The Media
Supplemental payments for the 2026 Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old and Open events are due and payable Monday, October 12, 2026 at 12:00 noon ET, at the racing secretary’s office at Eldorado Scioto Downs or the Hambletonian Society office in Cranbury, NJ.
Supplemental Declaration Fee
Due and payable at the time of declaration · U.S. funds only · includes entrance fee.
| Event | Gtd. Final Purse | Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Year-Old Colt Trot | $600,000 | $72,000 |
| 3-Year-Old Colt Pace | $600,000 | $72,000 |
| 3-Year-Old Filly Trot | $600,000 | $72,000 |
| 3-Year-Old Filly Pace | $600,000 | $72,000 |
| Open Trot | $600,000 | $72,000 |
| Open Pace | $600,000 | $72,000 |
| Mare Pace | $400,000 | $48,000 |
| Mare Trot | $400,000 | $48,000 |
The Details
- Supplemental payments for Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old and Open events are due & payable Monday, October 12, 2026 at 12:00 noon ET, at the racing secretary’s office at Scioto Downs or the Hambletonian Society office in Cranbury, NJ.
- There are no supplemental provisions for 2-year-olds.
- When a supplemental entry fee is paid, no other fee of any kind is required. The fee is non-refundable once the horse is declared to start — unless the horse dies between the time of declaration and the start of the race (or the elimination heat in which it was to compete).
- Supplementing in the year of the race also makes a horse eligible to the following year’s Breeders Crown under the normal schedule of payments.
- All supplemental entry fees are payable to The Hambletonian Society, Inc. The percentage added to the purse is determined by The Hambletonian Society.
How to Pay
Send a check for the total (payable to The Hambletonian Society, Inc.) to the attention of Jason Roth, Director of Racing — Scioto Downs, 6000 South High Street, PO Box 7823, Columbus, OH 43207; or The Hambletonian Society, 109 S Main Street, Ste 18, Cranbury, NJ 08512. Payment must be received by the noon ET, Monday, Oct. 12 deadline.
To wire or mail funds in advance, notify the Hambletonian Society office by Wednesday, Oct. 7 and ensure funds are received by end of business Friday, Oct. 9.
Declaring Your Horse
The check or wire does not by itself constitute a declaration. You must also enter (declare) your horse in writing, electronically, or by calling the race secretary at (614) 295-4668 before Monday, Oct. 12 at 12:00 noon ET. If funds are sent in advance and you decide not to declare, the transaction is voided and returned.
Regular Entries
All other horses kept eligible by the required 2026 sustaining payments are due Tuesday, Oct. 13 by 10:30 a.m. ET at the Scioto Downs office.
Questions
Nadia Tarnawa (609) 371-2211 · Jason Roth (614) 295-4668
The responsibility of providing the supplemental entry fee by the deadline is solely that of the owner(s); inadequacies of the banking or postal system or any messenger service will not be accepted as an excuse for failing to meet the deadline. All times ET; subject to change.
by Emily Ratcliff, for The Red Mile · US Trotting News ↗
Lexington, KY — The Red Mile, in partnership with the Hambletonian Society, announced Tuesday (Sept. 22) that the 2027 Breeders Crown finals will be held Friday, Oct. 22, and Saturday, Oct. 23, at the historic Lexington racetrack. Eliminations, as necessary, are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 15, and Saturday, Oct. 16.
The dates were formally unveiled during a press conference at The Red Mile attended by Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, local dignitaries, community leaders and officials from across the harness racing industry.
Recognized as harness racing’s world championships, the Breeders Crown brings together the sport’s premier Standardbreds, drivers, trainers, owners and breeders. The series features 12 championship events across divisions of age, gait and gender and plays a defining role in determining divisional honors.
“The opportunity to host the Breeders Crown represents a significant moment for The Red Mile, the Lexington community and the future of harness racing in Kentucky,” said Joe Costa, president and CEO of The Red Mile. “Our team is committed to delivering a first-class championship experience that reflects the stature of this event and the history of this racetrack. Lexington has a deep appreciation for championship equine competition, and we look forward to welcoming the sport’s finest horses and horsemen while showcasing harness racing on one of its most important stages.”
Created by the Hambletonian Society in 1984, the Breeders Crown was established to provide a year-end championship in each of harness racing’s major divisions. Since its inception, the series has become one of the sport’s most prestigious and consequential events, attracting leading competitors and racing fans from throughout North America and beyond. The Red Mile has previously hosted two Breeders Crown divisional championships, but 2027 will mark the first time it hosts the complete Breeders Crown series.
“The Breeders Crown is where an entire season of hard work reaches its defining moment – it all comes down to the Breeders Crown,” said John Campbell, president and CEO of the Hambletonian Society. “For the first time, all 12 divisions will be contested at The Red Mile, bringing the very best horses and horsemen in the world to one of racing’s most historic stages. Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World, and The Red Mile’s history and connection to the very best of our sport make it a remarkable setting to crown our champions. We look forward to working with The Red Mile and the Lexington community to create an unforgettable event for everyone to enjoy.”
The announcement comes during The Red Mile’s 2026 live harness racing season and ahead of the track’s signature Grand Circuit meet. Grand Circuit racing will be held Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 8-10, with first post at 1 p.m. (EDT) each day. The 134th Kentucky Futurity, one of harness racing’s most historic events and the third leg of the Trotting Triple Crown, will headline the Saturday, Oct. 3, program.
Planning for the 2027 Breeders Crown is underway. Additional details regarding tickets, hospitality, sponsorship opportunities and the full schedule of events will be announced as they become available.
Breeders Crown 2026 photo galleries from Eldorado Scioto Downs will be posted here.
