Oak Grove Inaugural $2.75 Million “Festival of Racing” Culminating in the $500,000 Trotting Derby and Jake Owen Concert

The Inaugural Oak Grove Festival of Racing, a premier two-week harness racing celebration featuring the region’s richest purses and world-class entertainment, is schedule to kick off on Monday, May 4, 2026. Spanning five days of elite harness racing, the festival will distribute an estimated $2,750,000 in total purses, culminating in a blockbuster $1.5 Million 11-race program on Saturday, May 16, followed by a live performance from country music superstar Jake Owen.

A Championship Racing Calendar

The festival officially kicks off on Monday, May 4, with a high-stakes program featuring elimination races for the Derby and Oaks, alongside preliminary Kentucky Sire Stakes races for 4-year-olds, with purses exceeding $500,000. The schedule continues with thrilling racing on Tuesday, May 5; a special Mother’s Day program on Sunday, May 10; and Monday, May 11.  The Sunday, May 10 program will also feature the fan-favorite annual Charity Corgi Dog Races, a family-fun tradition that continues to draw large crowds to the track. For those looking for an early look at the contenders, Oak Grove will offer Derby and Oaks Prep races on Monday, April 27.

Derby Day: The $1.5 Million Main Event

The festival reaches its pinnacle on Saturday, May 16, with a 12:45 p.m. (CDT) post time. The $1.5 million Derby Day race card is headlined by two new breakthroughs in North American harness racing:

• The $500,000 Oak Grove Trotting Derby (3-year-old male trotters)
• The $300,000 Oak Grove Trotting Oaks (3-year-old fillies)

In addition to the live action at Oak Grove, fans can wager on premier Thoroughbred and harness racing from across North America, including the Preakness Stakes and live racing from Churchill Downs.

Entertainment & VIP Experience

While general admission is free for the day of racing, fans can upgrade to an elevated VIP Experience all-day package. This includes private seating, homestretch dining with premium food, and a VIP ticket to the Jake Owen concert at the Moonshine Amphitheater.

Harness racing fans and racing participants will receive a special all-inclusive VIP rate of $125.00. Following the Preakness post (est. 6:15 p.m. CDT), VIP guests will be escorted to the infield for the concert. Jake Owen, a multiple ACM Award winner and a powerhouse in the country scene, Jake brings his signature charm and effortless stage presence to the Moonshine Amphitheater. Currently touring behind his highly anticipated 2026 “Dreams to Dream Tour,” Owen boasts an impressive catalog of 10 No. 1 singles and more than 2.5 billion on-demand streams that have become the definitive soundtrack to American summers.  Whether he’s delivering sun-drenched up-tempo tracks or soulful storytelling, Owen’s performance is the perfect capstone to a day of world-class horse racing.

Stay, Tickets & Reservations

Owners of Derby Day participating horses will receive complimentary VIP tickets (4 for Derby/Oaks horses and 2 for all other horses entered to race on Derby Day) and may purchase additional tickets at the special $125.00 price.  Horsemen desiring to attend the concert after an exciting day of racing will be offered special ticket pricing.

All VIP Ticket reservations must be secured by Tuesday, May 5 at 5:00 p.m. (CDT).

Hotel reservations are available at the on-premises Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel.  All VIP Hotel reservations must be made by calling the front desk at 270-984-4300.  Use code OGDerby26 for special VIP pricing.

A welcome reception or Derby Day participants will be held Friday evening, May 15, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (CDT).

What to Wear: Show Off Your “Derby Best”

In keeping with the prestigious traditions of the Kentucky Derby, we invite all our guests to dress to impress! Saturday is the day to wear your “Derby Best.” We encourage “smart Southern casual” – sundresses, linen, hats, boots, sport coats, seersucker suits, and colorful blazers – vibrant polished racewear.  Let’s bring the high-fashion spirit of world-class racing to Oak Grove!

For Tickets & Table Reservations:
Contact your VIP Service Representative by email at vip@oakgrovederby.com.

About Oak Grove Racing, Gaming and Hotel
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming and Hotel is a premier harness racing and gaming destination in Oak Grove, Kentucky, dedicated to providing a world-class experience to guests and supporting the local community.  Oak Grove’s annual 36-day race meet is conducted from mid-March through mid-July with average daily purses ranking among the leaders in North America.  

About Churchill Downs, Incorporated
Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for over 150 years, beginning with the company’s most iconic and enduring asset, the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. www.churchilldownsincorporated.com

About the Kentucky Harness Association
The Kentucky Harness Association exists to promote, support and facilitate growth in the harness industry in Kentucky and to promote and encourage cooperative efforts among racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers and drivers, fans, and other industry participants for the overall benefit of the industry.  The KHA strives to increase visibility on issues that impact the industry on local, state, and national levels while continuing to promote the Kentucky harness racing and breeding industry. www.kentuckyharness.com