Indiana Quarter Horse racing is once again preparing to host another season of record-breaking purses for the 2026 Stakes Schedule at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
A total of 34 stakes will combine for estimated purses of $2.34 million following a record-breaking season last year that saw the state’s all-time richest Quarter Horse race with the running of the Restricted Grade 3 $359,600 Miss Roxie Little Futurity.
Two Restricted Grade 3 races will highlight the 2026 season of Quarter Horse racing, featuring the Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana (QHRAI) Stallion Service Auction (SSA) Futurity and the Miss Roxie Little Futurity. The QHRAI SSA Futurity is set for Aug. 29 while the Miss Roxie Little Futurity is part of the lineup Oct. 24 for Indiana Champions Day.
“It is truly amazing to see the growth of our Indiana Quarter Horse program over the past few years,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “The racing program has become incredibly competitive and to see the nomination lists and trials filled with additional horses is a true testament of the progress the industry has shown and the investment our horsemen and women are making in the program. We are proud to partner with QHRAI and Quarter Horse Breed Development to establish such a strong stakes schedule throughout our 123-racing season.”
New in 2026 is the Horseshoe Indianapolis Oaks open to three-year-old fillies. Trials for the event will be run Oct. 21 with the top 10 returning for the $50,000 final set for Nov. 12.
“We worked with QHRAI to provide a race for our local trainers who have invested in fillies they eventually plan to move into the brood mare ranks for Indiana,” added Halstrom. “The Horseshoe Indianapolis Oaks is in a perfect spot at the end of our season to attract new horses and encourage future participation in our state breeding program.”
Six Saturdays have been dedicated to Quarter Horse racing throughout the season. Racing will be held at 10:45 a.m. May 30, June 27, July 18, Aug. 8, Aug. 29, and Oct. 3.
Each Saturday features trials and stakes action, keeping the stakes program vibrant during the season. Two Saturdays have been tagged as Quarter Horse Stakes Day, featuring purses in excess of a half-million on both July 18 and Aug. 29. Many of the races from last season set new records for purses offered and with growing interest and participation, records are sure to be broken again in 2026.
For a full list of 2026 Quarter Horse stakes for Horseshoe Indianapolis, go to the Website at www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing.
The 24th season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse returns April 7.
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