The Iroquois Stakes 2026 is a Grade 3 race for two-year-old horses at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. Run over one mile (1,609 metres) on dirt, the race is the opening contest on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and provides an early opportunity for promising juveniles to earn qualifying points toward the 2027 Kentucky Derby. The 2026 renewal is the 45th running of the Iroquois and takes place on Saturday, September 12. This page provides early betting odds, race details, and entry information for international bettors.
Contents
Race Overview
Race
Iroquois Stakes
Grade
G3
Distance
1609m (1 Mile)
Surface
Dirt
Location
Churchill Downs
Date
September 12, 2026
Local Time
5:29 PM (EDT)
Race No.
Race 10
Qualification
2YO
Purse
$300,000
Why International Bettors Follow
Access to U.S. dirt racing markets through international bookmakers
The opening race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby
A competitive Grade 3 contest for two-year-old horses
Run over one mile at the historic Churchill Downs dirt track
The top five finishers earn qualifying points toward the 2027 Kentucky Derby
The race is also part of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Dozen bonus program
Early Betting Odds
Early odds for the Iroquois Stakes are available through U.S. racing markets and may also be offered by international bookmakers such as bet365, 1xBet, and other major operators. The current morning line makes Salahudin the clear favorite after the undefeated colt won the Ellis Park Juvenile by 4½ lengths. Blessed Flyer and He Is No Lie are among the other leading contenders in the market.
