Henderson, Kentucky, August 2, 2025
News Summary
This weekend, Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky will host the Kentucky Downs Preview Weekend, featuring seven stakes races that provide opportunities for horse owners, trainers, and fans. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione will make his return to racing after an injury hiatus. Winners of the stakes races will earn fees-paid entries into the corresponding graded stakes at Kentucky Downs, which is scheduled for late August and early September. With significant betting opportunities also available, the weekend promises to be an exciting lead-up to the main event.
Henderson, Kentucky – The Kentucky Downs Preview Weekend is set to take place this Saturday and Sunday at Ellis Park, inviting horse owners, trainers, and fans to showcase their talents in anticipation of the Kentucky Downs meet. The event, established in 2018, serves as a preparatory stage for horses gearing up for the all-turf races at Kentucky Downs in Franklin.
The highlight of the weekend is seven Preview stakes races, where winners will receive fees-paid entries into the corresponding graded stakes at Kentucky Downs, ensuring that participants are well-positioned for the upcoming competition.
Among the noteworthy participants is jockey Tylor Gaffalione, who is returning to competitive racing after a four-month injury hiatus due to ankle fractures suffered earlier this year. Gaffalione has been a dominant force at Kentucky Downs, winning the riding title four out of the past five years. His impressive track record includes tying with Irad Ortiz Jr. for nine wins last season.
Gaffalione, who rejoined the track on July 19, has secured victories in six out of his thirteen mounts at Ellis Park. He has been closing in on the all-time win leader status at Kentucky Downs, with 63 career victories trailing just two behind Brian Hernandez, the current leader. Gaffalione also surpassed Florent Geroux recently to become Kentucky Downs’ all-time earnings leader, accumulating over $14.8 million from his mounts.
Excitement surrounds Gaffalione’s participation in the Preview stakes where he is scheduled to ride Austere in the $250,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Turf Mile, along with Nobals in the $250,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Sprint. This marks the first opportunity for Gaffalione to ride Nobals since the horse’s impressive victory in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.
The Kentucky Downs meet is slated for August 28, 30, 31, and September 4, 6, 7, and 10, with eleven of the eighteen stakes events offering substantial purses of at least $2 million for Kentucky-bred horses and $1 million for out-of-state participants. Gaffalione, along with his agent, has tailored his late-summer racing plans around this lucrative meet while avoiding conflicts with Saratoga’s racing schedule.
The Ellis Park racing weekend also presents additional exciting betting opportunities, marked by a $42,974 carryover in the Late Pick 5 and a $78,793 Dade Park 6 Jackpot. The weekend’s stakes events will kick off with the $250,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Mint Millions Turf Mile, headlined by the notable horse Mercante, who is trained by Brian Knippenberg and has notched several significant racing wins.
Other stakes races include the $250,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Nashville Derby, where contenders like Native Runner aim for their first stakes victory, and the $250,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Turf Sprint, featuring prominent entrants such as Grade III winner Irish Maxima, eager to make her turf debut.
Ellis Park Racing & Gaming has a rich history, hosting thoroughbred racing for more than 100 years in the summer months and providing an engaging racing atmosphere alongside its gaming venue.
FAQ
What is the Kentucky Downs Preview Weekend?
The Kentucky Downs Preview Weekend is an event at Ellis Park, created in 2018, designed to help prepare horses for the upcoming Kentucky Downs meet, featuring all-turf races.
When does the Kentucky Downs meet take place?
The Kentucky Downs meet is scheduled for August 28, 30, 31, and September 4, 6, 7, and 10.
What can participants win during the Preview stakes races?
Winners of the seven Preview stakes races earn fees-paid entries into the corresponding graded stakes at Kentucky Downs.
Who is Tyler Gaffalione, and what is his recent achievement?
Tyler Gaffalione is a jockey returning after an injured hiatus, known for winning the Kentucky Downs riding title four times. He has become the all-time earnings leader for Kentucky Downs with over $14.8 million.
What events are featured during the Preview Weekend?
Key events during the Preview Weekend include the $250,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Mint Millions Turf Mile, $250,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Nashville Derby, and the $250,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Turf Sprint.
Key Features of the Kentucky Downs Preview Weekend
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | Saturday and Sunday |
| Purpose | Preparation for Kentucky Downs meet |
| Stake Races | Seven preview stakes with fees-paid entries for winners |
| Key Jockey | Tyler Gaffalione |
| Purse Range | 11 stakes with at least $2 million for Kentucky-breds |
| Location | Ellis Park |
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Additional Resources
- The Press Box: Ellis Park Notebook
- Paulick Report: Jockey Tyler Gaffalione Ready for Kentucky Downs
- Courier & Press: Fun Events in Evansville Area
- The Press Box: Ellis Park Barn Notes
- TriState Homepage: Churchill Downs Overview
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Downs
- Google Search: Kentucky Horse Racing
- Google Scholar: Horse Racing Kentucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse Racing
- Google News: Kentucky Downs
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