Kentucky Downs will once again offer the highest per race purse payouts of any track in North America
Danny Brewer
Kentucky Downs will feature the highest per race purse payouts in North America again this year. Located in Franklin, Kentucky, the only European-style turf course in the United States offers two races that guarantee the winner a spot in the 2026 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland. Both the $1.75 million Turf Sprint and the $2 million Turf Cup offer berths to the year end world championships. The Nashville Derby is the second richest for three-year olds with a $3 million purse that ranks just behind the Kentucky Derby. Most races feature deep competition which offers the betting public excellent returns on their investments as the unpredictability of this track nestled just north of the Tennessee state line is unparallelled.
Big Money Brings Horses From All Over The World
In recent years, there has been nobody better than Kentucky Downs at showing them the money. This track once known as “The Dueling Grounds” has transformed into Cashville, USA. The seven day meet will offer $37.2 million in prize money and will host 20 Stakes races that are worth a total of $24 million. Needless to say, that type of cheddar will bring top talent from all over.
“We are really excited about the upcoming meet”, says Ted Nicholson, vice president of racing at Kentucky Downs. “The level of interest in Kentucky Downs just keeps growing and now we have horses coming to our track from all over the world. During our seven days of racing we have become the focus of the turf racing world.”
Kentucky-bred horses are the largest make-up of the normally over-subscribed fields as those that were born in the Bluegrass state will receive more money for winning based on supplements provided. The money, however, is so enticing for all, horses from across the pond in Europe circle these seven dates and target a trip to Franklin, Kentucky. Winning or even finishing in the top three at Kentucky Downs can be a season-maker for some.
Full fields offers great opportunities for horses and the speculating public at Kentucky Downs
Danny Brewer
Upgraded Facilities And Turf Course Another Drawing Card For Kentucky Downs
The boom for Kentucky Downs began a few years back with the historical horse racing gaming machines. This revenue has allowed the purse structure to increase astronomically. At the same time, the facilities have also seen major improvements over the last several years. A venue that once had a single pavilion with covered seating and free general admission now offers different options including a climate-controlled area and even has a hotel with rooms that overlook the track. Along with those improvements for the fans, the racing surface has also seen changes.
“This is the best time of year for us because we get to showcase a facility that is constantly being improved with capital projects”, says Nicholson who is beginning his 13th year at Kentucky Downs. “There is no question our turf course is better than it has ever been as an upgraded irrigation system has made for a better racing surface. Improvements across the board have been made and we are eager to welcome horsemen and fans from all over.”
Kentucky Downs begins their live race meet on August 29 with the feature race being the grade 1 $1.75 million Never Say Die Ladies Turf Sprint. Other race dates are August 30, September 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9. First post on August 29 is set for 12:55 pm with Peacock, FanDuel and NBC providing television coverage. NBC will broadcast on opening day and September 5, which is Turf Cup Day.