BloodHorse news editor Byron King presents his weekly Derby Dozen for 2026, with a look at his leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on May 2.
Thoroughbred Incentive Program Announces 2026 Shows and Championships
The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) announced Jan. 27 that it has approved more than 8,000 awards and classes at more than 1,600 shows in 42 states and five Canadian provinces for 2026. Awards are available for multiple disciplines, including eventing, dressage, Western and English pleasure, ranch horse, hunter/jumper, competitive trail, barrel racing, polo, and polocrosse. A full calendar of shows offering awards is available at: tjctip.com/CalendarOfEvents and will be updated as show dates are confirmed.
Hallmark, Churchill Downs Partner on Original Movie ‘Kentucky Roses,’ Celebrating Kentucky Derby Pageantry
Hallmark Media and Churchill Downs Racetrack are proud to announce “Kentucky Roses,” an all-new original movie shot on location at iconic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. The movie stars Andrew Walker (“Three Wisest Men”) and Odette Annable (“Supergirl,” “Walker”), alongside Ally Ledford (“His Nerd”), Peyton Meyer (“Girl Meets World,” “Days of Our Lives”), Brynn Thayer (“Fatal Attraction,” “Suits”), and Gregg Henry (“Gilmore Girls,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), and celebrates the pageantry, tradition, and enduring spirit of the Kentucky Derby.
Ted Noffey Tops First 2026 Poll of Triple Crown Contenders
Each week, members of the national media vote on the nation's top contenders on the Triple Crown trail in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Top Thoroughbred Poll. Week 1 of the 2026 NTRA Top 3-Year-Old Thoroughbred Poll, covers races through Jan. 25. The poll is topped by undefeated 2-year-old champion Ted Noffey. At this stage of the season, many of the top contenders have yet to make their 3-year-old debuts.
