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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.

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

Everyone loves a foal photo! The cute, fuzzy face of a young Thoroughbred racehorse elicits a smile from any horse racing fan. For the 2026 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, take a closer look at each of this year’s contenders as foals in post position order with images courtesy of The Jockey Club.

In recent years, Louisville has gone from having the reputation as a “hidden gem” on the dining and entertainment scene to being duly recognized as one of the best cities in the U.S. for unique restaurants and bars. Of course, the spotlight shines brightest on Kentucky’s biggest city during Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve week.

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