So Happy went largely unnoticed in the early stages of his life, bringing just $12,000 during his first public sale appearance, before stepping out of the shadows as a 2-year-old and directly onto the radar of trainer Mark Glatt.

While taking stakes winner Great White out to graze following morning training at Churchill Downs April 26, trainer John Ennis discusses waiting for his gelding to draw in off the also-eligible list for the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1).

Kentucky Derby (G1) preparations continue each morning under the watchful eyes of trainers, some of them atop ponies. Yet someone is unmistakably absent at the Louisville, Ky., track in 2026: "The Coach," D. Wayne Lukas.

On the April 27 episode of BloodHorse at the Derby: We discuss contenders who breezed April 26-27 and speak with Alejandro Galindo (Intrepido), Doug O'Neill (Pavlovian), Declan Cannon and Bhupat Seemar (Six Speed), and John Ennis (Great White).

In his only breeze over the Churchill Downs track April 27, Six Speed looked a lot easier to handle as he pleased connections with his final piece of maintenance ahead of the May 2 Kentucky Derby.

Trainer Chad Summers said April 27 that 2025 Champagne Stakes (G1) winner Napoleon Solo is aimed for the May 16 Preakness Stakes (G1), a decision reached after weighing options with owner Al Gold of Gold Square.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8-10 a.m. EST, hosts Bobby Neuman and Jude Feld broadcast live from the Churchill Downs barn area, visiting with owners, trainers, jockeys, and handicappers about Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby horses.

It was love at first sight for Marette Farrell when she laid eyes on a colt by Into Mischief at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. Nearly two years later, that colt is one of the top Kentucky Derby contenders.

Reiley McDonald, breeder of Kentucky Derby contender Fulleffort, recalls his journey that began nearly 50 years ago.

Staying humble and working hard after being thrown into the spotlight with a Preakness Stakes (G1) win aboard Seize the Grey in 2024, jockey Jaime Torres returns to the big stage aboard Incredibolt in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Veteran rider Edwin Maldonado is set to ride in his first Kentucky Derby (G1) May 2 aboard Pavlovian for Reddam Racing and trainer Doug O'Neill.

Southern California-based trainers are generally known to have their horses work quickly in tune-ups for major stakes races. On April 26, that reputation was reinforced from two West Coast trainers preparing horses for the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1).

On the April 26 episode of BloodHorse at the Derby: Analysis of the post position draw plus comments from Bhupat Seemar (Six Speed), Ned Toffey (Further Ado), Tyler Gaffalione (Fulleffort), and Riley Mott (Albus, Incredibolt).

Churchill Downs media notes on the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1).

Southern California-based trainers are generally known to have their horses work quickly in tune-ups for major stakes races. On April 26, that reputation was reinforced from two West Coast trainers preparing horses of the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1).

Churchill Downs media notes on the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1).

Churchill Downs media notes on the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1).

Renegade will attempt to outrun a 40-year-old post-position jinx when the 4-1 morning-line favorite breaks from the rail in the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) May 2 at Churchill Downs.

On the April 25 episode of BloodHorse at the Derby: We discuss several leading contenders performing their final works and check in with connections such as Brad Cox, Chad Brown, Mike Smith, and more.

Further Ado, Commandment, and Fulleffort—three graded stakes-winning 3-year-olds trained by Brad Cox—highlight the morning training session April 25 at Churchill Downs with breezes in preparation for the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1).