The upcoming weekend in Thoroughbred racing is one of the busiest and most important of the year, highlighted by three big events on Saturday, March 28: the Dubai World Cup card at Meydan Racecourse; a huge day of racing and betting at Gulfstream Park anchored by the Florida Derby Presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xala
2026 Arkansas Derby Cheat Sheet
On Saturday, Oaklawn Park hosts the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby, the track’s fourth and final qualifying points prep race for the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. The 1 1/8-mile race offers a total of 200 points to the top five finishers toward reserving a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate, distributed on a 100-50-25-15-10 basis.
Women in Racing: ‘Traditionalist’ Shannon Arvin Leading Keeneland to Record Heights
Keeneland President and Chief Executive Officer Shannon Arvin was working with Chief Financial Officer Hunter Stout last autumn when he mentioned in passing that he would have to miss his son’s first T-Ball game. When Arvin initially urged him to go, Stout declined since it was a typically busy Saturday with six races remaining. She insisted he rush off to see Jack do his darndest to put bat to ball.
Stars of Yesterday: Looking Back at Best Florida Derby Winners
One of the preeminent prep races on the road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be held at Gulfstream Park, which hosts the Grade 1, $1 million Curlin Florida Derby presented by Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa.
