With fall underway, daylight saving time ending, and Harrisburg sale week beginning, the 2026 Grand Circuit enters its final stretch.
The circuit moves from the West Coast to the East Coast, beginning with the 2-year-old Matron series at Dover Downs on Thursday, Nov. 5, followed by the 3-year-old events on Thursday, Nov. 12.
On Nov. 14, the Meadowlands will host the Grade 1 events for 2-year-olds — the Governor’s Cup, Valley Victory, Goldsmith Maid, and Three Diamonds — as well as the Grade 1 and Grade 2 Fan Duel Championships for horses ages 3 and older.
The Grand Circuit season will conclude during Thanksgiving week with the Progress Pace final at Dover Downs on Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Dexter Dunn once again leads the driver standings. Ron Burke and Burke Racing lead the trainer and owner categories, respectively, repeating their positions from 2025.
Driver, trainer, and owner standings are updated weekly. The rankings, sponsored by Winbak Farm, are available on the Grand Circuit website: https://www.ustrotting.com/the-grand-circuit/index.cfm. To request the complete lists in PDF format, please email Zoe8874@aol.com.
The season’s winners will receive their awards at the 2027 Dan Patch Awards, held at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, Feb. 21.