The North American Thoroughbred racing season kicks off 2026 with a full slate of events starting on New Year’s Day, highlighted by key Kentucky Derby qualifying races on January 3: the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park and the Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct. Coverage of these races and others will be available across multiple platforms, including NYRA’s “America’s Day at the Races” on FOX Sports, FanDuel TV, and the Racetrack Television Network (RTN), with live streams also accessible via YouTube and various streaming devices. The Smarty Jones Stakes will air on FS2 at 5:30 p.m. ET, while the Jerome Stakes will be streamed live on NYRA’s YouTube channel at 1:10 p.m. ET.

In addition to televised coverage, horse racing fans can tune into several radio programs on the Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN) and ESPN Louisville, featuring expert analysis and previews throughout the first days of January. The article provides a detailed schedule of stakes races, TV broadcasts, livestreams, and radio shows, ensuring comprehensive access to racing action from prominent tracks such as Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, and Turfway Park as the sport builds momentum toward the 2026 Kentucky Derby.