Blood-Horse

Meet the Jockeys of the 2026 Kentucky Derby: A mix of accomplished veterans and talented first timers.

The Kentucky Derby (G1) is rightfully known as the most exciting two minutes in sports; once the Churchill Downs starting gate springs open anything can (and often does) happen.

Five-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., posted a graded stakes race victory Friday in the Doubledogdare (G2T), and proceeded to win his second graded stakes race of the week in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2).

Dick Downey writes that many Kentucky Derby (G1) winners showed steadiness in their splits in their final Derby preps, pointing to their ability to handle the 1 1/4-mile first leg of the Triple Crown.

The breeze-up sector has evolved into a hugely important part of the bloodstock market as each year pinhookers invest significant sums on raw materials at the yearling stage.

The deal between 1/ST Maryland LLC/The Stronach Group and Churchill Downs Inc. does not affect The Maryland Jockey Club's right to full operational control and responsibility for the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and Preakness Stakes.

The 2025 study captured training and racing data in real time with 2-year-olds. A multivariate analysis of the data shows biometric sensors are a valuable tool for identifying at-risk horses before a musculoskeletal injury occurs.

The Fasig-Tipton April Digital Sale closed April 21 with gross sales of $2,056,000 for 94 horses sold.

The 152nd Kentucky Derby (G1) will be charged with emotion for many fans, but none more so than 94-year-old Leverett Miller, breeder of Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner So Happy.

Nine fillies and mares will meet in the final graded stakes feature of Keeneland's spring meet, the $350,000 Bewitch Stakes (G3T). The field is topped by Just Basking and Speed Shopper, who each have a graded stakes win under their belt in 2026.

Mill Ridge Farm supports a new sewer pump station on its property as the community's best option but some Lexington area farm owners oppose the plan, as they believe it would weaken current standards protecting Fayette County farms from development.

After surging past Sovereignty and Journalism in the stretch of the April 18 $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) at Oaklawn Park, White Abarrio is surging up the ranks in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll.

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program announced April 21 updates to the 2026 T.I.P. Championships, including a Thoroughbred Premier Series Preview Show and an enhanced exhibitor experience.

Keeneland announced April 21 that five horses—including grade 3 winner Queen Azteca—have been supplemented to its April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET April 24 on closing day of the spring meet.

The Lavin Family Foundation, Glen Hill Farm, and the Jockeys' Guild announce the establishment of the Jockeys' Guild Education Foundation, a first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated entirely to the educational empowerment of professional jockeys.

Second Stride announced its 2026 honorees. Mary Nixon will receive the Industry Champion Award, and Jan and Joan Carstanjen will receive the Volunteer Award at a ceremony April 27.

Byron King's Top 12 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, presented by Spendthrift Farm.

Fans may secure their place in history at the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships, as tickets for the Oct. 30-31 festival of racing at Keeneland are on sale now.

Final Story breaks his maiden April 19 at Keeneland. Azam, a half brother to grade 1 winner Magnitude, gets his first win at Gulfstream Park.

Trainer Chad Brown said April 21 that Iron Honor will skip the Kentucky Derby (G1) and run in the Preakness Stakes (G1) as long as no major defections happen before the April 25 Derby entry date.