Kentucky’s live horse racing action is set to begin next Wednesday at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming with the start of the Holiday Meet. This nine-race card will showcase 114 horses, including a notable $102,000 allowance option claim race and a $100,000 maiden special weight race for two-year-old fillies. Matt Shehadi, Turfway Park’s Vice President and General Manager, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming fans back, highlighting upgraded amenities and fan-favorite traditions designed to enhance the racing experience.
The Holiday Meet will run through December 27, offering prize money totaling $100,000 and allowances up to $106,000 in the first special weight race, supported by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund. Races start daily at 5:55 PM ET. Top riders from last season, such as Luan Machado, Irving Moncada, Fernando de la Cruz, Adam Beschizza, and Julian Leparou, will compete again. North American leading jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. will also ride four mounts on opening day.
The stakes schedule includes seven races, featuring a $1 million synthetic championship on December 13 and a total of $1.375 million in December stakes purses. New stakes added this season include the $125,000 Florence Stakes on December 20 and a final $125,000 race on December 27. These join established races like the Prairie Bayou, Holiday Cheer, Holiday Inaugural, and My Charmer Synthetic Championship.
Turfway Park will also contribute $5.352 million in wagers for the 2026 Winter/Spring Tournament, aided by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund. Bettors can enjoy lucrative opportunities, with various daily Pick 5 and Pick 4 wagers, and a Single 6 Jackpot, while races average 10.7 runners, promising competitive fields.
On December 6, Turfway Park will honor legendary jockey Perry Oates by dedicating the jockey quarters in his name. Oates, with 7,531 career wins, ranks fifth all-time in North America and is the all-time top rider at Turfway Park. Fans are invited to the ceremony, which will feature family, fellow jockeys, and Turfway representatives.
Classic fan-favorite promotions will return in 2025-26, including Winning Wednesdays with free racing programs for Fast Track Rewards members, and Trifecta Tuesday with discounted food, drinks, and live music. The Homestretch restaurant will offer nightly live racing coverage, all-you-can-eat buffets on weekends, and free programs for ticket holders. Fast Track Rewards sign-ups are available at the gaming floor’s Player Services counter.
Tony Caro will return as the track announcer, joined by simulcast hosts Jeff Riggs and Megan Devine, as analyst Caitlin Benson is on maternity leave. Fans can watch and wager on races at TwinSpires.com, the official betting platform of Churchill Downs, with nightly coverage on FanDuel TV and on-site broadcasts on select days. More details can be found at TurfwayPark.com.
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Fan Take: This announcement marks an exciting renewal of live horse racing in Kentucky, combining rich tradition with modern enhancements that promise thrilling competitions and fan engagement. For horse racing enthusiasts, Turfway Park’s Holiday Meet signals a vibrant season ahead, reinforcing the sport’s appeal and growth potential in the region.
