The huge purses at the boutique Kentucky Downs meet got even bigger this week when officials at the turf-only track in south-central Kentucky announced that the newly named Mint Millions will be a $2 million race during the seven-day meet, which runs Aug. 31 through Sept. 13.
The enhanced purse makes it the richest grass race in North America besides the Breeders’ Cup.
The one-mile Mint Millions, to be run Sept. 2, formerly had been a $1 million race known as the Mint Million. Its enhanced stature is symbolic of how racing at Kentucky Downs continues on a sharp upward spiral: total purses, including bonuses from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, are projected at more than $22.8 million, with maiden-specials starting at $150,000. The Mint Million purse includes $1 million in KTDF bonuses.
Six $1 million stakes have been set for the richest day of the meet, Sept. 9, including the Grade 2 Kentucky Turf Cup.
The full condition book for the Kentucky Downs meet is now available online.