Churchill Will Stage a Record 50 Stakes for Spring Meet

Led by the $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) on Saturday, May 6, a record 50 stakes races that total $20.525 million will be staged at Churchill Downs during the 44-day Spring Meet which spans April 29-July 3 (pending Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund final approval).

The record-breaking lineup features 28 stakes races that received significant boosts—including the Stephen Foster (G1) for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles which is now worth $1 million—and one new event, the $175,000 Chorleywood Overnight Stakes for 4-year-olds and up at 1 3/8 miles on turf on June 17.

Derby Week (April 29-May 6) kicks off the nine-week 149th Spring Meet with 22 stakes that total a record $13.125 million over the six-day stretch that culminates with the highlight of the annual racing calendar—the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby for 3-year-olds at 1 ¼ miles. 

Nine of the 14 races on Kentucky Derby Day are stakes that total $7.65 million. In addition to the Derby, the first Saturday in May will showcase the $1 million Turf Classic Stakes (G1T); $750,000 Churchill Downs Stakes (G1); $750,000 Derby City Distaff Stakes (G1); $500,000 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes (G2T); $500,000 Pat Day Mile Stakes (G2); $500,000 American Turf Stakes (G2T); $500,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes (G2T); and $175,000 Knicks Go Overnight Stakes.

The Turf Classic, which precedes the Derby, is the most lucrative of 22 stakes races scheduled to be run over the Matt Winn Turf Course. 

One day earlier, Churchill Downs will host the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at 1 1/8 miles—the nation's most lucrative race for 3-year-old fillies. The seven stakes that day total $4.2 million: the Oaks; $750,000 La Troienne Stakes (G1); $600,000 Alysheba Stakes (G2); $500,000 Eight Belles Stakes (G2); $500,000 Edgewood Stakes (G2T); $300,000 Modesty Stakes (G3T); and $300,000 Unbridled Sidney Stakes.

Derby Week stakes action that precedes Oaks and Derby days includes the $175,000 Roxelana Overnight Stakes on Opening Night, Saturday, April 29; $225,000 Mamzelle and $175,000 Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes on Champions Day, Wednesday, May 3; $300,000 Opening Verse Stakes; $200,000 Kentucky Juvenile Stakes and $175,000 St. Matthews Overnight Stakes on Thurby, May 4.

Stephen Foster Preview Day is Saturday, June 3 with six stakes that total $1.35 million: the $225,000 Blame Stakes (G3); $225,000 Shawnee Stakes (G3T); $225,000 Arlington Stakes (G3T); $225,000 Regret Stakes (G3T); $225,000 Aristides Stakes; and $225,000 Audubon Stakes.

The $1 million Stephen Foster, which has been elevated to grade 1 status as it annually attracts some of the nation's top older horses, is the centerpiece of an action-packed closing weekend. The 1 1/8-mile race anchors a six-race stakes bonanza that totals $2.475 million on Saturday, July 1, and includes the $400,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2); $400,000 Wise Dan Stakes (G2T); $225,000 American Derby; $225,000 Tepin Stakes; and $225,000 Kelly's Landing. 

The first condition book of scheduled races features $120,000 maiden races while allowance races range from $127,000 to $148,000. There also will be a $300 bonus awarded to trainers whose starters finish fourth through last in all non-stakes races.

Spring Meet stall applications are due Friday, March 3. Following its annual closure for wintertime renovations, the Churchill Downs stable area will reopen Tuesday, March 21. The first day of training on the main dirt track will be Friday, March 24.