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After a thrilling weekend of racing highlighted by the most-watched Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on record, horse racing in North America takes a momentary breather before picking back up for the May 16 Preakness Stakes, which will be held at Laurel Park this year.

The biggest week on the North American horse racing calendar is Kentucky Derby week in Louisville, Ky. The 152nd  running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks for 3-year-old fillies was the marquee race on Driday, May 1, 2026, and the race was held for the first time in prime time on NBC.

Bob Baffert’s ponies have always drawn attention at the racetrack. Popular and well known, they have included Smokey as well as two striking palominos, Sunny and Amarillo (also known as I’m In It to Whiz It).

The bay colt was cooling out following his final serious bit of work before the most serious race of his life. And as he was walked and bathed, the masses gathered at the far end of Barn 42 at Churchill Downs, a plethora of media seeking insight into one of the more prominent storylines set to manifest May 2. 

The Survivors Parade, now in its 18th year, has developed into one of the highlights of Kentucky Oaks day at Churchill Downs.

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