Lexington, KY – As preparations continue for the 2026 live harness racing season, The Red Mile will host a special day of 2-year-old qualifying races, “Babies on Broadway” presented by Wiesman Farms, on Wednesday, July 1 beginning at noon (ET).
The event gives trainers the opportunity to qualify their freshmen pacers and trotters ahead of the 2026 racing and stakes season while offering fans an early look at some of the sport’s most promising young talent. The Red Mile is proud to partner with Wiesman Farms as the presenting sponsor of the inaugural event, highlighting the farm’s continued commitment to the future of harness racing and the next generation of equine athletes.
Announcer Steve Cross will call the qualifiers, while 412 Communications will provide a live stream for those unable to attend in person. A viewing link will be available on YouTube and shared through The Red Mile’s social media channels in advance of the qualifiers.
The entry box for the qualifiers will close at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Online entries are encouraged. Horsemen unable to enter online should contact Racing Secretary Tina Seekman. While the program is centered around 2-year-olds, older horses needing a qualifying mile will be accepted as space and time permits. All horses must have up-to-date paperwork to enter the grounds and required licensing and racing credentials must be completed prior to qualifying. Ship-in horses will be using barns 23 & 24 and horsemen are asked to pick up after themselves while utilizing the facilities.
The qualifying event also coincides with the opening of The Red Mile’s stable area, with horsemen who have been allotted stalls for the 2026 season welcome to begin moving into the backside as preparations continue for the 2026 live harness racing meet.
“We’re excited to launch the season with Babies on Broadway presented by Wiesman Farms and provide our horsemen with an opportunity to qualify their young horses at The Red Mile,” said Emily Ratcliff, director of sponsorships at The Red Mile. “We sincerely appreciate Wiesman Farms for their support of this event and I’d also like to recognize our track crew and racing staff, who have worked tirelessly to have both the racing surface and stable area ready to welcome horsemen back to Lexington. It takes a tremendous team effort, and we’re looking forward to getting the season underway.”
The Red Mile’s 151st live harness racing season officially begins on Sunday, July 26, and continues through Saturday, October 10, featuring racing Sunday through Wednesday. Sunday post time is 5:05 p.m., while Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday racing begins at 1 p.m.
The season includes the Kentucky Sires Stakes, two weeks of Grand Circuit competition, and the 134th Kentucky Futurity on Saturday, October 3, one of harness racing’s most prestigious events and the final jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown.
Fans are encouraged to attend Babies on Broadway presented by Wiesman Farms to catch an early glimpse of the sport’s rising stars and enjoy pastries and coffee. Additional information, including the live stream link and a complete 2026 racing schedule, will be available on The Red Mile’s social media channels when it is available.