The inaugural Oak Grove Festival of Racing, a two-week harness racing celebration featuring the region’s richest purses and world-class entertainment, is scheduled to kick off on Monday, May 4.

Spanning five days of elite harness racing, the festival will distribute an estimated $2,750,000 USD in total purses, culminating in a blockbuster $1.5 million USD 11-race program on Saturday, May 16, followed by a live performance from country music star Jake Owen.

A Championship Racing Calendar

The festival officially kicks off on Monday, May 4, with a stakes-laden program featuring elimination races for the Oak Grove Trotting Derby and Oaks, alongside preliminary Kentucky Sire Stakes races for four-year-olds, with purses exceeding $500,000 USD. The schedule continues with racing on Tuesday, May 5, a special Mother’s Day program on Sunday, May 10, and Monday, May 11.  The May 10 program will also feature the fan-favourite annual Charity Corgi Dog Races, a family-fun tradition that continues to draw large crowds to the track. 

Derby Day: The $1.5 Million USD Main Event

The festival reaches its pinnacle on Saturday, May 16, with a 12:45 p.m. (CDT) post time. The $1.5 million USD Derby Day race card is headlined by two new establishments in North American harness racing, the $500,000 USD Oak Grove Trotting Derby for three-year-old male trotters and the $300,000 USD Oak Grove Trotting Oaks for three-year-old fillies. For those looking for an early look at the contenders, Oak Grove will offer Derby and Oaks prep races on Monday, April 27.

In addition to the live action at Oak Grove, fans can wager on premier Thoroughbred and harness racing from across North America, including the Preakness Stakes and live racing from Churchill Downs.

Entertainment and VIP Experience

While general admission is free for the day of racing, fans can upgrade to an elevated VIP Experience all-day package. This includes private seating, homestretch dining with premium food, and a VIP ticket to the Jake Owen concert at the Moonshine Amphitheater.

Harness racing fans and racing participants will receive a special all-inclusive VIP rate of $125 USD. Following the Preakness (est. 6:15 p.m. CDT), VIP guests will be escorted to the infield for the concert. Jake Owen, a multiple Academy of Country Music Award winner, brings his signature charm and stage presence to the Moonshine Amphitheater. Currently touring behind his highly anticipated 2026 "Dreams to Dream Tour," Owen boasts a catalog of 10 number-one singles and more than 2.5 billion on-demand streams.

Stay, Tickets and Reservations

Owners of Derby Day participating horses will receive complimentary VIP tickets (four for Derby/Oaks horses and two for all other horses entered to race on Derby Day) and may purchase additional tickets at the special $125 USD price.  Horsemen desiring to attend the concert after an exciting day of racing will be offered special ticket pricing. All VIP ticket reservations must be secured by Tuesday, May 5 at 5:00 p.m. (CDT).

Hotel reservations are available at the on-premises Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel. All VIP Hotel reservations must be made by calling the front desk at 270-984-4300. Guests can use code OGDerby26 for special VIP pricing.

A welcome reception for Derby Day participants will be held on Friday, May 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. (CDT).

What to Wear: Show Off Your "Derby Best"

In keeping with the prestigious traditions of the Kentucky Derby, Oak Grove invites all its guests to dress to impress. Saturday is the day for guests to wear their "Derby Best." The track encourages “smart Southern casual” – sundresses, linen, hats, boots, sport coats, seersucker suits, and colorful blazers – vibrant polished racewear.

(Oak Grove)