What is the Blue Grass Stakes?
The Blue Grass Stakes is a Grade I thoroughbred race for three-year-olds, held annually at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky. The event is run over 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on dirt, and it serves as one of the premier prep races for the Kentucky Derby.
When is the Blue Grass Stake in 2026?
The 2026 Blue Grass Stakes will take place on April 4th.
Blue Grass Stakes Winners
The Blue Grass Stakes has a long history of notable winners. Legendary horses like Northern Dancer (1964), who went on to win the Kentucky Derby, and Spectacular Bid (1979), a horse often ranked among the greatest in racing history, have claimed victory here.
Other standout champions include Skip Away (1996) and Strike the Gold (1991), both of whom made an impact on the Triple Crown circuit. These older winners highlight the enduring prestige of the race, contributing to its significance in horse racing.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Burnham Square | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr. | Ian R. Wilkes | 1:51.33 |
| 2024 | Sierra Leone | Tyler Gaffalione | Chad C. Brown | 1:50.80 |
| 2023 | Tapit Trice | Luis Saez | Todd A. Pletcher | 1:50.00 |
| 2022 | Zandon | Flavien Prat | Chad C. Brown | 1:50.35 |
| 2021 | Essential Quality | Luis Saez | Brad H. Cox | 1:48.50 |
| 2020 | Art Collector | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr. | Thomas Drury Jr. | 1:48.11 |
