2026 Kentucky Downs Meet: Complete Guide to Dates, Post Times, Purse, Prize Money, Full Stakes Schedule

Kentucky Downs is back for its 2026 meet, and this year's calendar features one of the richest days in American turf racing: the U.S. Open of Turf Championships, headlined by the $3 million Nashville Derby Invitational. Here's everything fans need to know about when to go, when to tune in, and which stakes races are worth circling on the calendar.

When is the 2026 Kentucky Downs meet?

The 2026 meet at The Mint Kentucky Downs runs seven race days from August 29 to September 9, 2026. The feature race, the Grade 2 Nashville Derby Invitational ($3 million), is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, as part of the U.S. Open of Turf Championships over Labor Day weekend (September 5–7).

Where is the 2026 Kentucky Downs meet?

Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Kentucky (about one hour north of Nashville). It is an all-turf track known for large fields and high purses.

What Time Does Racing Start?

Saturdays: Gates open at 10:15 a.m.; first post 11:45 a.m.

All other days: Gates open at 11:00 a.m.; first post 12:20 p.m.

Each card features at least 10 races, with action typically running until approximately 6:30–6:45 p.m. The Nashville Derby and other marquee races on September 5 are expected in the afternoon.

How to Watch the 2026 Kentucky Downs Races?

Select days air on NBC / NBC Sports and Peacock (coverage beginning around 3 p.m. on key dates such as August 29 and September 5).

Additional streaming and wagering options are typically available through legal platforms and the track’s partners. Check themintkentuckydowns.com or local listings for exact TV and streaming details closer to the meet.

Full 2026 Kentucky Downs Stakes Schedule

Saturday, August 29

Kentucky Downs Juvenile Sprint (Listed) – 2-year-olds, 6½ furlongs – $750,000 (includes $375,000 KTDF)

G1 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf Sprint – Fillies & Mares 3yo & up, 6½ furlongs – $1,750,000 (includes $875,000 KTDF)

Sunday, August 30

Untapable Stakes (Listed) – 2-year-old fillies, 6½ furlongs – $750,000 (includes $375,000 KTDF)

Tapit Stakes (Listed) – 3yo & up (non-winners of a sweepstakes in 2026), 1 1/16 miles – $500,000 (includes $250,000 KTDF)

Thursday, September 3

Bowling Green Gold Cup Invitational (Black Type) – 3yo & up, 2 1/16 miles – $750,000 (includes $375,000 KTDF)

Saturday, September 5

(U.S. Open of Turf Championships highlight day)

G2 Music City Stakes – 3-year-old fillies, 6½ furlongs – $1,500,000 (includes $750,000 KTDF)

G2 Nashville Derby Invitational – 3-year-olds, 1 5/16 miles – $3,000,000 (includes $1,250,000 KTDF)

G2 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf – Fillies & Mares 3yo & up, 1 mile – $1,500,000 (includes $750,000 KTDF)

G2 Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint (“Win and You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint) – 3yo & up, 6 furlongs – $1,750,000 (includes $875,000 KTDF)

G2 Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational (“Win and You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Turf) – 3yo & up, 1½ miles – $2,000,000 (includes $1,000,000 KTDF)

Sunday, September 6

One Dreamer (Listed) – Fillies & Mares 3yo & up (non-winners of a sweepstakes in 2026), 1 1/16 miles – $500,000 (includes $250,000 KTDF)

G3 Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon Invitational – Fillies & Mares 3yo & up, 1 5/16 miles – $1,500,000 (includes $750,000 KTDF)

Monday, September 7

Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies (Listed) – 2-year-old fillies, 1 mile – $750,000 (includes $375,000 KTDF)

Lucky Lantern (Black Type) – 3-year-old fillies (non-winners of a sweepstakes), 6½ furlongs – $250,000

Gun Runner (Listed) – 3-year-olds, 1 mile – $1,750,000 (includes $875,000 KTDF)

G2 Franklin-Simpson Stakes – 3-year-olds, 6½ furlongs – $1,500,000 (includes $750,000 KTDF)

G3 Mint Millions Invitational – 3-year-olds, 1 mile – $2,000,000 (includes $1,000,000 KTDF)

Wednesday, September 9

Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile (Listed) – 2-year-olds, 1 mile – $750,000 (includes $375,000 KTDF)

G3 Dueling Grounds Oaks Invitational – 3-year-old fillies, 1 5/16 miles – $2,000,000 (includes $1,000,000 KTDF)

Kentucky Downs continues to solidify its place as a major late-summer destination for turf racing, offering fans near Nashville easy access to high-class competition and some of the largest purses outside the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup.

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