Churchill Downs Racetrack will bring back Sunday racing during Kentucky Derby week for the first time since 2010. The spring meet opener shifts to daytime on April 25, with post time at 12:45 p.m. Eastern. Tickets for Derby week and the full spring meet go on sale Thursday at noon.
Churchill Downs has announced enhancements to its 152nd Spring Meet, running from April 25 to June 28, 2026, over 44 racing dates. Kentucky Derby week expands to seven days from April 25 to May 2, with no racing on Monday, April 27, leaving it as the sole dark day. Key changes include the return of afternoon racing for the opener on Saturday, April 25, at 12:45 p.m. Eastern, ending the night racing format used from 2011 to 2025. Sunday, April 26, will feature live racing starting at the same time, marking the first such card in 16 years.
The Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 1, moves to a prime-time post time of 8:30 p.m. These adjustments aim to better engage local communities and racing enthusiasts. "With the Spring Meet and Kentucky Derby Week kicking off in the afternoon and the return of Sunday racing on Derby Week for the first time in 16 years, we believe our strong racing product will be well received by the local community, horseplayers around the country and our horsemen," said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack.
Derby week features themed events like Opening Day on April 25, with family-friendly activities and free admission for Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon finishers wearing medals; Sunday Funday on April 26, offering brunch options; and others such as 502’sDay on April 28 and Thurby on April 30. General admission tickets are priced at $30 for most days, $5 for 502’sDay, and $50 for Thurby. The 152nd Kentucky Derby is set for May 2, 2026, at the historic Louisville track, home to the event since 1875.
Historically, Derby week handle has grown significantly, reaching a record $465 million across 68 races in 2024. Past Sunday cards, like in 2010, generated over $5 million in handle, often outperforming midweek days.
