Trotting Derby, Jake Owen concert highlight Oak Grove Festival of Racing

OAK GROVE, Ky., (April 16, 2026) — This May, Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel will host its inaugural Festival of Racing, a two-week-long event culminating with a blockbuster harness racing program on Saturday, May 16. The $1.5 million card, scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. (CDT), will feature the inaugural $500,000 Oak Grove Trotting Derby, for 3-year-old male trotters, and its filly companion race, the $300,000 Oak Grove Trotting Oaks.

The festival begins Monday, May 4, with elimination races for both the Derby and Oaks, as well as preliminary Kentucky Sire Stakes races for 4-year-olds.

Racing will continue on Tuesday, May 5, Sunday, May 10, and Monday, May 11, before culminating on May 16 with the Derby and Oaks finals and a concert from country artist Jake Owen at the Moonshine Amphitheater following the races.

The final day of the festival will also feature the $100,000 finals of the Kentucky Sire Stakes for 4-year-olds, as well as food vendors on the grounds. In addition to the star-studded live program at Oak Grove, patrons can wager on Thoroughbred and harness racing from across North America, including the second jewel of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes.

Concert attendees will have the opportunity to elevate their experience with a VIP Party Package, available for purchase on ticketmaster.com. The VIP experience includes exclusive access to a private viewing event, a VIP lounge on the homestretch, premium food and beverage offerings and a ticket for the Jake Owen concert. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m.

For racing information, visit https://www.oakgrovegaming.com/racing/.

For concert information, visit https://www.oakgrovegaming.com/moonshine/jake-owen/