Anyone not taking this week’s weather forecast seriously received a wake-up call Wednesday evening.

The start of the 2025 Keeneland spring horse racing meet in Lexington, which was scheduled to begin Friday afternoon, has been postponed in the face of what could be unprecedented rain totals and severe storms Wednesday through Sunday across the commonwealth.

Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency before the life-threatening storm arrives in Kentucky on Wednesday night.

“Due to a forecast of severe storms and significant flooding expected in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky this weekend, Keeneland has announced it is rescheduling the first two days of its Spring Meet to ensure the safest environment for horses, participants and fans,” the track announced. “The decision was made following Gov. Andy Beshear’s declaration earlier today of a state of emergency ahead of potentially historic amounts of rain and strong winds across the state during the next four days.”

Friday’s racing card will be moved to Monday. Saturday’s Blue Grass Stakes Day racing will be rescheduled to Tuesday.

“Keeneland is closely monitoring track conditions and plans to run Sunday’s race card, which now will serve as opening day of the Spring Meet, as planned,” the track’s statement said.

As normal, first post time for each day of racing will be 1 p.m.

The track traditionally races Friday through Sunday on opening weekend, then Wednesdays through Sundays the remainder of the meet. Mondays and Tuesdays are normally non-racing days. There is no racing on Easter Sunday (April 20), and the meet ends on Friday, April 25.

Major prep races for this year’s Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, to be contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville the first weekend in May, were scheduled to take place Friday and Saturday and now will be moved to Monday and Tuesday instead.

The $750,000, Grade 1 Central Bank Ashland Stakes for 3-year-old fillies will now take place Monday and deliver 100 Kentucky Oaks qualifying points for the winner. Muhimma, trained by Louisville-based Brad Cox, was installed this week as the 9-5 morning-line favorite in a field of eight.

The $1.25 million, Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes for 3-year-olds is now set for Tuesday and will provide 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the champion. River Thames, trained by four-time Blue Grass Stakes winner Todd Pletcher, is the 5-2 favorite on the morning line.

“The safety of our equine and human participants, as well as of our fans, is at the core of every decision we make at Keeneland,” Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Our team has spent months preparing for opening weekend, and we recognize the significant impact of rescheduling our two biggest race days. While we have navigated challenging weather in the past, the conditions being forecast for the region are unprecedented for Keeneland. Ultimately, ensuring the safety of everyone involved is our top priority.”

How rare is it for Keeneland to call off races?

Keeneland calling off races because of weather is a testament to the severity of this week’s forecast.

At times, races are delayed as a storm moves through for the safety of the horses, riders, workers and fans, but the postponement of entire race days almost never happens.

On opening day of the Spring Meet in 2015, the last four races of a 10-race card were canceled because of severe weather. That was believed by Keeneland officials then to be the first time races were ever called off because of weather.

In 2020, the track was forced to cancel the entire Spring Meet because of the COVID-19 pandemic, then was allowed to run an abbreviated, five-day meet in July. Races were conducted with no fans in attendance.

What about those who bought Keeneland tickets for this weekend?

In light of the postponements, Keeneland announced some changes for Spring Meet ticketholders as well.

▪ Previously purchased General Admission tickets now will be valid for single entry on any race day during the Spring Meet, including dates that are currently sold out.

▪ All Grandstand reserved seating, dining reservations and parking will automatically receive a full refund including fees. This credit will appear to the original purchaser up to seven business days after the refund is processed.

▪ Previous Friday and Saturday ticketholders will have the opportunity to purchase new tickets for Monday and Tuesday race days through an exclusive pre-sale window. Those eligible will receive an email with instructions to access. Remaining tickets for Monday and Tuesday will be available to all fans at tickets.keeneland.com beginning 8 a.m. Friday.

▪ Free General Admission will be available to all guests on both Monday and Tuesday, and no ticket purchase is required.

Other changes at Keeneland because of weather

▪ The Hill will be closed the first week of racing and resume normal operations on Friday, April 11.

▪ Guests who purchased private tailgate experiences or Race Day Social tickets will be contacted by RevelXP regarding your reservation. Race Day Social tickets will be automatically refunded.

▪ Sunrise Trackside is canceled for opening Saturday and will resume Saturday, April 12.

▪ Kids Club Family Day will be held as planned on Sunday, April 6, with slightly modified activities.

Racing for the Spring Meet was scheduled to get underway Friday at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, but a forecast for severe weather the rest of the week has forced the track to change its schedule. James Crisp

This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 5:34 PM.