or loving on him. Give him one pat, and then he will tell you to get away. He is all work, eat, sleep. The type of horse you want.”
Great White went back to The Thoroughbred Center after today’s morning schooling session and will return to Keeneland on Toyota Blue Grass Day.
MOONSTROCITY SWINGS FOR THE FENCES AS SUPPLEMENTAL
TOYOTA BLUE GRASS ENTRANT
Jon Ebbert answered the question before it was even asked.
“Why are we running?,” Ebbert queried of ponying up $20,000 to supplement Moonstrocity into Saturday’s $1,250,000 Toyota Blue Grass (G1). “Because he is sitting on a peak performance and why waste it on a maiden race? We are going to take a shot.”
Trained by Jena Antonucci, Moonstrocity has run twice. He finished eighth going a mile on the grass in his debut Feb. 8 at Gulfstream Park and was third going a mile on the dirt at Gulfstream Feb. 28.
“I think he is ready to run the race of his life, but I am not sure if that will be good enough,” said Ebbert, who campaigned champion Arcangelo with Antonucci in 2023. “I expect him to run well. I hope he runs like his daddy, Tiz the Law.”
Jose Morelos will have the mount Saturday and exit post 8 on Moonstrocity.
“It’s great to be back at Keeneland,” said Ebbert, who lives in Pennsylvania. “This is where I bought him.”
Moonstrocity was a $40,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale purchase.
LYNCH HAS 1-2 PUNCH LINED UP
FOR APPALACHIAN PRESENTED BY JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION
Trainer Brian Lynch appears to be sitting pretty heading into Saturday’s $500,000 Appalachian (G2) Presented by Japan Racing Association with the speedy Sister Troienne and the late-running Storm’s Wake in the 1-mile race on the turf.
“They are both doing well,” said Lynch, who trains Sister Troienne for Woodslane Racing and Storm’s Wake for William Werner.
Sister Troienne, who has won five of seven starts, had a five-race win streak ended when she was beaten a head by Saturday rival Lion Lake (IRE) in the Herecomesthebride (G3) at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 28.
“That was a tough beat the other day,” Lynch said. “This will be a little bit more of a test for her.”
Irad Ortiz Jr. will take the mount for the first time Saturday.
Storm’s Wake has finished behind her stablemate in her past three starts.
“She got some pace to run at the last time (in the 1-mile Herecomesthebride) and another sixteenth of a mile, she would have won,” Lynch said. “Being by Oscar Performance, she will get better with more distance.”
Joel Rosario retains the mount.
TOYOTA BLUE GRASS, CENTRAL BANK ASHLAND NOTES
There were some moving parts Wednesday for the Toyota Blue Grass (G1) and the Central Bank Ashland (G1).
Scheduled to depart Keeneland Wednesday afternoon for New York for trainer Whit Beckman were Icon Racing Stable’s Nycon and Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate and Front Page Equestrian’s Ocelli.
Nycon was cross-entered in Friday’s Central Bank Ashland and Saturday’s Gazelle (G3) at Aqueduct, while Ocelli was cross-entered in the Toyota Blue Grass and the Wood Memorial (G2) Presented by Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct Saturday.
“We are taking the path of least resistance,” Beckman said Wednesday morning. “Ocelli is 30-1 in the Blue Grass and Nycon, I think she will like the longer stretch at Aqueduct and take advantage of the mile and an eighth.”
While those two were getting ready to hit the road, Three Chimneys Farm’s Ottinho galloped over the main track here after arriving Tuesday afternoon from New York, where he had been cross-entered in the Wood Memorial by trainer Chad Brown.
PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR UPCOMING STAKES
Entries taken Friday. Races are Friday, April 10.
$650,000 MAKER’S MARK MILE (G1) – Aomori City (FR) (trainer Charlie Appleby), Notable Speech (GB) (Appleby), One Stripe (SAF) (Graham Motion), Rhetorical (Will Walden), Tiz Dashing (Barclay Tagg).
$350,000 FANDUEL LIMESTONE (G3) – Cy Fair (George Weaver), Debbie Doll (Robbie Medina), Final Accord (Mark Casse), Lennilu (Patrick Biancone), Light Won Up (Doug O’Neill), Midnight Martini (Casse), Pure Eloquence (Jack Sisterson), Quiet Street (Bill Mott), Sapphire Beach (IRE) (Rusty Arnold), Stepping Stones (Joe Sharp).
Entries taken Saturday. Races are Saturday, April 11.
$650,000 JENNY WILEY (G1) – Aussie Girl (IRE) (Walden), Fast Market (John Terranova), Medoro (Peter Eurton). Possible:Destino d’Oro (Brad Cox), Dynamic Pricing (IRE) (Chad Brown), Segesta (Brown).
$400,000 STONESTREET LEXINGTON (G3) – Confessional (Cox), Decisive Win (O’Neill), Ezum (Cox), Jackson Hole (Todd Pletcher), The Hell We Did (Todd Fincher), Trendsetter (Ben Colebrook).
Entries taken Tuesday. Race is Sunday, April 12.
$400,000 GIANT’S CAUSEWAY (G2) PRESENTED BY KEENELAND SELECT – Gratefully (Robert Falcone Jr.), Me Governor (Carlos David), Saratoga Special (IRE) (Richard Baltas), Twirling Queen (Jose D’Angelo). Possible: In Our Time (Saffie Joseph Jr.), Italian Soiree (Graham Motion), Love Cervere (Miguel Clement), Movin’ On Up (Joseph), Pandora’s Gift (IRE) (Clement).
OPENING WEEKEND SPECIAL EVENTS
Keeneland has been investing in the horse industry and the Central Kentucky community since it began racing in October 1936. Throughout the 2026 Spring Meet, special events at the track will benefit worthwhile organizations, while other activities will educate and entertain racing fans.
Year-round
Official Keeneland Tours. Click here for availability and to purchase.
Keeneland Library exhibit. Located on Keeneland’s campus, Keeneland Library is presenting the free exhibit Raices: The Making of Latino Legacies in Racing, a landmark bilingual showcase and education initiative that highlights 100 trailblazing Latino men and women whose contributions have shaped Thoroughbred racing and breeding from the late 1800s to today. Raices (Spanish for roots) shines a light on Latino industry professionals across the Americas through biographical vignettes, rare images and never-before-displayed artifacts. The exhibit is presented in English with an accompanying Spanish audio guide, marking the Library’s first fully bilingual interpretive experience. Developed in collaboration with writers, historians and photographers from six countries, the exhibit underscores the depth, breadth and enduring impact of Latino heritage within the sport.
The Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enter Keeneland at Gate 1 on Keeneland Blvd. and take the first right on Entertainment Ct. The Library is to the left of the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center.
Friday and Saturday
The Keeneland Shop. Located near the Grandstand South entrance, The Keeneland Shop isopen from 9 a.m. to 30 minutes following the final race and on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On race days, Milliners Corner, Wagering Central and Finish Line locations will be open.
On opening weekend, Milliners Corner will feature Christine A. Moore (April 3-4). The East Plaza will host Stephanie Hilen (April 3) and Darren K. Moore (April 3-4).
The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for tailgating on The Hill, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center and accessible via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland). Fans can watch the racing action via a jumbo TV and place their bets in a wagering tent while they enjoy live music presented by The Burl, food trucks and handicapping assistance from BETologists. Complimentary shuttles to the track are offered.
The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the final race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For fans who want to elevate their experience, Keeneland again is partnering with RevelXP to offer tailgate packages for groups of any size. RevelXP will organize tailgates by furnishing a designated tent, catering, amenities and more.
Saturday
Sunrise Trackside — Easter edition. This free Saturday morning program from 8-10 a.m. is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Fans can enjoy coffee and breakfast items at a concession stand while watching horses train. Children’s activities on the first floor of the Grandstand include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting and games. Mini tours are available at the Welcome Stand near the Saddling Paddock.
Every Saturday, the John Deere Tractor Break will take place during the renovation period on the main track from 8:30-9 a.m. and include a drawing for a kids John Deere electric-powered truck with trailer from John Deere/Meade Tractor. Meanwhile, a meet and greet with a horse will be held in the Saddling Paddock from 8:30-9 a.m.
On April 4, the Easter Bunny will appear at the special Easter edition of Sunrise Trackside.
KEENELAND IS CLOSED FOR RACING ON SUNDAY, APRIL 5 FOR EASTER
