What is the Limestone Stakes?
The Limestone Stakes is a Grade III Thoroughbred race held annually at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky. Run at 5½ furlongs on the turf exclusively for 3-year-old fillies, it is one of the premier early-season turf sprint tests for sophomore fillies in the country. Upgraded to Grade III status for 2026 with an increased purse of $350,000, the race has taken a significant step forward in prestige and regularly attracts top-class turf sprinting fillies from across North America.
When is the Limestone Stakes in 2026?
The 2026 The Limestone Stakes is scheduled for Friday, April 10 at Keeneland, sharing the card with the Grade I Maker's Mark Mile. One of three Keeneland Spring Meet races to receive both a grade upgrade and a purse increase for 2026, it is an important early stepping stone for 3-year-old fillies targeting the top turf sprint races later in the season.
The Limestone Stakes History & Notable Winners
The Limestone Stakes has developed into a reliable form guide for top turf sprinting fillies since its early runnings at Keeneland. Recent editions have showcased some exciting talent, most notably Shisospicy, who wired the field under Irad Ortiz Jr. in 2025 and went on to win the Grade III Mamzelle Stakes at Churchill Downs and the Grade II Music City Stakes at Kentucky Downs before capping her season with a dominant gate-to-wire victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. Trainer Wesley Ward has been a dominant presence in the race, saddling multiple winners including Love Reigns (2023) and Ruthin (2022).
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Shisospicy | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 1:03.94 |
| 2024 | Hot Beach | Jose Ortiz | 1:05.70 |
| 2023 | Love Reigns | Joel Rosario | 1:02.45 |
| 2022 | Ruthin | John Velazquez | 1:03.33 |
| 2021 | Toby's Heart | Javier Castellano | 1:02.29 |
Last Updated on 04/07/2026
The Limestone Stakes is one of the highlights of Keeneland's Spring Meet, offering 3-year-old fillies a prime opportunity to establish themselves on the turf sprint scene at one of the world's most celebrated racecourses.
