The 2026 Locust Grove Stakes takes place Saturday, September 12 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Grade II race is contested at 1 1/16 miles on dirt for fillies and mares 3 years old and up and carries a $400,000 purse.
| Date | Saturday, September 12, 2026 |
| Track | Churchill Downs |
| Race | Race 9 |
| Distance | 1 1/16 miles |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Grade | Grade II |
| Purse | $400,000 |
| Age | Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up |
| Post Time | 4:58 PM ET |
Entry Update: The 2026 Locust Grove Stakes field is confirmed with six starters. Post positions, jockeys, trainers and morning-line odds are listed in the odds table below.
| 1 | Splendora (MD) | Flavien Prat | Bob Baffert | 3/5 |
| 2 | Simply Joking (PA) | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Michael W. McCarthy | 6/1 |
| 3 | Yes It Tiz (KY) | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox | 5/1 |
| 4 | Immersive (KY) | Luis Saez | Brad H. Cox | 3/1 |
| 5 | Miss Authentic (KY) | Jose L. Ortiz | Eddie Kenneally | 20/1 |
| 6 | Chilled (KY) | Mario Gutierrez | Victoria H. Oliver | 30/1 |
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The Locust Grove Stakes is one of Churchill Downs' major races for older fillies and mares during the September Meet. The Grade II event carries a $400,000 purse and brings together experienced dirt runners over 1 1/16 miles.
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The Locust Grove Stakes has become an important fall target for fillies and mares competing on the dirt at Churchill Downs.
Royal Spa won the 2025 Locust Grove Stakes for trainer Rodolphe Brisset and jockey Tyler Gaffalione in 1:42.53. Musical Mischief won the 2024 edition for Michael McCarthy and Edgar Morales in 1:42.91, while Search Results captured the 2023 running for Chad Brown and Tyler Gaffalione in 1:42.40.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Royal Spa | Tyler Gaffalione | 1:42.53 |
| 2024 | Musical Mischief | Edgar Morales | 1:42.91 |
| 2023 | Search Results | Tyler Gaffalione | 1:42.40 |
| 2022 | Played Hard | Joel Rosario | 1:43.50 |
| 2021 | Shedaresthedevil | Florent Geroux | 1:42.86 |
The 2026 Locust Grove Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, September 12 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is Race 9 with a post time of 4:58 PM ET.
The Locust Grove Stakes is contested at 1 1/16 miles on dirt.
The 2026 Locust Grove Stakes carries a $400,000 purse.
The Locust Grove Stakes is for fillies and mares 3 years old and up.
Yes. The 2026 Locust Grove Stakes has a confirmed field of six starters: Splendora, Simply Joking, Yes It Tiz, Immersive, Miss Authentic and Chilled.
Splendora is the morning-line favorite for the 2026 Locust Grove Stakes.
The latest 2026 Locust Grove Stakes odds are listed in the odds table above and will be updated as race-day prices change.
The Locust Grove Stakes is a Grade II Thoroughbred dirt race for fillies and mares 3 years old and up held at Churchill Downs. The race is contested at 1 1/16 miles.
The Locust Grove Stakes is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
No. The 2026 Locust Grove Stakes is not listed as a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series "Win and You're In" qualifier.
You can bet the Locust Grove Stakes online through BUSR. Eligible horse wagers can also earn a 10% horse betting rebate paid daily.
Royal Spa won the 2025 Locust Grove Stakes for trainer Rodolphe Brisset and jockey Tyler Gaffalione, completing the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.53.
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