Lexington, KY – The Red Mile has announced its 2026 Grand Circuit racing schedule, featuring six premier afternoons of championship harness racing on Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 3, and Thursday, October 8 through Saturday, October 10.
First post for all six Grand Circuit programs is 1 p.m. EDT. The schedule is highlighted by the 134th Kentucky Futurity, which will be contested on Saturday, October 3.
The updated schedule places the Kentucky Futurity one week earlier than in previous years, creating an exciting opening weekend of Grand Circuit racing while positioning Lexington as the center of the Standardbred industry during one of its busiest times of the year.
“We’re excited about this year’s Grand Circuit schedule,” said Joe Costa, President and CEO of The Red Mile. “A tremendous amount of thought went into building this schedule. When you’re coordinating races of this caliber, there are a lot of moving parts, and we worked closely with our horsemen and industry partners to create a schedule that serves the best interests of the horses, the participants, and our fans.
“We believe moving the Kentucky Futurity to the opening weekend creates an outstanding showcase for one of our sport’s most historic races while making Lexington an even more exciting destination during Grand Circuit season. We look forward to welcoming the industry and racing fans from across North America to The Red Mile this October.”
The Grand Circuit meet once again coincides with the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, bringing together the sport’s leading owners, breeders, trainers, drivers, and racing fans from across North America for more than a week of world-class racing and horse sales.
2026 Grand Circuit Schedule
Thursday, October 1
Bluegrass Stakes – 2-Year-Old Colt Trot
Bluegrass Stakes – 2-Year-Old Filly Pace
Friday, October 2
Bluegrass Stakes – 2-Year-Old Colt Pace
Bluegrass Stakes – 2-Year-Old Filly Trot
Saturday, October 3
134th Kentucky Futurity
Kentucky Filly Futurity
Kentucky Futurity & Kentucky Filly Futurity Consolations
Bluegrass Stakes – 3-Year-Old Colt Pace
Bluegrass Stakes – 3-Year-Old Filly Pace
Thursday, October 8
International Stallion Stakes – 2-Year-Old Colt Trot
International Stallion Stakes – 2-Year-Old Filly Pace
Friday, October 9
International Stallion Stakes – 2-Year-Old Colt Pace
International Stallion Stakes – 2-Year-Old Filly Trot
Saturday, October 10
The Tattersalls Pace
Glen Garnsey Memorial
Allerage Open Trot
Allerage Open Pace
Bluegrass Stakes – 3-Year-Old Colt Trot
Bluegrass Stakes – 3-Year-Old Filly Trot
Beyond the championship racing, fans can expect enhanced entertainment, hospitality, and special events throughout both Grand Circuit weekends as The Red Mile continues to build on the momentum surrounding one of harness racing’s most prestigious meets. Additional details regarding hospitality, promotions, and special programming will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 2026 live racing season at The Red Mile is set to kick-off on Sunday, July 26 with a 5:05 p.m. post time. Racing will continue through Saturday, October 10 and will follow a Sunday through Wednesday schedule with a post time of 5:05 p.m. on Sundays and a 1:00 p.m. post on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
About The Red Mile
Founded in 1875, The Red Mile is one of the most historic and celebrated harness racing venues in North America. Home to the Kentucky Futurity, the third jewel of the Trotting Triple Crown, and future host of the 2027 Breeders Crown, The Red Mile continues to showcase the sport’s premier athletes and championship events while preserving a tradition of excellence that spans more than 150 years.