Submissions for 2026 Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade Now Open
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026) – Submissions to participate in the 2026 Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade on Friday, May 1 are now open.
This year’s Survivors Parade will honor 150 Breast and Ovarian cancer survivors and fighters with tickets for the selected recipient and a guest to attend the 152nd Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 1, and include an unforgettable march featuring stargazer lilies for each participant from Kroger on the historic track at Churchill Downs.
Those who have overcome or are battling a breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis who have never participated in the Oaks Survivors Parade are encouraged to submit their story at https://www.kentuckyderby.com/visit/special-events/kentucky-oaks-survivors-parade/ through Tuesday, March 3.
Those who wish to nominate a potential participant for consideration are encouraged to share the submission link directly with the candidate so that they may submit the relevant qualifying information.
For the 18th Survivors Parade, Churchill Downs will feature and support Derby Divas through the Norton Cancer Institute Breast Health Program and Horses and Hope through Kentucky Cancer Program. Both organizations provide critical services that help deliver care to underserved women across the region, including those on the backside of racetracks across the state, who lack access to breast health screenings and services. The Kentucky Oaks charitable initiative has raised more than $1 million to drive breast and ovarian health awareness and life-saving interventions since its inception.
As was the case last year, the 2026 Survivors Parade participants will be chosen randomly rather than by public vote to optimize equal opportunity and consideration. Winners will be announced on Friday, March 6.
In addition to a call for submissions, fans are encouraged to join the effort to raise money to support breast and ovarian health by donating to the Kentucky Oaks charitable partners at www.kentuckyderby.com/survivors.
Tickets for the 152nd Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby are available by visiting www.KentuckyDerby.com and www.DerbyExperiences.com or by calling (502) 636-4447.
About Churchill Downs Racetrack
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com.
About The Kentucky Derby
The $5 million Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Inaugurated in 1875, the legendary 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds is the longest continually held major sporting event in the United States and the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown series. Also known as, “The Run for the Roses®” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®,” the Kentucky Derby is the most attended horse race in the nation. The 152nd Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026. For more information, please visit www.KentuckyDerby.com.
