Your Summer Starts at Ellis Park
Experience live Thoroughbred racing all season long from July 2 through August 23! Here’s how many days until the action begins:
Ellis Park brings the thrill of summer racing to life with heart‑pounding action on the track, simulcast wagering 365 days a year, 300 HHR machines, exciting promotions, convenient sports betting and fan‑favorite spots like The Pea Patch and Dade Park Grill.
Address:
3300 Highway 41 N
Henderson, Kentucky 42420
Saddle Up & Earn
You're already on your way to earning amazing rewards—and we’ll be with you every step to help you make the most of your gameplay. Rewards can be redeemed at select Churchill Downs properties.
For every $10 wagered, you will receive 1 Tier Point and 1 Reward Point.
2026 Racing Calendar
Save the dates and get ready for a full season of fun and celebration!
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July 2 – July 5
Celebrate 4th of July Weekend with the 250th Anniversary of America and our Veteran Celebration!
Thursday, July 2: Live Racing
Friday, July 3: Live Racing
Saturday, July 4: Live Racing
Sunday, July 5: Live Racing -
July 10 – July 12
Celebrate Ladies Weekend, bring your besties and let the fun begin!
Friday, July 10: Live Racing
Saturday, July 11: Live Racing
Sunday, July 12: Live Racing -
July 17 – July 19
Celebrate Jockey’s Weekend, where the races are thrilling and the vibes are high!
Friday, July 17: Live Racing
Saturday, July 18: Live Racing
Sunday, July 19: Live Racing -
July 24 – July 26
Celebrate Family Weekend, bring everyone together for fun, laughter and lasting memories!
Friday, July 24: Live Racing
Saturday, July 25: Live Racing
Sunday, July 26:
– Live Racing
– Wiener/Corgi Qualifier -
July 31 – August 2
Celebrate Decades Weekend, relive the 70s, 80s and 90s all in one unforgettable weekend!
Friday, July 31: Live Racing
(70s Theme)Saturday, August 1: Live Racing
(80s Theme)Sunday, August 2: Live Racing
(90s Theme) -
August 7 – August 9
Celebrate College Weekend, where the energy is high and the memories last forever!
Friday, August 7: Live Racing
Saturday, August 8:
– The Ellis Park Derby presented by Hallway Feeds
– Ellis Park Juvenile presented by Claiborne FarmSunday, August 9: Live Racing
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August 14 – August 16
Celebrate Community Weekend, come together, connect and enjoy the spirit of community!
Friday, August 14: Live Racing
Saturday, August 15: Live Racing
Sunday, August 16:
– Live Racing
– Wiener/Corgi Finals -
August 21 – August 23
Celebrate Bourbon, Beer & BBQ Weekend, where great drinks, good eats and good times come together!
Friday, August 21: Live Racing
Saturday, August 22: Live Racing
Sunday, August 23: Live Racing
2026 Stakes Schedule
Take a look at the exciting lineup of stakes races for the 2026 season below.
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Saturday, July 4
THE DADE PARK DASH
Three Year Olds
Five And One Half Furlongs (Turf)
Purse: $175,000 -
Sunday, July 5
THE PEA PATCH
Fillies Three Year Olds
Five And One Half Furlongs (Turf)
Purse: $175,000 -
Saturday, July 18
THE JEFF HALL MEMORIAL (Listed)
Three Year Olds and Upward
Six And One Half Furlongs
Purse: $175,000 -
Sunday, July 19
THE TWIN BRIDGES
Fillies And Mares Three Year Olds and Upward
Six Furlongs
Purse: $175,000 -
Saturday, August 1
THE RIVERSIDE RUSH
Two Year Olds
Five And One Half Furlongs (Turf)
Purse: $200,000THE HUMMINGBIRD (Listed)
Fillies And Mares Three Year Olds and Upward
Five And One Half Furlongs (Turf)
Purse: $250,000 -
Sunday, August 2
THE SUNKISSED (Listed)
presented by Sterling Industrial
Fillies And Mares Three Year Olds and Upward
One Mile (Turf)
Purse: $250,000THE TRI-STATE TURF SPRINT (Listed)
Three Year Olds and Upward
Five And One Half Furlongs (Turf)
Purse: $250,000THE GREEN RIVER ISLAND (Listed)
presented by Sterling Industrial
Three Year Olds and Upward
One Mile And One Sixteenth (Turf)
Purse: $300,000THE WATER TOWER
presented by Sterling Industrial
Three Year Olds
One Mile And One Eighth (Turf)
Purse: $250,000THE PUCKER UP (Listed)
Fillies Three Year Olds
One Mile And One Eighth (Turf)
Purse: $250,000 -
Sunday, August 9
THE ELLIS PARK DERBY (Listed)
presented by Hallway Feeds
Three Year Olds
One Mile
Purse: $400,000THE R.A. "COWBOY" JONES
Three Year Olds and Upward
One Mile
Purse: $200,000THE GROUPIE DOLL (Listed)
Fillies And Mares Three Year Olds and Upward
One Mile
Purse: $200,000THE ELLIS PARK JUVENILE
presented by Claiborne Farms
Two Year Olds
Seven Furlongs
Purse: $250,000THE ELLIS PARK DEBUTANTE
Fillies Two Year Olds
Seven Furlongs
Purse: $250,000THE AUDUBON OAKS
Fillies Three Year Olds
Seven Furlongs
Purse: $200,000 -
Sunday, August 23
THE ELLIS PARK TURF
Fillies And Mares Three Year Olds and Upward
One Mile And One Sixteenth (Turf)
Purse: $175,000
2026 Wiener/Corgi Races
The cutest competition of the season is back! Check out race details and sign up below.
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Sunday, July 26
Wiener/Corgi Qualifier
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Sunday, August 16
Wiener/Corgi Finals
Sing The National Anthem At A Race
We’re looking for talented individuals and groups to perform the National Anthem at our race events. This is a great opportunity to showcase your talent in front of a live audience and be part of the race day experience!
Sundays = Dollar Days
There’s nothing like a Sunday at the track.. the thunder of hooves, the roar of the crowd and now… $1 favorites all day long.
Treat yourself without missing a moment of the action:
– Classic Hot Dogs
– Ice Cold Beer
– Fresh Popcorn
– Ice Cream Treats (cups or sandwiches)
Just $1 each every Sunday during race season, because great racing deserves great deals.
Rooted in Racing History
The story of Ellis Park begins in 1922, when the Green River Jockey Club set out to build something special in Western Kentucky. The track was originally named after A. B. “Barrett” Dade—a legendary race starter and one of the club’s founding visionaries. Just a few years later, in 1925, entrepreneur James C. Ellis purchased the track, ushering in a new era.
What started as a bold idea quickly became a lasting legacy that continues to race forward today!
Make Your Mark on Our 104th Race Season
Ellis Park racing brings over 120,000 fans to Henderson, KY each year. As a sponsor you will be part of a history-making season with opportunities to reach large, engaged audiences across the globe.
The Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund is a unique program to benefit owners and their Kentucky-sired, Kentucky-foaled runners. Its aim is to upgrade the overall quality of racing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
