LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be honored with a named race on Opening Day of Churchill Downs on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Opening Day marks the beginning of Kentucky Derby Week and features a variety of festivities, including the post position draw for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve and the Longines Kentucky Oaks. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with the Kentucky Derby and Oaks post position draw taking place at 2:00 p.m.

As part of the day’s festivities and in effort to highlight accredited aftercare, Churchill Downs will honor Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a named race. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race, scheduled as Race 6, has a post time of 4:12 p.m. Following the race, a winner’s circle presentation will feature a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance blanket and gift bag for the winning connections. Presenting the trophy on-site will be Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance representatives Emily Dresen, Director of Funding & Events, and Suzie Picou-Oldham, Director of Inspections.

The following weekend, representatives of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site at Churchill Downs to host winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction. The guests will enjoy the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby with a package generously donated by Churchill Downs Incorporated. Additionally, the winners will receive a tour of accredited organization Second Stride, as well as a Christine A. Moore Millinery hat, donated by Second Stride and Christine A. Moore Millinery, respectively.

“Churchill Downs is proud of our long commitment to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and so grateful for the accreditation work they do to support Thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack,” said Cathy Shircliff, Director of Equine Industry Relations, Churchill Downs Incorporated.