The 2026 Lukas Classic takes place Saturday, September 26 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Grade II race is contested at 1 1/8 miles on dirt for 3-year-olds and up and carries a $500,000 purse. The race serves as a major late-season prep for horses targeting the Breeders' Cup Classic.
| Date | Saturday, September 26, 2026 |
| Track | Churchill Downs |
| Race | TBA |
| Distance | 1 1/8 miles |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Grade | Grade II |
| Purse | $500,000 |
| Age | 3-year-olds and up |
| Post Time | TBA |
Entry Update: Final entries for the 2026 Lukas Classic have not yet been confirmed. The official nominees will be listed below once verified, and this page will be updated with confirmed entries, post positions, jockeys, and official odds when the Churchill Downs field is finalized.
| # | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | This Is Uscar | Edgar Morales | Jordan Blair | 8-1 |
| 2 | Dragoon Guard | Tyler Gaffalione | Brad Cox | 9-2 |
| 3 | Tiztastic | Brian Hernandez, Jr. | Steve Asmussen | 4-1 |
| 4 | Banishing | Francisco Arrieta | David Jacobson | 6-1 |
| 5 | Original Sin | Ben Curtis | Brendan Walsh | 3-1 |
| 6 | McAfee | Luis Saez | George Weaver | 15-1 |
| 7 | Chunk of Gold | Jaime Torres | Ethan West | 2-1 |
Last Updated on 09/23/2026
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The Lukas Classic is one of the most important older-horse races of the Churchill Downs September Meet. The Grade II event is contested at 1 1/8 miles on dirt and offers a $500,000 purse for 3-year-olds and up.
The race is positioned five weeks before the Breeders' Cup Classic and serves as a significant final prep for horses targeting that championship event. Recent editions have attracted accomplished Grade I runners, Kentucky Derby winners and Breeders' Cup contenders.
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The Lukas Classic honors Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, one of the most influential figures in American Thoroughbred racing. Churchill Downs renamed the former Homecoming Classic in his honor in recognition of his accomplishments and impact on the sport.
The race has attracted several top-class dirt horses, including Knicks Go, Hot Rod Charlie, Hit Show and Mystik Dan. Knicks Go set the race record of 1:47.85 when winning the 2021 edition.
Mystik Dan won the 2025 Lukas Classic under jockey Francisco Arrieta for trainer Kenneth G. McPeek, completing the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.25.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Mystik Dan | Francisco Arrieta | 1:49.25 |
| 2024 | Hit Show | Florent Geroux | 1:50.44 |
| 2023 | Clapton | Cristian Torres | 1:48.79 |
| 2022 | Hot Rod Charlie | Tyler Gaffalione | 1:49.77 |
| 2021 | Knicks Go | Joel Rosario | 1:47.85 |
The 2026 Lukas Classic is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Lukas Classic is contested at 1 1/8 miles on dirt.
The 2026 Lukas Classic carries a $500,000 purse.
The Lukas Classic is open to Thoroughbreds 3 years old and up.
Final entries for the 2026 Lukas Classic have not yet been confirmed. The field, post positions, jockeys and official odds will be updated once Churchill Downs publishes the final race card.
The favorite for the 2026 Lukas Classic can be identified in the latest odds table above.
The latest 2026 Lukas Classic odds are listed in the odds table above and will be updated as race-day prices change.
The Lukas Classic is a Grade II dirt race for horses 3 years old and up held at Churchill Downs. The race is contested at 1 1/8 miles and carries a $500,000 purse in 2026.
The Lukas Classic is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
No. The 2026 Lukas Classic is not a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series "Win and You're In" race. It is, however, an important late-season prep for horses targeting the Breeders' Cup Classic.
You can bet the Lukas Classic online at BUSR. Create an account, fund your account, select Churchill Downs, choose the Lukas Classic and place your wager. BUSR also offers a 10% horse betting rebate paid daily on selected wagers.
Mystik Dan won the 2025 Lukas Classic under jockey Francisco Arrieta for trainer Kenneth G. McPeek, completing the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.25.
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