1/st Bet to sponsor KY Downs meet, $3M Nashville Derby
Edited Kentucky Downs press release (Coady Media/Cady Coulardot photo of Ag Bullet winning last year’s Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint for the second year)
Editor’s note: FanDuel TV had been the Kentucky Downs meet sponsor but has been phasing out and will only staff Del Mar, Keeneland and the Breeders’ Cup before going away, according to press reports
FRANKLIN, KY (August 19, 2026) – Kentucky Downs announced today that 1/ST BET, powered by Xpressbet, will become the Official ADW Partner and the presenting sponsor for its 2026 seven-day race meet, which begins Saturday, August 29, and continues on August 30, September 3, September 5–7, and September 9.
In addition, 1/ST BET will become the title sponsor of the Grade 2, $3 million Nashville Derby on September 5, the second richest race for Kentucky-bred 3-year-olds (with $1.25 million of the purse coming from the KTDF) in North America and one of 12 stakes carded for Kentucky Downs’ U.S. Open of Turf Championships.
Available in 38 states, 1/ST BET is a racing industry leader in online wagering services, offering wagering on Thoroughbred and harness racing at over 300 racetracks worldwide.
“We are proud to partner with 1/ST BET for the upcoming 2026 meet at Kentucky Downs, as well as our signature 3-year-old race the Nashville Derby,” said Kentucky Downs Vice President of Racing Ted Nicholson. “As a leading ADW platform, 1/ST BET is vital to connecting live racing to a broader audience, and we are thrilled to welcome them on board for this meet.”
“Kentucky Downs has become an institution on the North American racing calendar, and we are excited to partner with their powerful brand,” added 1/ST BET General Manager Richard Peden. “Our customers can expect to see exclusive promotions, expert picks, and handicapping tournaments throughout the meet.”
