Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Kentucky Downs is poised for a historic racing day with over $14 million in purses across 12 races on September 6. This high-stakes event features two races worth $2.5 million each, attracting top competitors, including Kentucky-bred horses supported by the KTDF. Jockeys and horses alike are expected to showcase their skills, making this an unmissable event in the horse racing calendar.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Kentucky Downs is set to host its richest day of racing in history on September 6, 2025, with a remarkable total of over $14 million in purses across a card featuring 12 races. This unprecedented event will showcase two high-stakes races each valued at $2.5 million and four additional races worth $2 million each, making it a must-watch for horse racing enthusiasts.
This day of racing is only surpassed by the Breeders’ Cup Championship Saturday in total purse amounts, highlighting the significance of this event in the horse racing calendar. The races will also benefit from purse supplements offered by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF), which supports Kentucky-bred horses, ensuring that many local competitors will dominate the entry fields.
The $2.5 million KTDF Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational (G2) has received 11 entries, the smallest number of any of the stakes races. Following closely, the $2 million Light & Wonder Ladies Marathon Invitational (G3) also includes 11 competitors. Conversely, the $2 million Exacta Systems Gun Runner for 3-year-olds is expected to feature up to 14 runners, thanks to Kentucky Downs’ newly implemented 14-stall starting gate.
Several competitive horses from earlier meets will participate in the races. Notable contenders include Lagynos, the opening-day Tapit winner, who will race in the $2.5 million FanDuel TV Mint Millions; Miwa and Stellify, both of whom recently achieved victories in allowance races, will feature in the $2 million Light & Wonder Ladies Marathon Invitational; and Tawny Port, the runner-up from the recent $1 million Mountain Dew Bowling Green Gold Cup, is set to compete in the Kentucky Turf Cup.
The start time for the races on September 6 will be at 11:30 a.m. Noteworthy entries in the $2 million Light & Wonder Ladies Marathon include:
- Miwa, trained by Joe Sharp
- Stellify, trained by Brad Cox
- Beach Bomb, a multiple Grade 1 winner from South Africa
- Duvet Day, a Grade 3 winner at Churchill Downs
- Spanish Eyes, last year’s German Oaks runner-up
- Nadette, a graded-stakes winner from California
In the $2.5 million FanDuel TV Mint Millions, entries include:
- Goliad, returning from California to defend his title
- Brilliant Berti, last year’s Gun Runner winner
- Spirit of St Louis, who has won two Grade 1 stakes this season
The $2 million Exacta Systems Gun Runner for 3-year-olds features significant horses such as Giocoso, the winner of the Secretariat (G2) at Colonial Downs; New Century, a British import adjusting to shorter distances; and Namaron, making his U.S. debut after a Grade 3 win in Germany.
The highly competitive $2 million AGS Music City (G2) will include fillies like Kilwin, last year’s Untapable winner, and Shisospicy, who has recent success at Churchill. The race anticipates an overflow of 15 entries, with 12 allowed to start.
Key entries in the $2 million Ainsworth Franklin-Simpson (G1) feature Governor Sam, familiar from racing at Saratoga, and Spiced Up, fresh off victory in Saratoga’s Mahony.
Additionally, the $2 million KTDF Kentucky Turf Cup (G2) headlines horses like Grand Sonata, the defending champion; Fort Washington, a recent winner across varios tracks; Tawny Port; and Utah Beach.
Kentucky Downs’ marketing director has emphasized that the day is expected to draw exceptional equine talent from states across the country, given the lucrative prize money and prestige associated with these races. Professional jockey Jose Ortiz aims to secure the leading rider position, having begun the meet with four wins on opening day.
FAQ
What is the total purse amount for the day of racing on September 6, 2025?
The total purse for the day is over $14 million, making it the richest day of racing in Kentucky Downs’ history.
What significant races are scheduled on that day?
The day features two $2.5 million races and four races worth $2 million each, with comparisons drawn to the Breeders’ Cup Championship Saturday.
What is the first race time on the card?
The first post for the card is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Purse | Over $14 million |
| Date | September 6, 2025 |
| Number of Races | 12 |
| Notable Races | $2.5 million KTDF Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational; $2 million Light & Wonder Ladies Marathon Invitational |
| First Post Time | 11:30 a.m. |
| Significant Entrants | Miwa, Stellify, Tawny Port, among others |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Kentucky Downs Launches New Timed Tracking System for Racehorses
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Art Student Designs Stunning Dress for Miss Kentucky
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Downs Hotlist – Keeneland
- Johnny’s Red Storm & Meringue Impress at Kentucky Downs – BloodHorse
- Frankie Dettori’s Fantastic Four Timer at Kentucky Downs – Racing Post
- First Look: Saratoga Closes, Kentucky Downs Takes Center Stage – Horse Racing Nation
- Google Search: Kentucky Downs Horse Racing
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
