LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Churchill Downs will host 50 stakes races worth a record $26.175 million during its annual Spring Meet, set for April 26-June 29. 

Four Spring Meet stakes received purse hikes for 2025, Churchill Downs said, including the American Turf, which had its purse raised to $1 million after the American Graded Stakes Committee elevated the 1 1/16-mile grass race to Grade I status. The race, which previously had a purse of $600,000, is annually staged on the Kentucky Derby undercard and was also one of seven races that warranted upgrades by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. 

As always, the meet's highlights are the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2 and $5 million Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3. There will be 22 stakes races worth a record $17.9 million during Kentucky Derby Week (April 26-May 3), including seven totaling $5.25 million on Oaks Day and nine totaling $11.15 million on Derby Day.

Other Spring Meet highlights are Stephen Foster Preview Day (Saturday, May 31), Stephen Foster Day (Saturday, June 28) and five closing day stakes on Sunday, June 29.

The Churchill Downs stable area will reopen Tuesday, March 18 following its annual closure for winter renovations. The first day of training on the main dirt track is Wednesday, March 19. Visit the track's website for more information, including Derby Week details and tickets.

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