The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (PTHA) is excited to announce a full day of live racing at Parx Racing on Friday, September 18, leading up to the highly anticipated Pennsylvania Derby weekend.
The event, known as Pennsylvania Derby Eve, will feature an 11-race lineup starting at 12:05 p.m. EST. Horsemen have shown great enthusiasm, with 137 horses entered for the day’s races, all of which will offer enhanced prize money across the board.
In addition to the competitive races, Friday’s program will also mark the second part of PTHA’s Owners’ & Trainers’ Appreciation Day, following the positive reception of the August 15 celebration. These Appreciation Days highlight the year-round efforts of the Horsemen and serve as a fitting prelude to the 46th running of the Pennsylvania Derby.
Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr., Executive Director of the PTHA, praised the strong participation, stating that the large number of horses entered for 11 races is a fantastic way to kick off Derby weekend. David Osojnak, Parx Racing’s Director of Racing, added that both local competitors and visiting stables have shown great support, producing competitive races with an average field size of over 12 horses.
This report was first published by Paulick Report on September 15, 2026, in their News section.
Fan Take: This announcement is a thrilling sign of solid engagement from the racing community, suggesting a vibrant and competitive weekend ahead. For fans, it not only promises exciting racing action but also reflects the growing strength and dedication within Pennsylvania’s Thoroughbred scene, which bodes well for the sport’s future.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
