G1 Stephen Foster purse doubled to $2M
‘Summer Showdown’ for top older horses to air on NBCSN, Peacock
Statement from Kentucky HBPA on the $2M Foster purse:
The doubling of the Stephen Foster purse was done in conjunction with the Kentucky HBPA, which negotiates the contracts with the Commonwealth’s five Thoroughbred tracks on behalf of owners and trainers. “We agreed with Churchill Downs that the Stephen Foster merits a purse that separates it from the pack among launching pads to the Breeders’ Cup Classic,” said Kentucky HBPA President Dale Romans. “Kentucky racing is so healthy that we can give the Foster a purse commensurate with its stature while also maintaining the strongest daily purse structure in the country, from which thousands of Kentuckians benefit. The more big showcase days we can have — especially nationally televised — the better for Kentucky racing and our entire labor-intensive industry.”
(Churchill Downs news release. Coady Media/Stephen Ibanez photo of Sovereignty winning the 2024 Kentucky Derby)
LOUISVILLE, KY. (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) – The purse for Churchill Downs’ marquee race for older horses, the Grade I Stephen Foster on Saturday, June 27, has been doubled from $1 million to $2 million.
Billed as the “Summer Showdown,” the 45th running of the 1 1/8-mile dirt race for 4-year-olds and up will be broadcast on NBCSN and Peacock from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (all times Eastern).
Five of the world’s elite dirt horses have already expressed interest in running in this year’s Stephen Foster: reigning Horse of the Year and 2024 Kentucky Derby (GI) winner Sovereignty (10-6-3-0—$6,079,050) and Pennsylvania Derby (GI) winner Baeza (10-2-3-3—$1,717,200) from the barn of trainer Bill Mott; Dubai World Cup (GI) winner Magnitude (13-7-2-1—$8,544,365) for trainer Steve Asmussen; and recent Oaklawn Handicap (GII) winner White Abarrio (26-11-3-3—$8,445,170) and Pegasus World Cup (GI) winner Skippylongstocking (38-14-4-7—$5,893,650) for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.
“Stephen Foster Day has grown tremendously over the last several years attracting some of the world’s best horses, and this purse boost helps solidify our closing weekend as a must-see premier racing event,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Firmly positioned in late June with lucrative prize money on the line, the Stephen Foster is an ideal summertime race for the best Thoroughbreds to compete at historic Churchill Downs. We truly believe horsemen and women, as well as horse racing fans around the world, will enthusiastically respond to this Summer Showdown.”
All-sources wagering for last year’s Stephen Foster Day was an event record $20.7 million, up $1.9 million or 10% from the 2024 Stephen Foster card that handled $18.8 million.
In addition to the two-hour broadcast on NBCSN and Peacock, FanDuel TV will televise the entire Stephen Foster Day program, which features seven stakes events on the 12-race program that begins at 12:45 p.m.
Other stakes races to be run on June 27 are $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis (GII) for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles; $500,000 Wise Dan (GII) for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles on turf; $275,000 Bango (GIII) for 3-year-olds and up at 6 ½ furlongs; $275,000 Anchorage (Listed) for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf; $275,000 American Derby (Listed) for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on turf; and $275,000 Tepin (Listed) for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on turf.
Nominations for the Stephen Foster close Wednesday, June 10. Owners will pay $20,000 to enter and $20,000 to start, which equates to 2% of the total purse. First prize is 53% of the purse – estimated at more than $1 million – after 1.5% percent is paid to each of the sixth through last place finishers. Second place will receive 22.5%, third at 12.5%, fourth at 7% and fifth at 5%.
The $2 million purse includes $100,000 from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
Both the Stephen Foster and Fleur de Lis are Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races, which means the winners are guaranteed a spot in the starting gate for the $7 million Longines Classic (GI) and $2 million Longines Distaff (GI), respectively, on Oct. 31 at Keeneland. Also, the connections of both winners will have all Breeders’ Cup pre-entry and entry fees covered and could receive a travel award up to $10,000.
Four horses have used victories in the Stephen Foster as part of their resumés in Horse of the Year campaigns:Black Tie Affair (1991), Saint Liam (2005), Curlin (2008) and Gun Runner (2017). In addition, two Foster runner-ups were crowned Horse of the Year: Mineshaft (2003) and Wise Dan (2012).
Victory Gallop owns the stakes record for 1 1/8 miles of 1:47.28 established in 1999 when he cruised to a five-length victory over Nite Dreamer, Littlebitlively and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm.
Last year’s Foster was one of the best races of 2025 when Mindframe, winner of the $1 million Churchill Downs (GI) on the Kentucky Derby undercard, defeated Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) winner and Champion 3-Year-Old Male Sierra Leone by one length. Oaklawn Handicap (GII) winner First Mission was third, Kentucky Derby 150 (GI) winner Mystik Dan was fourth and Dubai World Cup (GI) winner Hit Show was fifth.
To purchase tickets to Stephen Foster Day at Churchill Downs, please visit: https://www.churchilldowns.com/visit/spring-meet/stephen-foster-day/.
