The Kentucky Downs 2025 competition will feature 18 shares offering a total of $30.5 million wallet, led by the Grade 3, $3.5 million NashBuilder Derby. Another 10 stakes are worth at least $2 million.
The stock is worth the total of $16 million basic wallets and $14.5 million from the $14.5 million registered Kentucky Breads from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund. Even horses not bred in Kentucky run into some of the largest stakes wallets in the country. For example, the NashBuild Derby has a $2 million basic wallet, with all horses running. Ten piles worth $2.5 million or $2 million have a $1 million base wallet for breeding from Kentucky.
Kentucky Downs’ seven-day meeting run August 28th, 30th, 31st, September 4th, 6th, 7th and 10th, the Maiden and Allowance races are also the highest in the world. The book with the conditions is currently online equibase.com.
The 15/16-mile NashBuild Derby will become America’s wealthiest race at the 3-year-old, behind the $5 million Kentucky Derby.
The NashBuild Derby will be one of five bets on Saturday, August 30th, featuring NBC’s live coverage. The card includes the $2 million Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint (G2). The winner has won a fee-paying berth at the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. The day also features a $2 million Kentucky Downs Women’s Sprint (G2), a $2 million Kentucky Downs Women’s Starf (G3), and a $1 million Bowling Green Gold Cup Invitational for 2 1/16 miles.
On Saturday, September 6th, the card features six stakes worth at least $2 million for breeding in Kentucky, with both the Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational (G2) and the Mint Millions Invitational (G3) at $2.5 million. The 1 1/2 mile Turf Cup winner has won a farewell berth at the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf. The September 6th card also includes Franklin Simpson (G1) for the 3-year-old Sprinter, Music City (G2) for the 3-year-old filly, Kentucky Downs Women’s Marathon (G3) and a 3-year-old 1-mile gun runner.
With KTDF supplements, the KTDF supplements are worth $1 million, including four bets for a 2 year old.
Kentucky Downs 2025 Stakes Schedule
All interests to the grass
Thursday, August 28th
$500,000 tapit stakes. Includes $250,000 KTDF. Over 3 years old, 1 mile and 70 yards. It is limited to horses that have not won the stakes in 2025.
Saturday, August 30th
The $3.5 million Nash Builder Derby Invitational (G3). It includes a $1.5 million KTDF. 3 years old, 1 5/16 miles.
The $2 million Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint (G2). It includes a $1 million KTDF. Win for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, six furlongs over the age of 3.
$2 million Kentucky Downs Women’s Sprint (G2). It includes a $1 million KTDF. Philly and Mares, over 3 years old, 6 1/2 furlong.
A $2 million Kentucky Downs Lady Starf (G3). It includes a $1 million KTDF. Phillies and Mares, over 3 years old, 1 mile.
A $1 million Bowling Green Gold Cup Invitational. Includes $500,000 KTDF. 3 years and over, 2 1/16 miles.
Sunday, August 31st
It includes a $1 million Kentucky Downs boys’ filly, $500,000 KTDF. Mile, a two-year-old filly.
A $1 million Kentucky Downs boys sprint. Includes $500,000 KTDF. 2 years old, 6 1/2 furlong.
$500,000 National Thoroughbred League Tight Spot One Night Handicap, 3+, 1 Mile.
Thursday, September 4th
A $500,000 dreamer. Includes $250,000 KTDF. Phillies and Mares over 3 years old, 1 mile and 70 yards. It is limited to horses that have not won the stakes in 2025.
Saturday, September 6th
$2.5 million Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational (G2). It includes a $1 million KTDF. Win for the grass of the Breeders Cup. Over 3 years old, 1/2 miles.
$2.5 million Mint Mint Invitational (G3). It includes a $1 million KTDF. Over 3 years old, 1 mile.
Franklin Simpson (G1) for $2 million. It includes a $1 million KTDF. 3 years old, 6 1/2 furlong.
$2 million Music City (G2). It includes a $1 million KTDF. 3 year old Philly, 6 1/2 fur.
A 2 million dollar women’s marathon (G3). It includes a $1 million KTDF. Mares and fillies ages 3 and older, 1 5/16 miles.
A $2 million gun runner. It includes a $1 million KTDF. 3 years old, Mile.
Sunday, September 7th
A million dollar Kentucky Downs boys mile. Includes $500,000 KTDF. 2 years old, 1 mile.
It’s out of hand for $1 million. Includes $500,000 KTDF. 2 year old Philly, 6 1/2 fur.
Wednesday, September 10th
Oaks Invitational (G3), a $2 million duel venue. It includes a $1 million KTDF. 3-year-old Philly, 1 5/16 miles.
