Horses, Hats and High Stakes: 152nd Derby Week Set to Thrill Fans
Churchill Downs Incorporated recently announced exciting changes to 152ndSpring Meet and Derby Week racing. The 152nd Spring Meet at the historic Churchill Downs Racetrack will span nine weeks from April 25 to June 28, and feature 44 racing days. Derby Week will run from April 25 to May 2.
Exciting events for 2026 include:
- On the afternoon of April 25, 2026, the 152nd Spring Meet and Kentucky Derby Week will kick off with Opening Day activities including the celebration of the post-position draws for the 152nd Kentucky Oaks and Derby races.
- On April 26, 2026, racing will be held for the first time on a Sunday of Derby Week since 2010. Sunday Funday will feature brunch options around the track for guests to enjoy.
- On April 27, 2026, guests can watch Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders train during Dawn at the Downs while enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast in the Stakes Room or Millionaires Row.
- On April 28, 2026, 502’sDay will showcase Louisville’s community spirit.
- On April 29, 2026, Winsday will showcase our support for the Community Foundation of Louisville and local nonprofits.
- On April 30, 2026, Thurby will be a high energy celebration of Kentucky’s rich heritage and traditions with premier racing and elevated hospitality.
- On May 1, 2026, the 152nd Kentucky Oaks will be held for the first time ever between 8 and 9 p.m. ET during primetime on NBC and Peacock with a spectacular twilight finish for a legendary day of racing. The Kentucky Oaks features thoroughbred racing’s best 3-year-old fillies with a $1.5 million purse for the race. The pageantry and traditions of the Kentucky Oaks are centered around fashion and women’s health advocacy.
- The 152nd Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 2. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown series with a 1 ¼-mile race for the world’s top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds and a $5 million purse for the race. The Kentucky Derby will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
“We are looking forward to a thrilling, fun-filled week of racing that will culminate with the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2nd,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “With the Spring Meet and Kentucky Derby Week kicking off on Saturday afternoon and the return of Sunday racing during Derby Week for the first time in 16 years, we will once again deliver an iconic week of racing for our guests and our fans watching on NBC.”
Tickets for the 152nd Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby are available by visiting www.KentuckyDerby.com and www.DerbyExperiences.com or by calling (502) 636-4447.
Tickets for Kentucky Derby Week are available by visiting https://www.kentuckyderby.com/derbyweek.
