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Churchill Downs begins 2027 Kentucky Derby qualifying at September Meet

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 9:12 AM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Churchill Downs begins 2027 Kentucky Derby qualifying at September Meet
Summary

Live thoroughbred racing returns to Churchill Downs this week for a 14-day meet running through late September. The schedule includes 135 races, with the highlight being the start of the 2027 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks qualifying trail. The Grade 3 Iroquois and the Grade 3 Pocahontas, both held on Saturday, will award 10 points to the winners toward their respective qualifying races. The meet also features the Grade 2 Lukas Classic and the Grade 3 Ack Ack, which serve as late-season preps for the Breeders’ Cup. Additional events include an Oktoberfest-themed evening on Sept. 19 featuring live racing and German cuisine. General admission tickets for the meet are priced at $10.

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Status Watch
  • •The 14-day September Meet at Churchill Downs features 135 total races.
  • •The Grade 3 Iroquois and Grade 3 Pocahontas initiate 2027 Kentucky Derby and Oaks qualifying.
  • •Eleven stakes races are scheduled, carrying a total purse value of $3.6 million.
  • •Downs After Dark: Oktoberfest takes place on Sept. 19 starting at 6 p.m.
  • •The Grade 2 Lukas Classic on Sept. 26 serves as a prep for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Latest Updates
  • 9:12 AMYahoo Sports — Road to Kentucky Derby 2027 begins at Churchill Downs' September Meet
What they're saying
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The road to qualifying for the 2027 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks begins this week. Here's what to know about Churchill Downs’ September Meet:

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