Nominations for Longines Kentucky Oaks, Old Forester Turf Classic Due Saturday

Feb 13, 2019

Early nominations to the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) and $1 million Old Forester Turf Classic (GI), held annually on Kentucky Derby Weekend at Churchill Downs, are due Saturday.

Early nominations to the 1 1/8-mile Longines Kentucky Oaks – the nation’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies – on Friday, May 3 cost $200. A payment of $100 must be paid to become eligible for the 1 1/8-mile Old Forester Turf Classic, which annually attracts top older grass stars and is run immediately prior to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) on Saturday, May 4.

Both of the world-class races received purse hikes this year. The Oaks received a $250,000 boost and the Turf Classic prize money has been doubled.

Owners and trainers may nominate horses by calling the Churchill Downs racing office at (502) 636-3806. Stakes nomination forms are available online at https://www.churchilldowns.com/horsemen/stakes/nomination-forms/.

A late nomination period for the Oaks and Turf Classic that requires a $1,500 payment will open Sunday and continue through April 13 – the same date that nominations to all other Derby Week stakes races are due.