What is the Indiana Oaks?
The Indiana Oaks is a Grade III Thoroughbred race held annually at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Indiana. Contested at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt exclusively for 3-year-old fillies, it is the premier distaff event of the Indiana racing calendar and runs alongside the Indiana Derby each July. Inaugurated in 1995 at Hoosier Park, the race reached Grade II status in 2008 before being downgraded back to Grade III in 2017. Julien Leparoux holds the record for most wins with four, while trainers Carl Nafzger, Brad Cox, and Kenneth McPeek have each won twice.
When is the Indiana Oaks in 2026?
The 2026 Indiana Oaks is scheduled for July at Horseshoe Indianapolis alongside the Indiana Derby. Contested at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt with a purse of $200,000, the race draws top 3-year-old fillies targeting the summer championship circuit.
Indiana Oaks History & Notable Winners
Clicquot gave trainer Brendan Walsh and jockey Edgar Morales a 2025 victory in 1:42.42 for the partnership of X-Men Racing, Madaket Stables, and SF Racing. Chatalas gave trainer Grant Forster and jockey Antonio Fresu a 2024 win in 1:42.93. Defining Purpose gave trainer Kenneth McPeek a 2023 score under Brian Hernandez Jr. in 1:43.83 for Katsumi Yoshida. Interstatedaydream gave trainer Brad Cox and jockey Florent Geroux a 2022 win in 1:45.78 for Flurry Racing Stables, the filly going on to win the Grade II Santa Margarita Stakes the following year. Soothsay gave trainer Richard Mandella and jockey Flavien Prat a 2021 victory in 1:44.36.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Clicquot | Edgar Morales | 1:42.42 |
| 2024 | Chatalas | Antonio Fresu | 1:42.93 |
| 2023 | Defining Purpose | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 1:43.83 |
| 2022 | Interstatedaydream | Florent Geroux | 1:45.78 |
| 2021 | Soothsay | Flavien Prat | 1:44.36 |
The Indiana Oaks is the premier distaff event of the Indiana racing calendar and a highlight of Horseshoe Indianapolis' summer program each July.
