Published 6 days ago • loading... • Updated 5 days ago

Always A Runner Wins Kentucky Oaks as Prime Time Debut Draws over 100,000

On Friday, Always won the 152nd Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, marking trainer Chad Brown's first victory in the race. Ridden by Jose Ortiz, the filly secured the win before a crowd of 103,290 fans.
The filly's remarkable journey began when she contracted pneumonia as a 2-year-old, threatening her racing career. She overcame the serious illness through veterinary treatment and remains undefeated in her three career starts.
Always paid $13.04 to win, $7.46 to place, and $5.44 to show after passing rivals Explora and Meaning near the finish. "You're going to feel like a sports car, like she's a Ferrari," jockey Ortiz said of the filly's performance.
Meaning finished second and Counting Stars third in the first Kentucky Oaks held under the lights in prime time. The historic nighttime race showcased the 1 1/8-mile event's status as a premier competition for top 3-year-old fillies.
Brown will attempt the Oaks-Kentucky Derby double on Saturday with Emerging Market, who also contracted pneumonia as a 2-year-old and has raced twice. The trainer has never won the Derby, though trainer Kenny McPeek accomplished the double two years ago.

Insights by Ground AI

67 Articles

The Manila Times

Reposted by

dailyguardian.ca

Lean Right

Always A Runner Claims the Lilies for the 152nd Running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks

Kentucky Oaks Presented in Primetime on NBC for the First Time Ever LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) (the 'Company',...

6 days ago·Manila, Philippines (the)

Read Full Article

WLKY

+23 Reposted by 23 other sources

Center

Always a Runner goes from pneumonia at age 2 to the Kentucky Oaks Winner's Circle

Always a Runner had a bout with pneumonia as a 2-year-old and her racing career was in jeopardy.

6 days ago·Louisville, United States

Read Full Article

WMUR

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Center

Always a Runner wins the Kentucky Oaks

Always a Runner won the first Kentucky Oaks run under the lights in prime time at Churchill Downs

6 days ago·New Hampshire, United States

Read Full Article

Chicago Tribune

Center

Always a Runner wins the 152nd Kentucky Oaks, the 1st run under the lights in prime time

Always a Runner won the 152nd edition of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday night, the first time the race for top 3-year-old fillies has been run under the lights in prime time at Churchill Downs.

6 days ago·Chicago, United States

Read Full Article