Blue Grass Stakes Schedule & Race Guide
The Blue Grass Stakes is Keeneland's spring Kentucky Derby prep for three-year-olds. Find the feature's date and race-day information, then compare the runners with other spring prep races.
- Racecourse
- Keeneland · Lexington
- Who races
- Three-year-olds
- Distance
- 1⅛ miles
- Season
- Spring · Derby prep
2026 edition · date passed
Blue Grass Stakes 2026 Race Day
Keeneland
- Race date · venue local
- Sat, Apr 4, 2026
- Listed race post time
- To be announced
This edition’s scheduled date has passed. Use the race date when looking up results or replays.
A race’s post time is separate from gate opening, the day’s first race and the start of TV coverage. Displayed times use America/New_York.
Blue Grass Stakes TV, Streaming & Replays
For this completed race date, look for the final result and an available replay. For the next edition, check its new broadcast timetable.
Know the race
Your Blue Grass Stakes Guide
Where the Blue Grass fits in the season
The Blue Grass helps shape the Kentucky Derby field through the prep-race points system. It takes place at Keeneland, while the Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs. These are separate racecourses in different Kentucky cities, so check the venue before planning a visit.
Follow entries through to the finish
A prep-race guide may discuss likely contenders before the final field is settled. Use the published racecard for entrants, jockeys and starting positions, then check withdrawals on race day. After racing, use the official result to see how the field finished. Keeneland's fall schedule is a different meet and should not be used to infer the next Blue Grass date.
Blue Grass Stakes: Common Questions
Is the Blue Grass Stakes at Churchill Downs?
No. It is run at Keeneland in Lexington. The Kentucky Derby is at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Is the Blue Grass part of the Triple Crown?
No. It is a prep race leading toward the Kentucky Derby, which opens the Triple Crown.
How long is the Blue Grass Stakes?
The current race distance is 1⅛ miles. Use the edition's official conditions for the complete race details.
Does winning a prep mean winning the Derby?
No. A prep result can affect qualification, but the Kentucky Derby is a separate race with its own field and result.
Race Information & Further Reading
Check the linked race and visitor guides for the edition you plan to follow.