2026 Stephen Foster Stakes: Field, Horses, Odds, Prize Money, How To Watch

The 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes, officially billed as the "Summer Showdown", will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. This Grade 1 event has quickly become one of the premier summer races for older dirt horses in North America.

When is 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes?


Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026  

Where is 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes?

Venue: Churchill Downs Racetrack, Louisville, Kentucky


What Is 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes Post Time? 

Post Time: 6:00 PM ET  

Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Dirt)  

Division: 4-Year-Olds and Up, Males

How to Watch 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes? 


TV Broadcast: NBCSN  

Streaming: Peacock  

Broadcast Window: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM ET

2026 Stephen Foster Stakes Race Schedule 

Gates Open: 11:30 AM ET  

First Post Time: 12:45 PM ET  

Stephen Foster Stakes Post Time: Race 11 – 6:00 PM ET

2026 Stephen Foster Stakes Probable Field & Early Contenders


Here is the current list of probable and possible runners with their recent form:White Abarrio (Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.)

Recent: 1st (132) – 2026 Oaklawn Handicap (G2)

Status: Probable

Sovereignty (William I. Mott)

Recent: 2nd (128) – 2026 Oaklawn Handicap (G2)

Status: Probable

Reigning Horse of the Year and Kentucky Derby winner

Magnitude (Steven M. Asmussen)

Recent: 1st – 2026 Dubai World Cup (G1)

Status: Probable

Baeza (William I. Mott)

Recent: 3rd (114) – 2026 Alysheba Stakes (G2)

Status: Probable

Pennsylvania Derby winner

Skippylongstocking (Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.)

Recent: 2nd (114) – 2026 Alysheba Stakes (G2)

Status: Possible

Pegasus World Cup winner

This is a high-quality field featuring multiple Grade 1 winners and top older dirt performers. Official post positions and final entries will be confirmed closer to race day.

2026 Stephen Foster Stakes Prize Money 

The purse has been doubled to $2,000,000, making it the richest summer older-horse dirt race in North America.

Payout Breakdown:


1st Place: $1,060,000  

2nd Place: $450,000  

3rd Place: $250,000  

4th Place: $140,000  

5th Place: $100,000

Probable Field & Early Odds: 2026 Stephen Foster StakesSeveral top Grade 1 champions are targeting this $2 million showdown:


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