Churchill Downs Update: Burnham Square Targets Arlington Million Following Chorleywood Triumph

Jun 14, 2026

Grade I winner Burnham Square returned to Skylight Training Center in nearby Goshen, Ky. on Sunday following his hard-fought victory in Saturday’s $217,500 Chorleywood Stakes (Listed) at Churchill Downs and will target the $1 million Arlington Million (GI) at Colonial Downs on Aug. 1.

Trained by Ian Wilkes for Janis R. Whitham’s Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC, Burnham Square extended his winning streak to three races with a neck victory over Chapman’s Peak in the 1 3/8-mile Chorleywood. The 4-year-old gelding earned a 97 Brisnet Speed rating for the effort.

“We’ll be shortening to a mile-and-a-quarter but we’re looking forward to it,” Wilkes said of the Arlington Million. “He had to dig in to beat (Chapman’s Peak). To get better, you want to see him do that. It’s easy to win easy. To get better, you have to learn how to take adversity.”

A Kentucky-bred son of Liam’s Map, Burnham Square has emerged as one of the nation’s top turf horses. The winner of last year’s Blue Grass Stakes (GI) on dirt, he has flourished since transitioning to longer races on grass, winning the Elkhorn, Louisville and Chorleywood in succession.

Earlier on Saturday’s card, Resolute Racing’s La Rascasse upset Grade I winner Percy’s Bar in the $175,000 Monomoy Girl Overnight Stakes. She earned a career-best 95 Brisnet Speed Rating for her 2 ¼-length victory.

DOWNS AFTER DARK RETURNS SATURDAY WITH STARS & STRIPES: AMERICA250 CELEBRATION – Churchill Downs’ popular Downs After Dark series returns Saturday with a patriotic edition, “Stars & Stripes: America250,” celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday with a 10-race card, live music, food and festivities.

Gates open at 5 p.m. (all times Eastern) and the first race is scheduled for 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in red, white and blue to join the America250 celebration.

Live entertainment on the Paddock Terrace Stage will begin at 5 p.m. with country band Murphy 500, followed by Louisville-based DJ and producer GudGroove at 8 p.m.

Fans can enjoy a variety of event attractions, including a patriotic pop-up shop featuring Churchill Downs-themed apparel and accessories, as well as a limited-edition America250 bandana giveaway for the first 500 guests who visit the second-floor photo opportunity area.

Food and beverage offerings will include Trackside Smoker favorites, specialty cocktails and beverages from Ten20 Craft Brewery and Tractor Beverage.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.churchilldowns.com.

DOWN THE STRETCH – It was a busy Sunday morning on the Churchill Downs work tab that included Fasig-Tipton La Troienne (GI) winner Shred the Gnar, who breezed five furlongs in 1:01.20 for trainer Brian Lynch. The 4-year-old filly is nominated to the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (GII) on June 27. Also on the work tab were eight turf breezes, led by Old Forester Mint Julep Stakes (GIII) winner Sweet Treasure (four furlongs, :49.20) and Audubon Stakes (Listed) Touch of Fire (four furlongs, :50.60). … Sunday’s nine-race card had a first post of 12:45 p.m. and included a $64,110 carryover in the 20-cent Derby City 6 Jackpot in Race 4 and a $164,832 carryover in the Jackpot 8 in Race 9. … Following dark days Monday and Tuesday, live racing resumes Wednesday with a first post of 12:45 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.churchilldowns.com.