THE MINT KENTUCKY DOWNS ANNOUNCES NASHVILLE DERBY, “U.S. OPEN OF TURF” SCHEDULE
Franklin, KY (July 21, 2026) – Today, The Mint Kentucky Downs announced its highly anticipated racing schedule for 2026. The prestigious Franklin, KY, track will hold seven race days between August 29 and September 9, offering a total purse of $37 million and some of the largest individual payouts in the sport.
This year’s slate features several high-stakes and graded races, including the U.S. Open of Turf Championships over Labor Day Weekend, which includes the Nashville Derby, two Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ and many other million-dollar races. The Nashville Derby’s $3 million purse is the second largest in the U.S., trailing just The Kentucky Derby, and draws a celebrated field of horses and top jockeys. Tickets for all races are on sale now to the public.
“Racing at Kentucky Downs is one of my favorite stops of the year,” said Jose Ortiz, the winning jockey of the 2026 Kentucky Derby. “The atmosphere and pressure to win are exactly what a jockey dreams about when in the saddle. When you add in the unique track, lively environment and Southern hospitality, these races are truly one-of-a-kind.”
The horse racing world – including the sport’s top thoroughbreds, jockeys, owners and trainers – will travel to the Tennessee-Kentucky border to compete over seven days. Each race day will feature at least 10 races, running from approximately 12:00 to 6:30 p.m. The track’s signature events, The Nashville Derby and Breeders’ Cup qualifiers, take place on September 5.
- Saturday, August 29
- Airing on NBC Sports and Peacock with coverage beginning at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, August 30
- Thursday, September 3
- Saturday, September 5
- Airing on NBC with coverage beginning at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, September 6
- Monday, September 7
- Wednesday, September 9
“Kentucky Downs has become a bucket-list destination for world-class horse racing,” said Ted Nicholson, Vice President of Racing at Kentucky Downs. “Last year, our racetrack attracted racing fans from all over the country and was viewed by millions globally. We had horses come from all over Europe to compete and set wagering records, making Franklin, KY, an important stop on the racing calendar. The energy and anticipation are building for this year’s races, and we can’t wait to showcase the best in the world to Nashville and its surroundings.”
“This is truly one of the premier sporting and social events in the country, and we are fortunate to host it right in our backyard – you don’t have to drive three hours or fly across the country to experience it.”
The track at The Mint Kentucky Downs in Franklin, KY, is the only European-style, all-turf racecourse in the U.S. It measures 1 and 5/16 miles, making it one of the longest in the country. The unique, kidney-shaped design and impactful races – along with The Mint’s reputation for outstanding Southern hospitality – have made the series a must-stop event in the sport. In the last five years, Kentucky Downs has drawn major international participation with horses from Germany, Ireland, France, and England competing against leading American counterparts.
The entertainment aspect of the Kentucky Downs’ races has also become a significant draw for eventgoers and celebrities alike. There are options for everyone, from casual tailgaters and racing enthusiasts to those seeking a premium environment or group outing experience. Different Kentucky bourbons are featured on the grounds each day, and there are numerous dining options both alongside the track or indoors at The Mint – as well as the opportunity to place wagers in The Mint’s gaming hall or at outdoor kiosks. Coupled with The Mint’s music and entertainment lineup, the Vegas-style Circa Sports sportsbook and thousands of gaming machines, it’s a special time of year to plan a visit to Kentucky Downs. To see the variety of ticket options, visit The Mint Kentucky Downs website.
About The Mint Gaming Hall – Kentucky Downs
Cashville, KY is The Mint Gaming Hall: Kentucky’s leading sports, adventure and gaming venue. Locations feature a wide range of opportunities to win, from horse racing and simulcasting to the Circa Sports Kentucky sportsbook and attached SpringHill Suites hotel in Franklin, alongside tastefully designed restaurants and bars with exciting entertainment and events. The Mint Gaming Hall has four locations near the Kentucky and Tennessee border: Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Bowling Green, Williamsburg and the Cumberland Run harness track in Corbin. More information is available at themintgaming.com and on Facebook and Instagram (@mintgaminghall).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Drew Hoffman | FINN Partners
(217) 652-2791 | [email protected]
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