How to Watch the 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes
Jun 25, 2026
How to Watch the 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes: TV Coverage, Streaming Options and Race Day Information
TV and Streaming Schedule
- NBCSN: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
- Peacock: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
- Race Post Time: Approximately 6:14 p.m. ET
The 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated races of the summer.
This year's race brings together reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty, Breeders' Cup Classic winner White Abarrio, Dubai World Cup champion Magnitude, Pennsylvania Derby winner Baeza, and several other accomplished runners in a field worthy of the Stephen Foster's growing reputation as one of North America's premier races for older dirt horses.
Whether you're planning a day at Churchill Downs or watching from home, here's everything you need to know about how to watch the Stephen Foster Stakes, where to stream the race, and what makes this year's edition so significant.
What Time Is the Stephen Foster Stakes?
The Grade I Stephen Foster Stakes takes place Saturday, June 27, at Churchill Downs and serves as the centerpiece of a blockbuster day of racing beneath the Twin Spires.
Race day begins at 12:45 p.m. ET with a 12-race card featuring seven stakes races worth more than $4 million.
The Stephen Foster Stakes is scheduled as Race 11 with an approximate post time of 6:14 p.m. ET.
This year's race carries a $2 million purse and offers the winner an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series 'Win and You're In' program.
How to Watch the Stephen Foster Stakes on TV
Fans wondering what channel the Stephen Foster Stakes is on can tune in to NBCSN as part of a special national broadcast from Churchill Downs.
NBCSN and Peacock will air live coverage of Stephen Foster Day from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET in conjunction with FanDuel TV.
The two-hour broadcast will feature one of the deepest Stephen Foster Stakes fields assembled in recent years and provide viewers with analysis, features, and live race coverage from Churchill Downs.
Stephen Foster Stakes TV Schedule
- NBCSN: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
- Peacock: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
- Race Post Time: Approximately 6:14 p.m. ET
If you're searching for how to watch the Stephen Foster Stakes live, NBCSN and Peacock are the primary viewing options.
How to Stream the Stephen Foster Stakes Online
There are several ways to stream the Stephen Foster Stakes and follow the action throughout the day.
Watch on Peacock
Peacock will stream NBC's complete Stephen Foster broadcast live from Churchill Downs, making it one of the easiest ways to watch the race online.
Watch on TwinSpires
Fans can also watch and wager on the entire Churchill Downs card through TwinSpires.com.
In addition to live streaming, TwinSpires provides race replays, handicapping information, wagering tools, and access to every race on the Stephen Foster Day program.
For racing fans who want to follow every race—not just the Stephen Foster—TwinSpires offers comprehensive coverage throughout the afternoon.
FanDuel TV Coverage
FanDuel TV will televise the entire Stephen Foster Day card, providing race analysis, interviews, and coverage from the first race through the day's biggest stakes events.
How to Experience the Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs
Watching from home is one option. Experiencing Stephen Foster Day at Churchill Downs is another.
The atmosphere on Stephen Foster Day has grown significantly in recent years as the race has evolved into one of the sport's premier summer events. This year's $2 million purse has helped attract a field that includes some of the most accomplished horses in training, making the day one of the most anticipated events of the Spring Meet.
Guests attending Stephen Foster Day can enjoy:
- World-class Thoroughbred racing
- Seven stakes races
- Dining and hospitality experiences
- Premium seating options
- Access to the historic Twin Spires atmosphere
Whether you're a longtime racing fan or planning your first visit to Churchill Downs, Stephen Foster Day offers one of the best opportunities of the year to experience elite horse racing in person.
Stephen Foster Day Tickets and Seating
Churchill Downs offers a variety of ways to enjoy the day, including:
- Reserved seating
- Dining packages
- Premium hospitality experiences
- Group outings
- General admission options
Fans can explore available ticket options, seating locations, and event details at ChurchillDowns.com.
Why the 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes Is One of the Summer's Biggest Races
The Stephen Foster has long been an important race on the road to the Breeders' Cup, but the 2026 edition feels especially significant.
Churchill Downs doubled the purse from $1 million to $2 million this year, helping attract a field that includes:
| Post | Horse | Owner | Jockey | Trainer | Career Stats (Starts-Win-Place-Show) | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Willy D's | Paradise Farm Corp. | Luis Saez | Michael Maker | 27 Starts | 7 Win | 7 Place | 2 Show | $303,040 |
| 2 | White Abarrio | C2 Racing Stable LLC, Gary Barber & La Milagrosa Stable LLC | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | 26 Starts | 11 Win | 3 Place | 3 Show | $8,445,170 |
| 3 | Sovereignty | Godolphin LLC | Manuel Franco | William I. Mott | 10 Starts | 6 Win | 3 Place | 0 Show | $6,079,050 |
| 4 | Baeza | C R K Stable LLC & Grandview Equine | Flavien Prat | William I. Mott | 10 Starts | 2 Win | 3 Place | 3 Show | $1,717,200 |
| 5 | Magnitude | Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC | Jose L. Ortiz | Steve M. Asmussen | 13 Starts | 7 Win | 2 Place | 1 Show | $8,544,365 |
| 6 | Forged Steel | C2 Racing Stable LLC, Gary Barber & La Milagrosa Stable LLC | John R. Velazquez | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | 18 Starts | 5 Win | 3 Place | 3 Show | $416,130 |
| 7 | Navajo Warrior | BAG Racing Stables, Miller Racing LLC, Dr. Derek K. Paul, Mathis Stable LLC, Paul Braverman & Timothy Pinch | Tyler Gaffalione | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | 17 Starts | 9 Win | 2 Place | 2 Show | $452,609 |
The result is a race that feels less like a traditional summer stakes and more like a championship-level showdown between many of the sport's top older dirt horses.
For fans looking ahead to the Breeders' Cup Classic, the Stephen Foster could provide one of the clearest previews of the championship picture later this fall.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watching the Stephen Foster Stakes
What channel is the Stephen Foster Stakes on?
The Stephen Foster Stakes will air live on NBCSN and stream on Peacock from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
Can I stream the Stephen Foster Stakes online?
Yes. Fans can stream the race on Peacock and watch the entire Churchill Downs card through TwinSpires.com.
What time does the Stephen Foster Stakes start?
The Stephen Foster Stakes is scheduled for approximately 6:14 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 27.
Where is the Stephen Foster Stakes run?
The race is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Can I attend the Stephen Foster Stakes in person?
Yes. Fans can attend Stephen Foster Day at Churchill Downs and choose from a variety of seating, hospitality, dining, and general admission experiences. View All Available Tickets >
Why is the Stephen Foster Stakes important?
The Stephen Foster is a Grade I race worth $2 million and serves as a Breeders' Cup Classic 'Win and You're In' qualifier. The winner earns an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Classic, making it one of the most important races of the summer season.
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