The signature event of the live racing season at Prairie Meadows, the Iowa Festival of Racing, is set for July 10-11th. The Iowa Festival of Racing is a premier, multi-day Thoroughbred horse racing event hosted annually by Prairie Meadows. Spanning two days in July, the event features eight marquee stakes races and attracts top-tier horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the country. More than $1 million is up for grabs throughout the two days as horses compete for prize money in highly competitive stakes races.
"The Festival of Racing weekend is one of the highlights of our racing season, and we're excited to welcome horses and connections from all corners of the country," said Brian Ohorilko, Prairie Meadows Chief Executive Officer. "The caliber of competition we'll see on the track is a testament to the strength and reputation of this event. Whether you're a lifelong racing fan or attending for the first time, this weekend offers a unique opportunity to experience the excitement, energy, and tradition of live horse racing at its finest."
Festival nomination and racing competitors have come from all across the country in past years, including Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas, New Mexico and California, and New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida. The weekend continues to draw horses from stables currently based in Iowa as well.
"This event showcases the very best of our sport, bringing together elite competition, outstanding purses, and an incredible atmosphere for racing enthusiasts," said Ohorilko. "It's exciting to see horses from so many different states compete on our track, and we're proud to provide a stage where the industry's top talent can come together and create a truly memorable weekend for our fans and participants alike."
The Iowa Festival of Racing features eight stakes races run over two days. On Friday, July 10, the racing card includes the $100,000 Prairie Gold Lassie (Black Type) for two-year-old fillies, the $100,000 Saylorville (Black Type) for fillies and mares sprinting, the $100,000 Iowa Distaff (Black Type) for fillies and mares going a route and the $225,000 Iowa Oaks (Listed) for three-year-old fillies. On Saturday, July 11, the evening includes the $100,000 Prairie Gold Juvenile (Black Type) for two-year-olds, the $100,000 Iowa Sprint (Black Type) for aged sprinters, the $250,000 Iowa Derby (Listed) for three-year-olds and culminates with the $300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (Grade III) for aged horses going a mile and 1/8.
For full details about the 2026 live racing season, visit www.prairiemeadows.com/racing.
