2026 Race Dates Approved for Eureka Downs!

It’s time to celebrate! The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission has officially approved the 2026 live racing dates for Eureka Downs.

Due to a reallocation of state funds, the racing schedule has been adjusted to the following weekends:

• October 17–18

• October 24–25

• October 31–November 1

Licensing Information

The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating pari-mutuel racing in Kansas.

In preparation for the return of live pari-mutuel racing to Eureka, the Commission has provided information and applications for occupational and concessionaire licenses.

View licensing information and applications

​https://krgc.kansas.gov/regulated-info/parimutuel-racing/

We look forward to welcoming horsemen, racing fans and the entire community to Eureka Downs this fall!

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Quick Note from President Eck: 

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I wanted to provide clarification on the Commission's decision regarding the 2026 KBDF purse supplements, as there appears to be some confusion following a recent social media post.

For the Kansas-bred restricted races, KBDF funds will be used as necessary so that the purse amount stated for each restricted race in the condition book is comparable to the stated purse for a non-restricted race. The remaining KBDF purse supplement funds will then be paid based on the performance of Kansas-bred horses throughout the meet using the 50/25/15/7/3 points system.

So, to be clear, KBDF purse supplements were not eliminated. What was eliminated was the concept of advertising a predetermined KBDF supplement on individual races.

The points system is the purse supplement. Instead of guessing before the meet how much KBDF money should be assigned to each race, the remaining funds will be divided based on the points actually earned by Kansas-bred horses. With only six days of racing and no recent history to predict Kansas-bred participation, there would be no reliable way to determine individual race supplements in advance and ensure the entire available fund is distributed.

This approach also means a Kansas-bred horse does not lose the opportunity to earn meaningful KBDF money simply because it does not fit the conditions of a particular restricted race. Kansas-bred horses will have the opportunity to compete for similar overall money whether they run in a restricted Kansas-bred race or earn KBDF points while competing in a non-restricted race. This gives more Kansas-bred horses an opportunity to benefit from the program rather than concentrating the available money in a limited number of race conditions.

Once the meet is complete, we will know both the total funds available and the total points earned, allowing the entire remaining purse supplement pool to be distributed based on actual performance.

It is also important to understand that the points system applies equally to every breed. A point earned by a Kansas-bred Quarter Horse is worth exactly the same as a point earned by a Kansas-bred Thoroughbred or a Kansas-bred Paint. There is no separate point value based on breed or current breed population. The money will be distributed based on the points actually earned on the racetrack.

Just as importantly, paying meaningful KBDF money this year demonstrates to owners and breeders of every breed that there is real value in investing in Kansas-bred racehorses. We believe putting that money into the hands of participants and showing what a Kansas-bred horse can earn is one of the strongest incentives we can provide for future investment in the program.

We are still waiting on the condition book, but language will be included explaining the KBDF purse supplement program.  

As of yesterday afternoon, KRGC staff had not received a revised condition book.  DJ Lopez indicated they have requested it be submitted to them by tomorrow, 9/4, for final review before being posted.  

Thanks,

Kurt Eck

Kansas Quarter Horse Racing Association

President - Board of Directors

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