The first full week of 2026 on the North American racing calendar is comparatively light in terms of high-profile graded stakes, and the reshuffling of several racedays at Santa Anita Park due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the area has altered the schedule.
2026 Kentucky Derby Prospect Profiles: Smarty Jones Stakes Winner Strategic Risk
Welcome to Kentucky Derby Prospect Profiles, where we take a look each week at a recent winner on the Road to the Derby schedule that offers qualifying points to the 1 ¼-mile classic race May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs.
A Beginner’s Guide to the Horse-Racing Phenomenon ‘Umamsume: Pretty Derby’
American racetracks have for decades dealt with the challenge of how to attract new fans. They have been extremely creative developing VIP experiences, boutique meets, and specialized fan days and events involving concerts, fashion, and themed experiences. There is now a cultural phenomenon in Japan involving gaming, live music concerts, manga, and anime that is bringing thousands of new young fans into the sport.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Industry Voices on What’s Best for the Triple Crown
As Thoroughbred racing heads into a new year, it faces the inevitable challenge of learning from the past 12 months and applying those lessons to a new year. With 2026 at hand, BloodHorse has reprised its online year-end survey to ask some of the sport’s leading individuals for their opinions on pertinent issues facing the sport.
