Kentucky Downs closed its 2026 meet on September 9 with three notable stakes results that brought the final card to a strong finish. Kentucky Belle delivered the biggest performance of the day in the Dueling Grounds Oaks, How’s Al Today produced another sharp turf effort in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile, and Tawny Port prevailed in the Bowling Green Gold Cup.
Kentucky Belle dominates the Dueling Grounds Oaks
Kentucky Belle confirmed her position among the leading turf fillies of her generation with a decisive victory in the Grade 3 Dueling Grounds Oaks. The Brad Cox trainee settled close to the pace before taking control and drawing clear by 6 3/4 lengths over 1 5/16 miles on turf.
The result followed her victory in the Saratoga Oaks in August and gave her a second consecutive graded stakes success. Flavien Prat was aboard for WinStar Farm.
How’s Al Today wins the Juvenile Mile
How’s Al Today turned a favorable trip into an emphatic victory in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile. Brian Hernandez Jr. found room in the stretch and the Riley Mott trainee accelerated away to score by 4 1/2 lengths.
The win was especially notable because it came only 11 days after How’s Al Today won a restricted allowance race at Kentucky Downs. It also made him the first horse to win twice during the 2026 meet.
Tawny Port takes the Bowling Green Gold Cup
Tawny Port added another marathon turf success to his record by winning the $750,000 Bowling Green Gold Cup. The seven year old entered the race after winning the Belmont Gold Cup earlier in the season and again showed that extended turf distances remain one of his strengths.
Lambeth finished second and Greystone was third in the 2 1/16 mile event.
What the closing day results mean
Kentucky Belle leaves the meet with momentum in the older turf filly and mare picture, while How’s Al Today has established himself as a young turf runner worth following as his campaign develops. Tawny Port, meanwhile, remains a proven option for marathon turf races later in the season.
Readers can review our Kentucky Downs closing day preview for the pre race picture, or visit the Major Races hub for broader championship season coverage.
Sources
Result details were checked against Equibase race information and contemporary reports from Daily Racing Form and Thoroughbred Daily News.
Featured image: Alain Moreau via Unsplash. Used under the Unsplash License.
