Churchill Downs News Update and Stephen Foster Media Kit: Sovereignty, White Abarrio, Baeza Settle in at Churchill Downs for Saturday's $2 Million Stephen Foster

Jun 24, 2026

Read more here: Stephen Foster Day Media Kit

The stars of Saturday’s $2 million Stephen Foster (Grade I) have assembled beneath the Twin Spires as reigning Horse of the Year and Kentucky Derby (GI) winner Sovereignty, Grade I winner Baeza and Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) and Pegasus World Cup (GI) winner White Abarrio all took to the track Wednesday morning for their final preparations ahead of the summer’s biggest dirt showdown.

Godolphin’s Sovereignty and C R K Stable and Grandview Equine’s Baeza, both trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, arrived at Churchill Downs early Tuesday morning from Saratoga Race Course and trained for the first time over the Louisville oval Wednesday.

C2 Racing Stable, Gary Barber and La Milagrosa Stable’s White Abarrio arrived Monday from Gulfstream Park and jogged Tuesday before galloping Wednesday morning. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. was on hand alongside family members and several members of the ownership group.

“It’s really exciting to be back here and we’re really looking forward to Saturday,” Joseph said. “The horse has settled in well and everything has gone according to plan.”

BloodHorse first reported Wednesday that Joseph’s other entrants, Forged Steel and Navajo Warrior, would not ship in for the race.

Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Dubai World Cup (GI) winner Magnitude, who has been based at Churchill Downs since returning from Dubai in late March, continued his preparations for the race and galloped at approximately 7:30 a.m. for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen.

“It’s an awesome race,” Asmussen said. “The stars of racing have assembled. Magnitude still has more to prove but I know he has a lot of confidence in himself by the way he’s prepared going into the race.”

Willy D’s, who’s based at Churchill Downs, is cross-entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Texas Turf Classic Stakes at Lone Star Park. Trainer Mike Maker said a decision is pending which spot he’ll run.

The 45th running of the Stephen Foster is led by 6-5 morning-line favorite Sovereignty. White Abarrio was installed as the 3-1 second choice, followed by Magnitude at 7-2 and Baeza at 6-1.

The complete field for the Stephen Foster from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds):

Willy D's (Luis Saez, Mike Maker, 20-1)
White Abarrio (Irad Ortiz Jr., Joseph, 3-1)
Sovereignty (Junior Alvarado, Mott, 6-5)
Baeza (Flavien Prat, Mott, 6-1)
Magnitude (Jose Ortiz, Asmussen, 7-2)
Forged Steel (John Velazquez, Joseph, 12-1)
Navajo Warrior (Tyler Gaffalione, Joseph, 15-1)
First post for Saturday’s 12-race program is 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern). The Stephen Foster is scheduled as Race 11 at 6:14 p.m.

WORLD-CLASS FOSTER FIELD ASSEMBLED – Three of the top five-ranked dirt horses in the world have entered the Stephen Foster. Reigning Horse of the Year and 2025 Kentucky Derby (GI) winner Sovereignty returns to the scene of his memorable crowning achievement in last year’s “Run for the Roses” to face $12 million Dubai World Cup (GI) winner Magnitude, $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (GII) winner White Abarrio. The trio are ranked in both the top five of the Longines’ World’s Best Racehorse (Dirt) rankings and NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll.

Also entered in the Foster is Grade I Pennsylvania Derby winner Baeza and Grade III Kentucky Cup Classic winner Willy D’s.

As of Wednesday morning, Grade II Gold Cup winner Forged Steel and Grade III Pimlico Special winner Forged Steel were not expected to ship from their base at trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.’s Saratoga barn.

Cumulatively, the expected field of five graded stakes winners have a record of 86-33-18-9—$25,659,793 with 22 stakes wins, 16 graded stakes victories and nine Grade I triumphs.

FOSTER PURSE DOUBLED TO $2 MILLION – On May 20, Churchill Downs officials announced the purse for its marquee race for older horses, the Grade I Stephen Foster, was doubled from $1 million to $2 million and billed as the “Summer Showdown.”

“Stephen Foster Day has grown tremendously over the last several years attracting some of the world’s best horses, and this purse boost helps solidify our closing weekend as a must-see premier racing event,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Firmly positioned in late June with lucrative prize money on the line, the Stephen Foster is an ideal summertime race for the best Thoroughbreds to compete at historic Churchill Downs. We truly believe horsemen and women, as well as horse racing fans around the world, will enthusiastically respond to this Summer Showdown.”

FOSTER IS A FEATHER IN ONE’S CAP – Four horses have used victories in the Stephen Foster as part of their resumés in Horse of the Year campaigns: Black Tie Affair (1991), Saint Liam (2005), Curlin (2008) and Gun Runner (2017). In addition, two Foster runners-up were crowned Horse of the Year: Mineshaft (2003) and Wise Dan (2012).

FOSTER STAKES RECORD IS 26 YEARS OLD – Victory Gallop owns the Stephen Foster stakes record for 1 1/8 miles of 1:47.28 established in 1999 when he cruised to a five-length victory over Nite Dreamer, Littlebitlively and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm. Victory Gallop’s time was a track record until last year when Gould’s Gold clocked 1:47.26 on May 17. The fastest 1 1/8 miles during this year’s Spring Meet is 1:48.80 by 4-year-old Tiztastic on May 9.

REMEMBERING LAST YEAR’S FOSTER – Last year’s Stephen Foster was one of the best races of 2025 when Mindframe, winner of the $1 million Churchill Downs (GI) on the Kentucky Derby undercard, defeated Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) winner and Champion 3-Year-Old Male Sierra Leone by one length. Oaklawn Handicap (GII) winner First Mission was third, Kentucky Derby 150 (GI) winner Mystik Dan was fourth and Dubai World Cup (GI) winner Hit Show was fifth.

FOSTER TELEVISION COVERAGE – The Stephen Foster will be part of a two-hour broadcast on NBCSN and Peacock in conjunction with FanDuel TV from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (all times Eastern). Christina Blacker, Anthony Pascale and Joe Talamo will anchor the FanDuel TV-produced broadcast on the desk at Churchill Downs while Scott Hazelton, Caton Bredar, Andie Biancone and Dave Weaver will be on-site with exclusive interviews, handicapping insights and behind-the-scenes footage throughout the card. Coverage of the entire 12-race card will be available on FanDuel TV with a first post of 12:45 p.m. The 4:30-6:30 p.m. coverage also will be streamed on NBC Sports NOW, a free FAST channel on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

FOSTER DAY IS BIG BUSINESS – All-sources wagering for last year’s Stephen Foster Day was an event record $20.7 million, up $1.9 million or 10% from the 2024 Stephen Foster card that handled $18.8 million.

SATURDAY’S LINEUP – Sporting owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys will compete for $4,721,000 in prize money during Saturday’s blockbuster 12-race Stephen Foster Day card at Churchill Downs. A total of 115 horses were entered – 111 horses in the body of the races and four also-eligible horses – for an average of 9.25 horses per race.

The $2 million Stephen Foster, billed as the “Summer Showdown,” is the centerpiece of the penultimate program of Churchill Downs’ 44-day Spring Meet and goes as Race 11 at 6:14 p.m. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. and the first race is 12:45 p.m.

Along with the Stephen Foster, the afternoon’s seven-race stakes lineup includes the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (GII); $500,000 Wise Dan (GII); $275,000 Bango (GIII); $275,000 American Derby (Listed); $275,000 Anchorage (Listed); and $275,000 Tepin (Listed).

Saturday’s schedule of races:

Race 1 (12:45 p.m.): Mdn 120k, 2yo, 6 F (16 entries, 12 to run)
Race 2 (1:17 p.m.): Mdn 120k, 3&up, 1 1/16 M (10 entries)
Race 3 (1:49 p.m.): Mdn 120k, 3&up, 6 ½ F (11 entries)
Race 4 (2:21 p.m.): OC 125000n1x, 3yo, 1 1/16 M (8 entries)
Race 5 (2:55 p.m.): $275,000 Anchorage (Listed), f&m, 1 1/8 M (T) (10 entries)
Race 6 (3:29 p.m.): OC 80000n2x, 3&up, 7 F (12 entries)
Race 7 (4:04 p.m.): $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (GII), f&m, 1 1/8 M (five entries)
Race 8 (4:36 p.m.): $275,000 American Derby (Listed), 3yo, 1 1/16 M (T) (nine entries)
Race 9 (5:08 p.m.): $275,000 Bango (GIII), 3&up, 6 ½ F (seven entries)
Race 10 (5:43 p.m.): $500,000 Wise Dan (GII), 4&up, 1 1/16 M (T) (nine entries)
Race 11 (6:14 p.m.): $2 million Stephen Foster (GI), 4&up, 1 1/8 M (seven entries)
Race 12 (6:44 p.m.): $275,000 Tepin (Listed), 3yo f, 1 M (T) (11 entries)
SPECIAL FOSTER DAY WAGERS – Saturday’s 12-race Stephen Foster Day program will include a trio of special wagers – all with a low 15% takeout.

The $3 All-Stakes Turf Pick 3, which handled $142,769 last year, returns and will link the American Derby (Race 8 at 4:36 p.m), Wise Dan (Race 10 at 5:43 p.m.) and Tepin (Race 12 at 6:44 p.m.). New this year is a $1 All-Stakes Turf Pick 4 that includes the Anchorage (Race 5 at 2:55 p.m.), American Derby, Wise Dan and Tepin as well as a special $5 Double encompassing the Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (Race 7 at 4:04 p.m.) and Stephen Foster (Race 11 at 6:14 p.m.).

All told, Stephen Foster Day features 12 races, including seven stakes contests, with a betting menu that also features four Pick 5s (Races 1-5, 3-7, 5-9 and 8-12); four Pick 4s (Races 2-5, 4-7, 6-9 and 9-12); the 20-cent All-Stakes Derby City 6 Jackpot (Races 7-12 with a $126,361 carryover as of Wednesday); the lottery-style $1 Jackpot 8 (Race 12 with a $205,217 carryover as of Wednesday); and Odd vs. Even wagering (all eligible races).

Foster Day produces large betting pools and the chance at huge paydays.

Last year’s six-horse Foster race Win, Place and Show pool totaled $1,445,610, while the Exacta pool reached $659,815, the 50-cent Trifecta pool handled $277,300 and the 10-cent Superfecta pool totaled $161,600. The late 50-cent All-Stakes Pick 5 pool was $993,774 and the late 50-cent All-Stakes Pick 4 handled $522,422. Additionally, the Derby City 6 Jackpot, which had a $1,314,893 carryover, took $1,165,274 in new bets.

FOSTER PURSE STRUCTURE – Owners paid $20,000 to enter their horses into the Stephen Foster and will pay another $20,000 to start, which equates to 2% of the total purse. If all seven entrants start, first prize is expected to be $1 million with $450,000 to second, $250,000 to third, $140,000 to fourth, $100,000 to fifth and $30,000 each to the sixth and seventh place finishers.

TICKETS – To purchase tickets to Stephen Foster Day at Churchill Downs, please visit: https://www.churchilldowns.com/visit/spring-meet/stephen-foster-day/.

FOSTER DAY ADVANCE WAGERING AVAILABLE THURSDAY – For the first time, advance wagering on Saturday’s 12-race Stephen Foster Day card will be available starting Thursday at on-track at Churchill Downs betting windows, simulcast and online advance deposit wagering outlets across North America, including www.TwinSpires.com, the official wagering provider of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

BREEDERS’ CUP ‘WIN AND YOU’RE IN’ – Both the Stephen Foster and Fleur de Lis are Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races, which means the winners are guaranteed a spot in the starting gate for the $7 million Longines Classic (GI) and $2 million Longines Distaff (GI), respectively, on Oct. 31 at Keeneland. Also, the connections of both winners will have all Breeders’ Cup pre-entry and entry fees covered and could receive a travel award of up to $10,000.

ENGRAVED KENTUCKY DERBY 152 TROPHIES TO BE PRESENTED SATURDAY – The connections from Team Golden Tempo – owners and breeders Phipps Stable (Daisy Phipps Pulito) & St. Elias Stable (Vincent Viola), trainer Cherie DeVaux and jockey Jose Ortiz – will be on hand to accept their newly-engraved Kentucky Derby 152 trophies for the Curlin colt’s triumph in America’s greatest race on May 2.

Additionally, there will be a trophy presented to the winning groom José Hernández for the first time.

The ceremony in the Woodford Reserve Winner’s Circle is scheduled around 4:45 p.m. just after the conclusion of Race 8.

The connection of Longines Kentucky Oaks winner Always Dreaming will be presented their engraved trophies, as well, in a ceremony after Race 7 at approximately 4:15 p.m.

INAUGURAL ‘GALLOP FOR GOOD’ TO SUPPORT THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE IS SATURDAY – Saturday’s Stephen Foster Day doubles as Churchill Downs Incorporated’s inaugural “Gallop for Good: From Race to Retirement” – a national one-day online giving campaign that will support Thoroughbred aftercare nonprofits.

Gallop for Good supports Thoroughbred aftercare, which includes programs and services that help retired racehorses transition into second careers, adoption, rehabilitation, sanctuary and lifelong care after racing.

The public can support Gallop for Good by donating to participating organizations through https://churchilldowns.com/gallopforgood. Donations may be matched or boosted through additional fundraising incentives.

Supporters can also purchase dining and reserved seating tickets for Stephen Foster Day at Churchill Downs with $5 from every ticket directly benefiting the organizations participating in Gallop for Good through the Churchill Downs Foundation. Eligible tickets may be purchased at https://www.gofevo.com/group/GallopforGood.

“Thoroughbred aftercare reflects our industry’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of horses during and after their racing careers,” said Claire Simms, CDI’s Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. “Through Gallop for Good, we are proud to help amplify the work of aftercare organizations across the country and provide an easy way for donors and industry partners to support safe, dignified futures for retired racehorses.”

For more information or to donate, visit https://churchilldowns.com/gallopforgood.

WEATHER FORECAST – According to the National Weather Service as of Wednesday afternoon, Saturday’s forecast for Louisville calls for mostly cloudy skies with a high near 86 and a 70-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

STARS LITTERED THROUGHOUT FOSTER UNDERCARD – Fasig-Tipton La Troienne (Grade I) winner Shred the Gnar and Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (GI) and recent 2 ¾-length Shawnee (GIII) winner Splendora will clash in the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (GII), one of the highlights on the Stephen Foster undercard. The race also attracted Immersive, the Champion 2-Year-Old Filly of 2024 and Shawnee runner-up.

Multi-millionaire and multiple graded stakes winner Lagynos will attempt to land his fifth straight stakes victory in the $500,000 Wise Dan (GII). The field of nine also includes Fort Washington, last month’s winner of the $250,000 Dinner Party (GIII) on the Preakness undercard, and defending champ Brilliant Berti, the five-time local grass winner who hopes to snap a five-race skid.

Breeders’ Cup Sprint (GI) third-place finisher Dr. Venkman is set to make his 6-year-old debut against recent Aristides Stakes (GIII) winner Cornucopian in the $275,000 Bango (GIII). Fast allowance winners Built and Harrodsburg are also in the field.

Four-length Penn Mile (GIII) winner Alpyland tops the $275,000 American Derby (Listed) against runner-up Immortalised (Fr) and Southern California invader Bust Out, winner of the $100,000 Cinema.

Pin Up Betty will defend her title in the $275,000 Anchorage Stakes (Listed) against Gallorette (GIII) winner Warming and The Very One (GIII) winner Just Basking.

Miss Grillo (Grade II) winner and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (GI) third Ground Support will make her first start as a 3-year-old in the $275,000 Tepin (Listed) against Edgewood (GII) runner-up and Regret (GIII) third Tam Tam, Penn Oaks runner-up Final Accord and Horseshoe Indianapolis’ Cleopatra Handicap winner How About Now.

Meanwhile, the first race of the day could produce future stars. It’s the first six-furlong maiden race of the year in Kentucky for 2-year-olds.

RACE 5: ANCHORAGE – The field for the Anchorage Stakes, which will go as Race 5 at 2:55 p.m., from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds):

Warming (John Velazquez, Graham Motion, 6-1)
Unmerited Favor (Florent Geroux, Kenny McPeek, 15-1)
Way to Be Marie (Luis Saez, Eddie Kenneally, 8-1)
Settling Storm (Martin Garcia, Pavel Matejka, 30-1)
Tirupati (Tyler Gaffalione, Jonathan Thomas, 12-1)
Just Basking (Cristian Torres, Ian Wilkes, 6-1)
Footnote (Alexander Crispin, Marcelino Torres, 50-1)
Pin Up Betty (Flavien Prat, Mike Maker, 7-2)
Vive Veuve (Irad Ortiz Jr., Joe Sharp, 5-2)
Stylish Sue (Jose Ortiz, Joe Sharp, 9-2)
RACE 7: FLEUR DE LIS – One of the featured races on the undercard is the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (GII), a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Longines Distaff. Boyd Racing and By Talla Racing’s Splendora, winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (GI) and this year’s Beholder Mile (GI), was tabbed as the 4-5 morning-line favorite.

The field for the Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis, which will go as Race 7 at 4:04 p.m., from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds):

Splendora (Flavien Prat, Baffert, 4-5)
Regaled (Tyler Gaffalione, Whit Beckman, 10-1)
Immersive (Irad Ortiz Jr., Brad Cox, 8-1)
In Just My Heels (Keith Asmussen, Ron Moquett, 20-1)
Shred the Gnar (Luis Saez, Brian Lynch, 6-5)
RACE 8: AMERICAN DERBY – The field for the American Derby, which will go as Race 8 at 4:36 p.m., from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds):

Immortalised (FR) (John Velazquez, Brendan Walsh, 4-1)
Prepped (Jose Ortiz, Cherie DeVaux, 6-1)
Fulmine (Cristian Torres, Norm Casse, 15-1)
Thousandsticks (Luis Saez, Brian Lynch, 5-1)
Serac (Jaime Torres, Nicholas Palmer, 30-1)
Alpyland (Javier Castellano, Mark Casse, 8-5)
Comport (Ben Curtis, Eddie Kenneally, 15-1)
Bust Out (Flavien Prat, Michael McCarthy, 6-1)
Brave Force (Tyler Gaffalione, Jack Sisterson, 12-1)
RACE 9: BANGO – The field for the Bango Stakes, which will go as Race 9 at 5:08 p.m., from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds):

U Devil You (Axel Concepcion, Riley Mott, 10-1)
Cornucopian (Flavien Prat, Bob Baffert, 1-1)
Harrodsburg (Luis Saez, Mike Tomlinson, 12-1)
Gold Sweep (Amir Mendoza, John Haran, 20-1)
Extra Anejo (Jose Ortiz, Steve Asmussen, 6-1)
Dr. Venkman (Joel Rosario, Mark Glatt, 7-2)
Built (Irad Ortiz Jr., Wayne Catalano, 9-2)
RACE 10: WISE DAN – The field for the Wise Dan, which will go as Race 10 at 5:43 p.m., from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds):

Silent Heart (Luis Saez, Mike Maker, 10-1)
Lagynos (Jose Ortiz, Steve Asmussen, 5-2)
Mercante (Florent Geroux, Brian Knippenberg, 8-1)
Chasing the Crown (Flavien Prat, Mike Maker, 9-2)
Flying Mohawk (Tyler Gaffalione, Whit Beckman, 15-1)
Dresden Row (Irad Ortiz Jr., Anthony Sciametta Jr., 7-2)
Fort Washington (Junior Alvarado, Shug McGaughey III, 5-1)
Brilliant Berti (Brian Hernandez Jr., Cherie DeVaux, 8-1)
Beach Gold (Keith Asmussen, Patrick Biancone, 20-1)
RACE 12: TEPIN – The field for the Tepin Stakes, which will go as Race 12 at 6:44 p.m., from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning-line odds):

Mescat (Alexander Crispin, Marcelino Torres, 50-1)
Woodstock (Danny Sheehy, Joe Sharp, 30-1)
East Jabip (IRE) (Irad Ortiz Jr., Brian Lynch, 4-1)
Final Accord (Flavien Prat, Mark Casse, 6-1)
Faye's Gold (Luis Saez, Grant Forster, 15-1)
Bohemian (Jose Ortiz, Joe Sharp, 10-1)
How About Now (Axel Concepcion, Rusty Arnold II, 8-1)
Ground Support (Adam Beschizza, Kelsey Danner, 3-1)
Tam Tam (Junior Alvarado, Phil Bauer, 5-1)
Use Me (IRE) (Tyler Gaffalione, Brendan Walsh, 8-1)
Turner's Charm (Ben Curtis, Brendan Walsh, 10-1)
For more information and to purchase tickets for Stephen Foster Day, please visit churchilldowns.com.

FUTURE STARS OFTEN EMERGE FROM CHURCHILL DOWNS’ CLOSING WEEKEND 2-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN – The first six-furlong $120,000 maiden special weight for 2-year-olds on the year at Churchill Downs is Saturday’s first race. The winner of the race has gone on to win a graded stakes event eight times in the last 20 years, including 2005 Hopeful (GI) winner First Samurai; 2009 Forego (GI) winner Pyro; 2009 Iroquois (GIII) winner Theskyhasnolimit; 2010 Sanford (GII) winner Maybesomaybenot; 2014 Dominion Day (GIII) winner Sky Captain; 2016 Sanford (GIII) winner Bitumen; 2021 Hopeful (GI) winner Gunite; and 2022 Saratoga Special (GII) winner Damon’s Mound.

Last year’s winner was favored Dazzle d’Oro ($5.88) and the runner-up was Saturday’s fourth race first-level allowance entrant Blackout Time, who’d run second in last fall’s Breeders’ Futurity (GI). The sixth-place finisher was American Derby entrant Alpyland, who’d win the $175,000 Dania Beach, $125,000 Columbia and $400,000 Penn Mile (GIII) on turf.

Two years ago, Keep It Easy ($48.58), entered in a second-level allowance Saturday (Race 6), was the winner and he’d finish last of eight after a bad stumble in the Saratoga Special (GII) at 5-2. He’d go on to win the $225,000 Ed Brown Stakes by 5 ¼ lengths. The favored fifth-place finisher was Sandman, who later won the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (GI) before finishing seventh in the Kentucky Derby and third in the Preakness (GI).

FOUR STAKES, FORCE-OUTS HIGHLIGHT SUNDAY’S CLOSING DAY CARD – Four stakes races led by the $300,000 Hanshin presented by JRA (Grade III) highlight closing day of the 2026 Spring Meet. It shares the spotlight with the $250,000 Maxfield (GIII), $225,000 Bashford Manor (Listed) and $225,000 Debutante (Listed).

Tour Player, Moonlight and Dragoon Guard – the top three finishers in the $200,000 Knicks Go on the May 2 Kentucky Derby undercard – return to face $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint (GII) winner Imagination in a high-caliber field of 10 milers in the Hanshin.

Grade I Del Mar Futurity winner and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) third Brant cuts back to seven furlongs for his comeback in the $250,000 Maxfield (GIII) after finishing a disappointing sixth as the 4-5 favorite in March’s $250,000 San Felipe (GII) at Santa Anita. The field also includes Gotham (GIII) runner up, Pat Day Mile (GII) fifth and top Ohio-bred Crown the Buckeye.

Babies will also be in the spotlight with a pair of juvenile stakes to be run for the 125th time and a six-furlong maiden special weight for fillies. A trio of dominant debut-winning colts – Hey Tuff Guy, Captain Luke and Southern California invader He Is No Lie – head the $225,000 Bashford Manor (Listed). In the $225,000 Debutante (Listed), trainer Steve Asmussen will attempt to win the fillies race for a sixth time with Epic Reign, who won at first asking by 4 ¼ lengths.

The card also has a third-level allowance race for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles that features a pair of Kentucky Derby 151 alum: Chunk of Gold, the West Virginia Derby (GIII) winner and Clark (GII) third who makes his 4-year-old debut, and Publisher, who recently finished fifth in the $400,000 Steve Sexton Mile (GIII) at Lone Star Park after finishing fourth behind White Abarrio, Sovereignty and Journalism in the $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (GII).

Sunday’s closing day card will feature mandatory payouts in the 20-cent Derby City 6 Jackpot ($126,361 carryover for Wednesday), all Pick 5s and all Super Hi 5s.

19-TIME CHURCHILL DOWNS LEADING RIDER LANERIE TO RIDE IN FINAL RACE SUNDAY – The final ride of jockey Corey Lanerie’s 35-year riding career will come Sunday aboard Coal Battle in $300,000 Hanshin Stakes presented by JRA (Grade III). The Hanshin goes as Race 10 of 11 with a post time of 5:28 p.m. (all times Eastern). Lanerie will be feted in the winner’s circle after the race.

Two weeks ago, Lanerie, 51, announced he would retire at the conclusion of the Spring Meet. He will leave the sport with more than 5,100 victories. His more than 35,000 mounts earned in excess of $172 million in prize money. At Churchill Downs, Lanerie won 19 riding titles between 2012-19, including 71 wins during the 38-day Spring Meet in 2012, which was a record average of 1.87 wins per day during a Spring Meet of 30 or more days. His 1,245 Churchill Downs wins is second only to legendary Hall of Famer Pat Day’s 2,482 local victories.

The first of his 5,152 victories – which ranks 34th all-time in horse racing history – was aboard High Hopes Banquet on April 19, 1991 at Evangeline Downs. The first Churchill Downs win for the Lafayette, La. occurred Nov. 21, 2000 with Embraceable. His first full season at Churchill Downs was the 2003 Fall Meet, and he has ridden locally every year since 2005.

Lanerie, who rode in the Kentucky Derby on six occasions including a runner-up effort on Lookin At Lee in 2017, won 54 stakes races at Churchill Downs and seven Grade I races around the country:

Ashland (Kee): Hooh Why (2009), Weep No More (2016) and Sailor’s Valentine (2017)
Breeders’ Futurity (Kee): Brody’s Cause (2015)
Derby City Distaff (CD): Bell’s the One (2020)
La Troienne (CD): Molly Morgan (2015)
Woody Stephens (Sar): Hog Creek Hustle (2019)
SPRING MEET FINALE OF ‘INSIDE CHURCHILL DOWNS’ IS FRIDAY NIGHT ON ESPN LOUISVILLE – The season finale of “Inside Churchill Downs” airs Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN 680/105.7. The one-hour horse racing program hosted by Churchill Downs’ Kevin Kertstein and Darren Rogers will preview the big Stephen Foster Day and closing day action.

SEPTEMBER, FALL MEET TICKETS ON SALE – Sunday may be closing day of the 44-day Spring Meet but it’s never too early to make plans for racing events at Churchill Downs later this year. Tickets for the September and Fall racing meets are on sale at https://www.churchilldowns.com/tickets. The 14-date September Meet is scheduled for Sept. 10-27 and the 24-day Fall Meet, which includes the popular Thanksgiving holiday weekend, will cover Oct. 25-Nov. 29. Group packages for 12 or more, private dining room buyouts and luxury suite rentals are available through the Group Sales department at (502) 636-4450 or groupsales@kyderby.com.

DOWN THE STRETCH – Closing week of the 2026 Spring Meet began Wednesday with a nine-race card and first post of 12:45 p.m. There was a $126,361 carryover in the 20-cent Derby City 6 Jackpot that spanned Races 4-9. The $1 Super Hi-5 had a $12,627 carryover in Race 1 and the $1 Jackpot 8 had a $205,217 carryover in Race 9. … Thursday is the final Twilight Thursday of the meet with an eight-race card beginning at 5 p.m. Fans can enjoy $2 beer, live music from the Piper Madison Band and local food trucks All Thai’d Up, Drake’s, Ramiro’s Cantina, Red Top Hotdogs and Spinelli’s Pizza. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.churchilldowns.com.