As the 2026 racing season gains momentum, anticipation is building for the Triple Crown series, with significant developments on the broadcast front and venue changes for key races.
Kentucky Derby Coverage Set with Extensive ESPN Louisville Broadcasts
ESPN Louisville is gearing up for extensive coverage of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, planning over 30 hours of live shows from Churchill Downs during Derby Week. Hosted by Drew Deener and Mark Blankenbaker, “The Deener Show” will broadcast live from the backside of Churchill Downs from Monday through Thursday of Derby Week, featuring interviews with trainers, owners, jockeys, and analysts. Louie Rabaut and Barry Spears will host “Rabaut & Co.” and provide coverage on Kentucky Oaks Day and Kentucky Derby Day. All shows will be available on ESPN 680AM and 105.7FM, as well as on iHeartRadio, the ESPN Louisville app, and espnlouisville.com. The Kentucky Derby itself is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, with a post time of approximately 6:57 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
Preakness Stakes Sees Ownership Change and Potential Date Shift
In a significant development, Churchill Downs Incorporated has acquired the intellectual property rights for the Preakness Stakes and the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for $85 million. This acquisition consolidates control of the first two Triple Crown events under a single operator. The Preakness Stakes, traditionally held at Pimlico Race Course, will be temporarily relocated to Laurel Park for the 2026 running due to ongoing renovations at Pimlico. The race is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. There have been reports and ongoing negotiations about shifting the Preakness date to create a three-week gap between it and the Kentucky Derby, though this move is not yet finalized.
Belmont Stakes Continues at Saratoga for Final Year
The Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, will be held at Saratoga Race Course for the third consecutive year in 2026. This temporary relocation is due to the ongoing redevelopment of Belmont Park, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026. The 2026 Belmont Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, at Saratoga Race Course, running at a distance of 1 ¼ miles due to the track’s configuration. This will be the final year the race is held at Saratoga, with a return to the newly reimagined Belmont Park anticipated in 2027.
Other Racing News
In other horse racing news, Churchill Downs Incorporated recently purchased the intellectual property rights for the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for $85 million. The 2026 Saudi Cup is scheduled for February 14, and the Dubai World Cup on March 28. Additionally, there were recent results from Keeneland and Evangeline Downs on April 22, 2026.
