2025-2026 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Monday, Sept. 8, 2025) – The official Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will begin Saturday, Sept. 13 at the home of America’s greatest race as Churchill Downs stages the 44th running of the $300,000 Iroquois (Grade III) for 2-year-olds at one mile on opening weekend of its 14-day September Meet.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby, which debuted in 2013, annually awards a sliding scale of points to the top five finishing positions in select qualifying races. At the conclusion of the series, the leaderboard will determine the preference list for entries into the 20-horse Kentucky Derby – the 1 ¼-mile classic for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds annually held on the
first Saturday in May at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

The 152nd running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Up to three spots in the starting gate may be reserved for international participants. In addition to the primary 36 race Road to the Kentucky Derby series, there are two separate series that carve out potential spots for international horses from Japan, Europe and the United Arab Emirates. The stand-alone Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby series,
which concludes with the UAE Derby (GII), can produce up to two invitations to the top point-earners, while the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby can yield one runner.

Eight horses based in Japan have competed in the Kentucky Derby since the series debuted in 2017, including 2024 third-place finisher Forever Young (JPN).

At least 20 horses have entered the “Run for the Roses” in 24 of the last 27 years.

The 33-race Road to the Kentucky Oaks series, which awards points to fillies to qualify for the 152nd running of the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) at 1 1/8 miles on Friday, May 1, 2026, also will begin at Churchill Downs on Sept. 13 with the $300,000 Pocahontas (GII) at one mile.

HOW TO GET INTO THE KENTUCKY DERBY STARTING GATE –
The Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is a series of races that awards points to the top five finishers in each race. The top 17 point-earners will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I), which is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Up to two invitations will be
extended to the top point-earners in the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky presented by Woodford Reserve and one invitation will be extended to the top point-earners in the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. The Kentucky Derby field has been limited to 20 starters since 1975. At least 20 horses have entered the 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds in 24 of the last 27 years.

2025-26 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE: 36 RACES
& KENTUCKY DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (15 RACES)

2025-2026 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

2025-2026 ROAD TO THE KETUCKY OAKS SCHEDULE: 33 RACES

RTKD AND RTKO RULES

TIEBREAKERS –

• America’s Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the
  tiebreaker is earnings in non-restricted stakes races. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses
  shall be determined by lifetime earnings. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be
  determined by lot (aka a “shake”).
• Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is earnings in
  non-restricted stakes races through April 11, 2026. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses
  shall be determined by lifetime earnings through April 11, 2026. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also
  eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”).
• Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is lifetime earnings
  through April 11, 2026. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot
  (aka a “shake”).

FILLIES – If a filly wants to run in the Kentucky Derby she can, but she’ll have to earn her way into the field by accumulating points against open company just like colts and geldings. Additionally, any points earned by a filly in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series against open company will be credited to her point total in the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” series. If a filly garners an invitation to the Kentucky Derby via the “Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky” or “Japan Road to the Kentucky,” ownership may
opt to instead use that invitation to the Kentucky Oaks.

FIELD SIZE – In the event a Championship Series race is run with a five-horse field, only 75% of the points will be proportionally awarded. In the event a (Championship Series) race is run with a four-horse field or less, only 50% of the points will be proportionally awarded.

DEAD-HEATS – In the event of a dead-heat (tie) those horses will divide equally the points they would have received jointly had one beaten the other.

SPLIT DIVISIONS – In the event a race is split into divisions and each division awards its originally published purse money, points will be awarded as scheduled for each division. If the originally published purse is reduced for each division, points will be reduced proportionally as well.

LASIX – Points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Furosemide (often referred to by the brand name, Lasix) in Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks races. Any points earned by horses with Lasix on race day will be vacated. The
2021 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks marked the first year those races were run without the permitted use of Lasix.

MEDICATION VIOLATIONS – If the connections of a horse have been notified by a regulatory body about a medication violation from participation in a Road to the Kentucky Derby or Road to the Kentucky Oaks race, and that violation would result in disqualification, any
accrued points from the race will be revoked until the matter reaches a legal conclusion. Accrued points will be reinstated if the matter is legally overturned prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks.

DERBY/OAKS TRAINER SUSPENSION – Points from any race in the Road to the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks will not be awarded to any horse trained by any individual who is suspended from racing in the 2026 Kentucky Derby or 2026 Kentucky Oaks or any
trainer directly or indirectly employed, supervised, or advised by a suspended trainer. Should a horse trained by a suspended trainer, or any trainer directly or indirectly employed, supervised, or advised by a suspended trainer, finish in a position that would have earned points in a Road to the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks race, the points associated with that finish position will be vacated.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY LEADERBOARD HISTORY – FINAL

2025 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Burnham Square (130), 2. Sandman (129), 3. Journalism (122.5), 4. Rodriguez (121.25), 5. Tiztastic (119), 6. Sovereignty (110), 7. Final Gambit (100), 8. Coal Battle (95), 9. Chunk of Gold (75), 10. Citizen Bull (71.25), 11. Owen Almighty (65), 12. East Avenue (60, $612,500), 13. Publisher (60, $355,000), 14. American Promise (55), 15. Flying Mohawk (50, $156,800), 16. Grande (50, $140,000), 17. Neoequos (40), 18. Render Judgment (39). 19. Luxor Café (Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Invite), 20. Admire Daytona (JPN) (Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby Invite) and AE 21. Baeza (37.5)

2024 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Sierra Leone (155), 2. Fierceness (136), 3. Catching Freedom (125, $802,000), 4. Stronghold (125, $742,800), 5. Resilience (110), 6. Forever Young (JPN) (100, $1,769,919), 7. Endlessly (100, $658,000), 8. Dornoch (75, $472,375), 9. Just a Touch (75, $247,500), 10. Track Phantom (70), 11. West Saratoga (67), 12. Just Steel (65, $628,295), 13. Honor Marie (65, $448,455), 14. Domestic Product (60), 15. Catalytic (50, $186,000), 16. Society Man (50, $141,875), 17. Mystik Dan (46), 18. Encino (40, $323,136), 19. Grand Mo the First (40, $164,250), 20. T O Password (JPN) (Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Invite), AE 21. Epic Ride (35), and AE 22. Mugatu (14).

2023 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Forte (190), 2. Practical Move (160), 3. Angel of Empire (154), 4. Tapit Trice (150), 5. Two Phil’s (123), 6. Lord Miles 105), 7. Derma Sotogake (JPN) (100, $1,112,319), 8. Kingsbarns (100, $600,000), 9. Raise Cain (64), 10. Rocket Can (60, $284,025), 11. Hit Show (60, $277,500), 12. Confidence Game (57), 13. Verifying (54, $369,750), 14. Sun Thunder (54, $181,500), 15. Mage (50), 16. Disarm (46), 17. Reincarnate (45, $263,250), 18. Jace’s Road (45, $200,350), 19. Skinner (45, $174,500), 20. Continuar (JPN) (Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Invite), AE 21. Cyclone Mischief (45, $137,525), AE 22. Mandarin Hero
(JPN) (40, $339,041); and AE 23. King Russell (40, $227,500).

2022 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Epicenter (164), 2. Zandon (114), 3. White Abarrio (112, $769,650), 4. Mo Donegal (112, $561,500), 5. Tiz the Bomb (110), 6. Cyberknife (100, $1,012,610), 7. Crown Pride (JPN) (100, $752,000), 8. Taiba (100, $671,544), 9.
Simplification (74), 10. Smile Happy (70), 11. Classic Causeway (66), 12. Tawny Port (60), 13. Barber Road (58), 14. Messier (40, $390,000), 15. Zozos (40, $200,000, $291,200), 16. Summer Is Tomorrow (40, $200,000, $267,606), 17. Charge It (40, $188,000), 18. Happy Jack (30), 19. Pioneer of Medina (25), 20. Ethereal Road (22), AE 21. Rich Strike (21) and AE 22 Rattle N Roll (20).

2021 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Essential Quality (140), 2. Hot Rod Charlie (110), 3. Super Stock (109), 4. Like the King (104), 5. Known Agenda (102), 6. Rock Your World (100, $510,000), 7. Bourbonic (100, $400,000), 8. Medina Spirit (74), 9. Midnight Bourbon (66), 10. Mandaloun (52), 11. Highly Motivated (50, $271,000), 12. Helium (50, $255,492), 13. Soup and Sandwich (40, $161,000), 14. Dynamic One (40, $140,000), 15. Sainthood (40, $47,500), 16. Hidden Stash (32), 17. O Besos (25), 18. King Fury (20), 19. Keepmeinmind (18) and 20. Brooklyn Strong (10).

2020 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tiz the Law (372), 2. Authentic (200), 3. Honor A. P. (140), 4. Ny Traffic (110), 5. King Guillermo (90), 6. Thousand Words (83), 7. Max Player (60),
8. Enforceable (43), 9. Major Fed (38), 10. Storm the Court (36), 11. Attachment Rate (35),
12. Sole Volante (30), 13. Finnick the Fierce (25), 14. Winning Impression (20), 15. South Bend (18), 16. Necker Island (14), 17. Mr. Big News (0, $129,500) and 18. Money Moves (0, $0, $67,400).

2019 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tacitus (150), 2. Omaha Beach (137.5), 3. Vekoma (110), 4. Plus Que Parfait (104), 5. Roadster (100, $636,000), 6. By My Standards (100, $600,000), 7. Maximum Security (100, $582,800), 8. Game Winner (85), 9. Code of Honor (74), 10. Haikal (70), 11. Improbable (65), 12. War of Will (60), 13. Long Range Toddy (53.5), 14. Tax (52), 15. Cutting Humor (50, $462,467), 16. Win Win Win (50, $220,000), 17. Country House (50, $220,000), 18. Gray Magician (41), 19. Spinoff (40, $224,000), 20. Master Fencer (JPN) (Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Invite) and AE 21. Bodexpress (40, $188,000).

2018 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Magnum Moon (150), 2. Good Magic (134), 3. Audible (110, $803,520), 4. Noble Indy (110, $640,000), 5. Vino Rosso (107), 6. Bolt d’Oro (104), 7. Enticed (103), 8. Mendelssohn (100, $1,947,299), 9. Justify (100, $600,000), 10. Flameaway (70), 11. Solomini (54, $716,000), 12. Bravazo (54, $359,913), 13. My Boy Jack (52, $622,000), 14. Promises Fulfilled (52, $266,480), 15. Free Drop Billy (44), 16. Lone Sailor (42), 17. Hofburg (40), 18. Firenze Fire (39), 19. Combatant (32), 20. Instilled Regard (29) and AE 21. Blended Citizen (22).

2017 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Girvin (150), 2. Classic Empire (132), 3. Gormley (125), 4. Irap (113), 5. Irish War Cry (110), 6. Thunder Snow-IRE (100, $1,621,063), 7. Always Dreaming (100, $589,000), 8. Gunnevera (84), 9. Practical Joke (74), 10. J Boys Echo (63), 11. State of Honor (62), 12. Tapwrit (54), 13. Hence (50, $401,429), 14. Fast and Accurate (50, $320,712), 15. McCraken (40, $385,048), 16. Battle of Midway (40, $224,000), 17. Patch (40, $200,000), 18. Untrapped (34), 19. Lookin At Lee (32), 20. Sonneteer (30, $236,000), AE 21. Royal Mo (30, $213,000) and AE 22. Master Plan (20).

2016 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Gun Runner (151), 2. Nyquist (130), 3. Exaggerator (126), 4. Outwork (120), 5. Brody’s Cause (114), 6. Creator (110), 7. Lani (100), 8. Mor Spirit (84), 9. Mohaymen (80), 10. Danzing Candy (60), 11. Destin (51), 12. Suddenbreakingnews (50, $637,000), 13. Oscar Nominated (50, 321,360), 14. Shagaf (50, $270,000), 15. Whitmore (44, $400,000), 16. Tom’s Ready (44, $270,670), 17. My Man Sam (40, $200,000), 18. Majesto (40, $190,000, $239,500), 19. Trojan Nation (40, $190,000, $213,290), 20. Mo Tom (32, $268,326), AE 21. Laoban (32, $142,000) and AE 22. Cherry Wine (25, $145,000).

2015 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. International Star (171), 2. Dortmund (170), 3. Carpe Diem (164), 4. American Pharoah (160), 5. Frosted (113), 6. Mubtaahij-IRE (100, $1,400,000), 7. Materiality (100, $632,028), 8. El Kabeir (95), 9. Upstart (76), 10. Far Right (62), 11. Itsaknockout (60), 12. Firing Line (58), 13. Danzig Moon (45), 14. War Story (44), 15. Tencendur (41), 16. Stanford (40), 17. Mr. Z (34), 18. Ocho Ocho Ocho (30, $760,250), 19. Bolo (30, $214,980), 20. Keen Ice (22), AE 21. Frammento (20) and AE 22. Tale of Verve (0).

2014 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. California Chrome (150), 2. Vicar’s in Trouble (120), 3. Dance With Fate (108), 4. Wicked Strong (102), 5. Samraat (100, $640,000), 6. Danza (100, $620,000), 7. Hoppertunity (95), 8. Intense Holiday (93), 9. Wildcat Red (90), 10. We Miss Artie (60), 11. Ride On Curlin (55), 12. Chitu (54), 13. Tapiture (52), 14. General a Rod (40, $240,000), 15. Medal Count (40, $226,500), 16. Candy Boy (30), 17. Uncle Sigh (24), 18. Vinceremos (20, $191,666), 19. Harry’s Holiday (20, $152,622), 20. Commanding Curve (20, $104,000) and AE 21. Pablo Del Monte (20, $102,000).

2013 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Orb (150, $840,000), 2. Verrazano (150, $810,000), 3. Goldencents (129), 4. Java’s War (122), 5. Overanalyze (110, $908,381), 6. Revolutionary (110, $720,000), 7. Lines of Battle (100), 8. Vyjack (70), 9. Will Take Charge (60), 10. Itsmyluckyday (50, $593,600), 11. Black Onyx (50, $317,130), 12. Palace Malice (50, $200,000), 13. Normandy Invasion (44, $258,000), Frac Daddy (44, $240,596), 15. Mylute (42), 16. Oxbow (36), 17. Falling Sky (30), 18. Charming Kitten (20), 19. Golden Soul (14), 20. Giant Finish (10) and AE 21. Fear the Kitten (6).

ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY OAKS LEADERBOARD HISTORY – FINAL

2025 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Quietside (168), 2. La Cara (151.75), 3. Good Cheer (145), 4. Five G (125), 5. Ballerina d’Oro (116.25), 6. Tenma (108), 7. Early On (75), 8. Take Charge Milady (70, $336,875), 9. Simply Joking (70, $288,000), 10. Bless the Broken (67.5), 11. Drexel Hill (57), 12. Fondly (50, $150,000), 13. Anna’s Promise (50, $55,000) and 14. Quickick (34).

2024 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tarifa (150), 2. Where’s My Ring (125), 3. Power Squeeze (120), 4. Leslie’s Rose (115), 5. Thorpedo Anna (105), 6. Just F Y I (90), 7. Gin Gin (66), 8. Fiona’s Magic (60), 9. Regulatory Risk (55), 10. Tapit Jenallie (54, $216,725), 11. Everland (54, $185,000), 12. Lemon Muffin (50, $228,750), 13. Into Champagne (50, $124,360), 14. Ways and Means (50, $108,000), AE 15. Our Pretty Woman (50, $80,000), and AE 16. Candied (34).

2023 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Wet Paint (170), 2. Affirmative Lady (110), 3. Defining Purpose (107), 4. Pretty Mischievous (103), 5. Southlawn (100, $242,464), 6. Promiseher America (100, $137,500), 7. And Tell Me Nolies (70, $420,000), 8. Botanical (70, $268,560), 9. Dorth Vader (70, $214,405), 10. Gambling Girl (61), 11. The Alys Look (54), 12. Flying Connection (50, $275,900), 13. Mimi Kakushi (50, $180,186), 14. Wonder Wheel (48, $1,508,765), AE 15. Taxed (48, $159,438), AE 16. Julia Shining (46) and AE 17 Hoosier Philly (45).

2022 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Kathleen O. (150), 2. Echo Zulu (130), 3. Nest (120), 4. Yuugiri (114), 5. Desert Dawn (108), 6. Nostalgic (101), 7. Venti Valentine (94), 8. Secret Oath (80), 9. Goddess of Fire (62), 10. Turnerloose (60), 11. Hidden Connection (57), 12. Cocktail Moments (52), 13. Candy Raid (51), 14. Shahama (50) and AE 15. Beguine (40).

2021 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Search Results (150), 2. Travel Column (132), 3. Crazy Beautiful (128), 4. Pauline’s Pearl (120), 5. Malathaat (110), 6. Clairiere (94), 7. Will’s Secret (80), 8. Millefeuille (44), 9. Moraz (42), 10. Ava’s Grace (40, $138,000), 11. Pass the Champagne (40, $80,000), 12. Maracuja (40, $50,000), 13. Competitive Speed (30) and 14. Coach (26).

2020 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Swiss Skydiver (450), 2. Speech (160), 3. Shedaresthedevil (90), 4. Donna Veloce (62), 5. Gamine (50, $330,000), 6. Hopeful Growth (50, $135,000), 7. Tempers Rising (47), 8. Dream Marie (35) and 9. Bayerness (8).

2019 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Bellafina (132), 2. Champagne Anyone (113), 3. Street Band (105), 4. Lady Apple (100, $336,000), 5. Out for a Spin (100, $300,000), 6. Liora (71), 7. Restless Rider (62), 8. Serengeti Empress (60, $313,270), 9. Motion Emotion (60, $140,000), 10. Jaywalk (55), 11. Chocolate Kisses (51, $157,000), 12. Jeltrin (51, $128,720), 13. Positive Spirit (50), 14. Flor de la Mar (40, $80,000), AE 15. Dunbar Road (40, $49,500) and AE 16. Point of Honor (20).

2018 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Midnight Bisou (160), 2. Monomoy Girl (154), 3. Sassy Sienna (115), 4. My Miss Lilly (112), 5. Chocolate Martini (100, $240,000), 6. Coach Rocks (100, $145,700), 7. Rayya (90), 8. Wonder Gadot (84), 9. Eskimo Kisses (80), 10. .Take Charge Paula (70), 11. Patrona Margarita (35), 12. Classy Act (30), 13. Heavenhasmynikki (11) and 14. Kelly’s Humor (8).

2017 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Farrell (170), 2. Miss Sky Warrior (160), 3. Ever So Clever (106), 4. Sailor’s Valentine (100, $307,014), 5. Paradise Woods (100, $240,000), 6. Salty (100, $150,350), 7. Abel Tasman (70), 8. Daddys Lil Darling (60), 9. Tequilita (50, $227,540), 10. Lockdown (50, $120,000), 11. Wicked Lick (49), 12. Vexatious (40, $80,000), 13. Jordan’s Henny (40, $66,410), 14. Mopotism (16) and AE 15. Summer Luck (11).

2016 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Terra Promessa (150), 2. Lewis Bay (130), 3. Land Over Sea (128), 4. Weep No More (100, $340,000), 5. Go Maggie Go (100, $151,900), 6. Cathryn Sophia (80), 7. Mo d’Amour (70), 8. Venus Valentine (50, $132,375), 9. Mokat (50, $112,000), 10. Rachel’s Valentina (48), 11. Royal Obsession (45), 12. Dream Dance (44), 13. Taxable (40, $80,000), 14. Paola Queen (40, $49,000) and 15. Dothraki Queen (20).

2015 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Condo Commando (161, $715,000), 2. I’m a Chatterbox (161, $430,714), 3. Stellar Wind (150), Birdatthewire (130), 5. Lovely Maria (120), 6. Include Betty (100), 7. Oceanwave (60), 8. Angela Renee (57), 9. Sarah Sis (54), 10. Eskenformoney (50), 11. Puca (45), 12. Shook Up (40), 13. Forever Unbridled (34), 14. Money’soncharlotte (22) and AE 15. Peace and War (10).

2014 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Untapable (160), 2. Sugar Shock (120), 3. Fashion Plate (110), 4. My Miss Sophia (100), 5. Rosalind (78), 6. Got Lucky (64, $180,000), 7. Aurelia’s Belle (64, $142,850), 8. Ria Antonia (55), 9. Kiss Moon (50), 10. Fiftyshadesofgold (40), 11. Unbridled Forever (30), 12. Thank You Marylou (20) and 13. Empress of Midway (15).

2013 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Beholder (164, $1,500,000), 2. Rose to Gold (164, $717,889), 3. Unlimited Budget (160), 4. Dreaming of Julia (132), 5. Close Hatches (100), 6. Flashy Gray (60), 7. Princess of Sylmar (50, $170,000), 8. Midnight Lucky (50, $120,000), 9. Silsita (50, $57,600), 10. Seaneen Girl (34) and 11. Pure Fun (20).

ABOUT CHURCHILL DOWNS RACETRACK
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com.