The Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf is one of the leading international championship races for older female turf horses. In 2026, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships return to Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 30 and 31.
2026 race facts
The official 2026 Breeders’ Cup race schedule lists the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf as a Grade 1 race for fillies and mares age three and older. The race is scheduled at 1 3/16 miles on turf, or 1900 metres, with a purse of $2 million and a maximum field of 14 starters.
Pre Entry for the World Championships closes at noon Eastern on October 19. Final entries close on October 26.
Why the race matters
The division brings together leading turf fillies and mares from North America, Europe and other major racing regions. Its qualification path is deliberately international, which means important races throughout the season can reshape the championship picture quickly.
For OTB Bet readers, the race is especially relevant during September because several major events feed directly into this division. The E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine and the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown are both Breeders’ Cup Challenge races for this division on September 12.
Key 2026 qualifying races
The official Challenge Series includes the Cartier Paddock Stakes, Victoria Mile, Nassau Stakes, Yorkshire Oaks, Matron Stakes, E.P. Taylor Stakes, Flower Bowl, Rodeo Drive Stakes and Prix de l’Opera among the races that can award an automatic place in the Filly and Mare Turf.
The E.P. Taylor is particularly important to the current OTB Bet calendar because it is part of Woodbine’s Turf Champions Day. That card also includes qualifying races for the Breeders’ Cup Mile, Juvenile Turf and Juvenile Fillies Turf.
How to follow the division
OTB Bet will use this page as the permanent home for the Filly and Mare Turf. As the season develops, we will connect verified previews, results and major contender updates here rather than creating duplicate evergreen pages.
For the wider championship picture, visit the Breeders’ Cup hub and the Major Races center.
Sources
Race conditions, purse, distance, field size and entry dates are based on the official 2026 Breeders’ Cup Horsemen race schedule and entry information. Qualification information is based on the official 2026 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series schedule.