Meet the Jockeys of the 2026 Kentucky Derby: a mix of accomplished veterans and talented first timers.

Dick Downey writes that many Kentucky Derby (G1) winners showed steadiness in their splits in their final Derby preps, pointing to their ability to handle the 1 1/4-mile first leg of the Triple Crown.

Five-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., posted a graded stakes race victory Friday in the Doubledogdare (G2T), and proceeded to win his second graded stakes race of the week in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2).

In this week’s Porter on Pedigrees, two Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders hail from Japan, one a Kentucky-bred with a decidedly American pedigree, and one with bloodlines less familiar to United States racing.

The breeze-up sector has evolved into a hugely important part of the bloodstock market as each year pinhookers invest significant sums on raw materials at the yearling stage.

The deal between 1/ST Maryland LLC/The Stronach Group and Churchill Downs Inc. does not affect The Maryland Jockey Club’s right to full operational control and responsibility for the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and Preakness Stakes.

The Fasig-Tipton April Digital Sale closed April 21 with gross sales of $2,056,000 for 94 horses sold.

The 2025 study captured training and racing data in real time with 2-year-olds. A multivariate analysis of the data shows biometric sensors are a valuable tool for identifying at-risk horses before a musculoskeletal injury occurs.

Nine fillies and mares will meet in the final graded stakes feature of Keeneland’s spring meet, the $350,000 Bewitch Stakes (G3T). The field is topped by Just Basking and Speed Shopper, who each have a graded stakes win under their belt in 2026.

The 152nd Kentucky Derby (G1) will be charged with emotion for many fans, but none more so than 94-year-old Leverett Miller, breeder of Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner So Happy.