BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — And they're off!
At least they will be on Saturday when Parx Racing hosts the 2026 Pennsylvania Derby Day on Saturday.
Gates open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the first post at the racetrack off Street Road at 10:35 a.m.
See the field of horses running in the race below
There is free parking at Parx Casino and free admission, family fun in the picnic grove, and an air-show spectacular by David Schultz.
The Pennsylvania Derby features the best thoroughbreds in the national race for victory at PARX Racing.
The prestigious thoroughbred horse racing event is open to three-year-old horses, who compete on a dirt track spanning 1.125 miles (1.811 km) or 9 furlongs.
The BetParx Pennsylvania Derby holds Grade I status and has featured a purse of $1 million since 2007.
However, in 2016, the prize fund was raised to $1.25 million due to the participation of two of three Triple Crown victors: Nyquist, the 2016 Kentucky Derby champion, and Exaggerator, the winner of the 2016 Preakness Stakes.
The PA Derby started with an inaugural edition on Memorial Day in 1979.
The race customarily took place on Labor Day between 1990 and 2009, except for 2006, due to significant renovations being completed.
Over the years, the Pennsylvania Derby has attracted some of the finest thoroughbreds from across the country, adding to the excitement and thrill of the event.
Many noteworthy horses have etched their names into the race's history, with notable winners like Broad Brush, Macho Uno, and the 2017 Kentucky Derby winner, Always Dreaming.
In addition to the main race, the day features several other graded stakes races, ensuring an action-packed experience for horse racing enthusiasts.
This is the field competing in Saturday's Derby Day:
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Bensalem Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.