Red Mile: Date change proposed for 2026 Kentucky Futurity

The Red Mile has announced proposed adjustments to its 2026 Grand Circuit racing schedule, highlighted by a move of the historic Kentucky Futurity from Sunday, October 11 to Saturday, October 3, pending approval by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation at its July meeting.

Additionally, the second week of the Grand Circuit meet would transition from its previously scheduled dates of Friday, October 9, Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11 to Thursday, October 8, Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10.

The proposed changes are designed to better position horses competing in the sport’s premier stakes events while continuing to elevate the Kentucky Futurity and the Grand Circuit experience for horsemen, owners, fans, and industry participants.

The Kentucky Futurity, first contested in 1893, remains one of the most prestigious events in harness racing and serves as the third jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown. Moving the race to the opening Saturday of the Grand Circuit meet is expected to enhance attendance, increase visibility, and further showcase one of the sport’s most celebrated championships.

“The Kentucky Futurity is one of the defining races in our sport, and we believe positioning it on the opening Saturday of our Grand Circuit meet creates an even bigger stage for the race, its participants, and our fans,” said Shannon Cobb, Chief Operating Officer of The Red Mile. “At the same time, we feel these schedule adjustments will benefit horsemen competing in Breeders Crown events. As we continue preparing to welcome the sport’s biggest championships back to Lexington, it is important that we create a schedule that supports our horsemen while elevating the fan experience. We believe these changes strengthen both objectives and ensure the Kentucky Futurity receives the attention and celebration a race of its stature deserves.”

The Red Mile’s Grand Circuit meet annually represents the pinnacle of the Lexington racing season, attracting many of the sport’s top horses, owners, trainers, and drivers. Widely regarded as one of the highlights of the North American stakes calendar, the meet showcases future champions and many of the industry’s most prestigious races.

Further information regarding The Red Mile’s 2026 and 2027 stakes schedules will be forthcoming as soon as that information becomes available. Date changes remain pending approval by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation at its July meeting.

The announcement comes as anticipation continues to build for the 2026 live racing season at The Red Mile. The countdown is on for the return of live harness racing, with Opening Day scheduled for Sunday, July 26. Racing will continue through Saturday, October 10 and will follow a Sunday through Wednesday schedule with a post time of 5:05 p.m. on Sundays and a 1:00 p.m. post on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Proposed 2026 Grand Circuit Schedule

Week One

Thursday, October 1

Friday, October 2

Saturday, October 3 (Kentucky Futurity Day)

Week Two

Thursday, October 8

Friday, October 9

Saturday, October 10

-release (Red Mile)