Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, Churchill Downs Incorporated’s premier harness racing facility, announced on Tuesday, Nov. 4 the Oak Grove Festival of Racing, a new marquee event debuting in May 2026.
The festival will showcase two new signature stakes: the $500,000 USD Oak Grove Trotting Derby for three-year-old trotters and the $300,000 USD Oak Grove Trotting Oaks for three-year-old trotting fillies.
Elimination races are scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, following Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs, with finals on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in conjunction with the Preakness Stakes. Championship Day at Oak Grove will feature more than $1.25 million USD in total purses on the live racing program.
The Oak Grove Festival of Racing is a collaborative initiative of Churchill Downs Incorporated, Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, and the Kentucky Harness Association. In addition to elevating competitive opportunities for horsepeople, the festival will include a philanthropic component benefitting key industry and community partners.
“The growth and excitement around Kentucky harness racing have been a bright spot for the entire sport,” said Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “Establishing this signature event further stamps Oak Grove as a premier racing and entertainment destination. With steady growth in purses and race days — and our focus on delivering exceptional fan experiences — the Oak Grove Festival of Racing is an exciting next step.”
“Harness racing in Kentucky has seen a spectacular resurgence, fuelled by the dynamic and unifying partnership with the teams at Oak Grove and Churchill Downs,” said Kenny Jackson of the Kentucky Harness Association. “This alliance has allowed us to reclaim our title as the harness capital of the world. We expect this exciting new event will become the annual kickoff for the sport across North America and beyond and position us to attract new fans and participants to the exciting world of harness racing.”
Additional details, including wagering menus, hospitality offerings and charitable beneficiaries, will be announced in the coming months.
(With files from Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel)