Horseshoe Indianapolis is set to distribute over $4.95 million in purses across 47 premier Thoroughbred races during its 123-day 2026 season, beginning April 7 with the $55,000 Brian Elmore and Merrill C. Roberts Handicaps. The highlight events include the Grade III $300,000 Indiana Derby and the Grade III $200,000 Indiana Oaks on July 11, featuring eight elite races with purses exceeding $1.1 million. The Indiana Derby has been moved back a week from its traditional July 4 date to enhance fan experience, following a record crowd and handle last year. Additionally, the track will host the seventh annual Indiana Champions Day on October 24, showcasing top Indiana-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses with purses over $1.1 million.
The 2026 schedule also features two Graded Stakes, five Black Type races, and two Listed events, with 38 of the 47 premier races reserved for Indiana-bred or sired horses to promote the state’s breeding program. Notably, Indiana’s richest turf race day has been adjusted, with the $150,000 Cleopatra (BT) now headlining Caesars Day on May 13, alongside two new $55,000 handicaps named after prominent Indiana-bred horses. For more details, the full race schedule is available on the Horseshoe Indianapolis website.
