Stephen Foster Day

Stephen Foster Day

Saturday, June 27 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m. |  First Race 12:45 p.m.

A day filled with excitement as the thoroughbreds compete in thrilling stakes races that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Feel the adrenaline, witness the skill, and be part of the racing action that promises to deliver unforgettable moments.

The 2026 Stephen Foster Stakes purse increased to $2 million, helping create a championship-caliber field led by Sovereignty, White Abarrio, Magnitude and Baeza at Churchill Downs.

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. See full how to watch guide.

Ticket Options Available Now:

Dining | Reserved Seating | General Admission | Suite Options: Buy Now

CLOSING WEEKEND SPECIALS

Trackside Smokehouse in the Paddock
Pretzel Bite Nachos: $10  |  Cheesesteak: $12

Trackwide
Can Sodas: $1  |  Bottled Water: $1 | Select Beers: $2

6/27 & 6/28 only. While supplies last.

Gallop for Good

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, Stephen Foster Day at Churchill Downs will also host Gallop for Good, an online day of giving supporting Thoroughbred aftercare . Through a national peer-to-peer fundraising platform, Gallop for Good brings together nonprofits, donors, and industry partners committed to the lifelong welfare of Thoroughbred racehorses.

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

Support Thoroughbred Aftercare on Stephen Foster Day

• Visit churchilldowns.com/gallopforgood on June 27, 2026 to explore fundraising pages and donate directly to participating Thoroughbred aftercare organizations.

Give Where It Matters Most

• Donors may contribute to the organization(s) of their choice and can participate in matching or challenge grants.

Attend & Give Back

• Purchase dining and reserved seating tickets for Stephen Foster Day, with $5 from every eligible ticket benefitting participating Gallop for Good organizations through the Churchill Downs Foundation.

Buy Now

Aftercare Organizations: Get Involved

• Thoroughbred aftercare organizations can register to participate at churchilldowns.com/gallopforgood. Registration deadline is May 29, 2026 .

Event Details

• Trophy presentations to the connections of the Kentucky Oaks winner Always a Runner and the Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo
  • KY Oaks Trophy Presentation following Race 7
  • KY Derby Trophy Presentation following Race 8

Event Information:

Gates & Post Times: Stephen Foster Day Day June 27 | Gates Open 11:30 a.m.

SPECIAL WAGERS:

• All Stakes Turf Pick 4 (starts Race 5) (Anchorage, American Derby, Wise Dan & Tepin): $1 Minimum, 15.00%
• All Stakes Turf Pick 3 (starts Race 8) (American Derby, Wise Dan & Tepin): $3 Minimum, 15.00%
• All Stakes Pick 5 (starts Race 8) (American Derby, Bango, Wise Dan, Stephen Foster & Tepin): $0.50 Min., 15.00%
• All Stakes Daily Double (starts Race 7) (Fasig-Tipton Fleur De Lis & Stephen Foster): $5 Minimum, 15.00%
• Advance wagering on the Stephen Foster card will be available beginning Thursday, 6/25/26.

View Additional Event Information >

Travel & Parking

View the most up to date parking information for your day at the races here >

Stephen Foster Entries:

#1 Willy D's ML Odds: 20-1

Start(s): 27
Wins: 7
Place: 7
Show: 2

Owner: Paradise Farm Corp.
Breeder: Beau Lane
Trainer: Michael Maker
Jockey: Luis Saez

Total Earnings: $303,040

Sire: Lookin At Lucky
Dam: Boston Mine
Color: Bay

#2 White Abarrio ML Odds: 3-1

Start(s): 26
Wins: 11
Place: 3
Show: 3

Owner: C2 Racing Stable LLC, Barber, Gary and La Milagrosa Stable LLC
Breeder: Spendthrift Farm, LLC
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.

Total Earnings: $8,445,170

Sire: Race Day
Dam: Catching Diamonds
Color: Gray

White Abarrio's Horse Profile

#3 Sovereignty ML Odds: 6-5

Start(s): 10
Wins: 6
Place: 3
Show: 0

Owner: Godolphin, LLC
Breeder: Godolphin
Trainer: William I. Mott
Jockey: Manuel Franco

Total Earnings: $6,079,050

Sire: Into Mischief
Dam: Crowned
Color: Bay

Sovereignty's Horse Profile

#4 Baeza ML Odds: 6-1

Start(s): 10
Wins: 2
Place: 3
Show: 3

Owner: C R K Stable LLC and Grandview Equine
Breeder: Grandview Equine
Trainer: William I. Mott
Jockey: Flavien Prat

Total Earnings: $1,717,200

Sire: McKinzie
Dam: Puca
Color: Bay

Baeza's Horse Profile

#5 Magnitude ML Odds: 7-2

Start(s): 13
Wins: 7
Place: 2
Show: 1

Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
Breeder: Ron Stolich
Trainer: Steve M. Asmussen
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz

Total Earnings: $8,544,365

Sire: Not This Time
Dam: Rockadelic
Color: Bay

Magnitude's Horse Profile

#6 Forged Steel ML Odds: SCR

Start(s): 18
Wins: 5
Place: 3
Show: 3

Owner: C2 Racing Stable LLC, Barber, Gary and La Milagrosa Stable LLC
Breeder: Richard E. Wilson
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
Jockey: John R. Velazquez

Total Earnings: $416,130

Sire: Vekoma
Dam: Scorecard
Color: Grey

#7 Navajo Warrior ML Odds: SCR

Start(s): 17
Wins: 9
Place: 2
Show: 2

Owner: BAG Racing Stables, Miller Racing, LLC, Paul, Dr. Derek K., Mathis Stable, LLC, Braverman, Paul and Pinch, Timothy
Breeder: Hinkle Farms
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione

Total Earnings: $452,609

Sire: Candy Ride (ARG)
Dam: Crosswinds
Color: Bay

Stephen Foster Horses Quick Reference

Read more about the contenders >