In the May 21 Prix Aga Khan IV (G1)—formerly the Prix d’Ispahan—there are three genuine middle-distance stars on show, all running over the about 1 3/16-mile trip, which will place a real accent on speed. 

Al Riffa heads the official ratings for the May 21 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (G1), although he has ground to make up on Fairy Glen and Caballo de Mar, the 1-2 finishers from the Dubai Gold Cup (G2) at Meydan Racecourse on World Cup night. 

One week after male long-distance turf runners competed in the Louisville Stakes (G3T), their female counterparts vie on the Churchill Downs grass course May 23 in the 1 1/2-mile, $250,000 Keertana Stakes.

Steve Asmussen started horses in eight different stakes over the May 15-16 weekend at Laurel Park, including Chip Honcho, who finished third in the $2 million Preakness Stakes (G1). He earned a total of 39 points, just two more than Graham Motion.

A race expected to draw the top older dirt horses in North America will have a purse to match. Churchill Downs announces that the purse for the June 27 Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) has been doubled from $1 million to $2 million.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation proudly announces the return of the Belmont Pledge, an initiative led by a dedicated group of trainers committed to supporting retired racehorses beyond their racing careers.

Racing has been canceled the week of Thursday, May 21, through Saturday, May 23.

Canterbury Park begins its 51-day racing season May 23. “We’re excited to kick off our 2026 meet this weekend with three days of racing,” general manager John Groen said.

Apprentice jockey Johanis Aranguren, from a family of riders, gains notice at Fairmount Park.

Jockey Paco Lopez does not often make the journey to Laurel Park to ride, but a mount in the Preakness Stakes was one of those exceptions. With his first career classic race win, Lopez was voted Jockey of the Week.