The 2025-2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby kicks off this weekend with the running of the GIII Iroquois Stakes going the one-turn mile at Churchill Downs on Sept. 13.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby, launched in 2013, awards a scale of points to the top five finishers in selected qualifying races between September and April. The leaderboard determines the preference list for entry into the GI Kentucky Derby, limited to 20 runners.
Up to three horses from overseas may qualify for the Derby. In addition to the 36-race Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby series concludes with the G3 UAE Derby and can produce up to two invitations to the top point-getters. The four-race Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby awards one berth in the Run for the Roses.
The Road to the Kentucky Oaks, featuring 33 qualifying races, also begins Sept. 13 with the running of the one-mile GIII Pocahontas Stakes.
Click here for the full schedule.
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