Lexington Will Host 2027 Breeders Crown Finals

The Red Mile is set to hold the prestigious harness racing series in October 2027.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Equestrian

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a horse and driver in a sulky racing on a dirt track, capturing motion and speed. — The Red Mile in Lexington will host the 2027 Breeders Crown harness racing finals, marking the first time the historic track hosts the full 12-race championship series. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Red Mile in Lexington will host the 2027 Breeders Crown finals on October 22 and 23, 2027. This will mark the first time the historic facility hosts the complete series of 12 championship races.

Why it matters

The Breeders Crown, established in 1984, remains one of the premier events in harness racing, bringing together top competitors across age, gait, and gender categories. Hosting the full series elevates the profile of the venue and draws significant attention to the local equestrian community.

The Breeders Crown series consists of 12 distinct championship races categorized by age, gait, and gender. The event was originally founded by The Hambletonian Society in 1984.

The players

The Red Mile

This historic harness racing facility located in Lexington is one of the oldest in the United States.

The Hambletonian Society

This organization is dedicated to the promotion of harness racing and manages the prestigious Breeders Crown series.

The details

The event features a rigorous qualifying process, with elimination races scheduled for October 15 and 16, 2027, ahead of the finals. The Red Mile follows the 2026 hosting duties held by Eldorado Scioto Downs.

1984: The Hambletonian Society established the Breeders Crown.
October 2026: The Breeders Crown will take place at Eldorado Scioto Downs.
October 15-16, 2027: Elimination races for the Breeders Crown.
October 22-23, 2027: The Breeders Crown finals take place.

Season Trajectory

The announcement confirms the continued rotating venue model for the sport's marquee championship series. This keeps competitive balance across regional tracks while building anticipation for the 2027 calendar following the 2026 event at Eldorado Scioto Downs.

The event structure requires horses to qualify through elimination races the week prior to the finals. This creates a high-stakes schedule for trainers and owners looking to secure a spot in the 12 championship fields.

The takeaway

The selection of The Red Mile ensures Lexington remains a central hub for major harness racing events. Attendees and industry observers should plan for the late October 2027 window as the primary time for these championship races.