Meet Kentucky Derby 2026 owners, from Repole Stables to Wathnan Racing
Want to factor owners into your 2026 Kentucky Derby bets? From newcomers to veterans, here's a look at owners in the May 2 field at Churchill Downs.
Thoroughbred owners spent countless dollars in the hopes one of their horses might make it to the 2026 Kentucky Derby . As this year's race approaches, 27 owners — spread across the 20 competing racehorses — are in line to be represented. There's a possibility for at least one change, though: Iron Honor might withdraw, moving Chip Honcho into the field .
Iron Honor's trainer, Chad Brown, said it is likely they will focus on the Preakness Stakes; Iron Honor still will be part of the Derby provided he's at Churchill Downs by 11 a. m. Saturday.
Chip Honcho has four owners: Leland Ackerley Racing (Lee Ackerley), James Sherwood, Jode Shupe and John Cilia. Here's a look at the rest of the owners lineup in the Run for the Roses , listed in alphabetical order by horse's name (sole owners with multiple Derby entrants are grouped together): Albus; Incredibolt Owner: Pin Oak Stud (Dana Bernhard) What to know: Bernhard is one of two owners with multiple starters in this year's Derby; Vincent Viola of St. Elias stable has three horses in the race (Fulleffort, Golden Tempo and Iron Honor).
This is the first Derby for Bernhard. Josephine Abercrombie founded Pin Oak Stud in 1952; she owned it until her death in 2022 at the age of 96. Later that year, Bernhard and her husband, Jim, bought Pin Oak.
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