Every year on the First Friday in May, the Kentucky Oaks brings together the best three year old fillies. The filly equivalent to the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks is the culmination of years of planning and preparation for these horses and their connections. The winner of the Kentucky Oaks receives a blanket of pink lillies draped over their back as they head into the famed Churchill Downs’ winner’s circle.
We are a little over a week away from the Kentucky Oaks, so we have put together a list of the contenders with #HorseCountryConnections! For many of the contenders this year, their journeys began in, have run through, or are connected to Horse Country. We are so excited for our members who have a connection to our industry’s signature race.
This list is based off of the most recent update to the Road to the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard. The post position draw for the race will take place on Tuesday, May 3rd. Be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels for more updates ahead of the 2022 Kentucky Oaks.
Airdrie Stud – Visit Airdrie Stud | Derby Week 2022
- Kathleen O – sired by Airdrie stallion Upstart.
Godolphin – Visit Jonabell Farm | Derby Week 2022 (stallions) & Visit Gainsborough Farm | Derby Week 2022 (mares and foals)
- Nostalgic – sired by Darley stallion Medaglia d’Oro and bred, raised and owned by Godolphin.
- Turnerloose – sired by Darley stallion Nyquist.
Spendthrift Farm – Visit Spendthrift Farm | Derby Week 2022
- Ain’t Easy – sired by Spendthrift stallion Into Mischief.
Lane’s End Farm – Visit Lane’s End Farm | Derby Week 2022
- Goddess of Fire – sired by Lane’s End stallion Mineshaft.
- Hidden Connection – sired by Lane’s End stallion Connect.
- Candy Raid – sired by Lane’s End stallion Candy Ride.
Keeneland – Keeneland Morning Works Tour and Keeneland Backstretch Tour
- Kathleen O – sold at the 2019 Keeneland November Sale.
- Echo Zulu – sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
- Nest – won the G1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland in April, and was sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
- Turnerloose – sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
- Hidden Connection – sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
- Cocktail Moments – placed second in the G1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland in April, and was sold at Keeneland twice, during the 2019 November Sale and 2020 September Yearling Sale.
- Candy Raid – sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
- Ain’t Easy – sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
Coolmore at Ashford Stud – Visit Coolmore at Ashford Stud*
- Desert Dawn – sired by Coolmore stallion Cupid.
- Cocktail Moments – sired by Coolmore stallion Uncle Mo.
- Shahama – sired by Coolmore stallion Munnings.
- Adare Manor – sired by Coolmore stallion Uncle Mo.
Stonestreet Farm | Visit Stonestreet Farm*
- Candy Raid – bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC
Gainesway Farm
- Kathleen O – co-bred by Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. and Bridlewood Farm.
Three Chimneys Farm
- Echo Zulu – sired by Three Chimneys stallion Gun Runner.
- Shotgun Hottie – sired by Three Chimneys stallion Gun Runner.
- Beguine – sired by Three Chimneys stallion Gun Runner.
* denotes that tours are available outside of Kentucky Derby week.
To learn more about the Kentucky Derby, check them out online here or on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.