Kentucky Oaks: By the Numbers

Every May, the Kentucky Oaks (G1) tells its story not just through the thunder of hooves down the Churchill Downs stretch, but through the remarkable figures woven into its fabric. From the first purse handed to Vinaigrette in 1875 to the record-breaking brilliance of Rachel Alexandra, from the hand-sewn lilies in a champion's garland to the survivors who parade in her honor, the Oaks is a race measured in more than lengths. It is measured in history, heartbreak, and the kind of numbers that only 151 years of tradition can produce. As the 2026 field prepares to take the gate, here is the Kentucky Oaks — by the numbers.

Kentucky Oaks by the Numbers

0—2026 starters with experience on an off track 

1—female jockey who has won the race—Rosie Napravnik—and she did it twice: with aptly named Believe You Can in 2012 and with Untapable in 2014

4—Oaks wins on Todd Pletcher’s resume. If Zany or She Be Smooth wins on Friday, he will tie Woody Stephens and D. Wayne Lukas for the record for most wins by a trainer. 

5—2026 starters sired by 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner.

7—victories by a nose in the race’s history

16—wins from post position 4 (since 1930)

20 1/4—largest margin of victory, recorded by Rachel Alexandra in 2009

33—races on 2026 Road to the Kentucky Oaks

89—early nominations to the 2026 Kentucky Oaks

$96.20—payout on a $2 bet on 2006 victress Lemons Forever, the longest-priced winner in the race’s history

145—starfighter lilies hand-sewn into the garland by master florists that will be draped over the winning filly

150—breast cancer and ovarian cancer survivors and fighters who will be honored in the Survivors Parade held prior to the race

$1,175—the first Oaks purse, won by Vinaigrette in 1875

50,000—blackberries Churchill Downs anticipates using as garnish in the Kentucky Oaks Lily signature cocktails over the weekend. 

$1.05 million—purchase price of Always a Runner. She was bought by Douglas Scharbauer, who co-owns her with Three Chimneys Farm. With two previous starts—both daylight scores—she is the least experienced horse in the 2026 edition