The upcoming weekend in horse racing is highlighted by one of the best race cards of the year to date anchored by a star-studded Breeders' Cup prep, followed by the final race card at one of the nation's signature tracks.
On June 27, Churchill Downs runs seven stakes races on the second-to-last day of its spring-summer meet, topped by the $2 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1). The Foster is a Breeders' Cup Challenge series "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) this fall, and drew a stellar field led by reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty. Another Breeders' Cup qualifier, the Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) (Distaff, G1) is also featured Saturday.
Then June 28, Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, N.Y., will conduct its final day of live racing after 132 years in operation. The "Big A" will shut down in advance of the September reopening of a reconstructed Belmont Park on Long Island, which will take over Aqueduct's dates. Sunday concludes the "Belmont at the Big A" meet that has been held annually since Belmont temporarily closed for an overhaul in 2023.
A rundown of television, streaming, and radio coverage for a busy and important week in horse racing:
Stakes Race Schedule
|
Stakes |
Date |
Post Time |
Channel(s) |
|
Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis Stakes |
June 27 |
3:52 p.m. |
|
|
Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash Stakes |
June 27 |
4:20 p.m. |
|
|
Bango Stakes |
June 27 |
4:58 p.m. |
|
|
Wise Dan Stakes |
June 27 |
5:31 p.m. |
|
|
Stephen Foster Stakes |
June 27 |
6:03 p.m. |
|
|
bet365 Highlander Stakes |
June 27 |
TBA |
|
|
Dominion Day Stakes |
June 27 |
TBA |
|
|
HPIBet Royal North Stakes |
June 27 |
TBA |
|
|
Marine Stakes |
June 27 |
TBA |
|
|
Selene Stakes |
June 27 |
TBA |
|
|
Maxfield Stakes |
June 28 |
4:56 p.m. |
|
|
Hanshin Stakes Presented by JRA |
June 28 |
5:28 p.m. |
Note: All times listed are Eastern
TV/Livestream Schedule
|
Date |
Program |
Time |
Network/Social Media |
|
June 25 |
"America's Day at the Races" |
1 p.m.-5 p.m. |
|
|
June 25 |
Live coverage of horse racing |
post time varies |
|
|
June 25 |
Live coverage of horse racing |
post time varies |
|
|
June 26 |
"America's Day at the Races" |
1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. |
|
|
June 26 |
"Daily Racing Form Weekend Preview" |
2:30 p.m. |
|
|
June 26 |
Live coverage of horse racing |
post time varies |
|
|
June 26 |
Live coverage of horse racing |
post time varies |
|
|
June 27 |
"America's Day at the Races" |
12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. on FS1; 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on FS2 |
|
|
June 27 |
"De Francis Day Live Show" |
2:45 p.m. |
|
|
June 27 |
Broadcast of the Stephen Foster Stakes from Churchill Downs |
4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. |
|
|
June 27 |
Live coverage of horse racing including the entire Stephen Foster Stakes card from Churchill Downs |
post time varies |
|
|
June 27 |
Live coverage of horse racing |
post time varies |
|
|
June 28 |
"America's Day at the Races" featuring the final day of live racing at Aqueduct |
12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. on FS2, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. on FS1 |
|
|
June 28 |
Live coverage of horse racing including closing day at Churchill Downs |
post time varies |
|
|
June 28 |
Live coverage of horse racing |
post time varies |
Note: All times listed are Eastern
Radio Schedule
| Date | Program | Time | Network |
| June 25 | At The Races with Steve Byk | 9 a.m. | Thoroughbred Radio Network |
| June 25 | 1/ST BET Racing Show | 4 p.m. | HRRN |
| June 25 | Brisnet Call-In Show | 6 p.m. | HRRN |
| June 26 | At The Races with Steve Byk | 9 a.m. | Thoroughbred Radio Network |
| June 26 | Betting with Bobby | 4 p.m. | HRRN |
| June 26 | Trainer Talk Presented by Fasig-Tipton | 5 p.m. | HRRN |
| June 26 | AmWager Weekend Stakes Preview | 6 p.m. | HRRN |
| June 26 | Inside Churchill Downs | 6 p.m. | ESPN 680/105.7 |
| June 27 | Equine Forum Presented by TwinSpires | 8 a.m. | HRRN |
| June 27 | Off to the Races Radio | 10 a.m. | ESPN Richmond |
| June 27 | Down the Stretch | 10 a.m. | Siriux XM |
Note: All times listed are Eastern
