Iowa Classic Headlines Grand Finale Weekend of Live Horse Racing Season at Prairie Meadows September 26

The Iowa Classic, featuring 15-race card, serves as the grand finale of the 2026 live horse racing season at Prairie Meadows as Iowa-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses exclusively compete for an estimated $1.2 million in purses.  

Attendees can watch and wager on their favorite horses while enjoying live music and great food. Post time is set for 4:00 p.m., and trackside entertainment with live music by the Jake McVey Band begins on the track apron stage at 5:30 p.m. 

"The Iowa Classic serves as the ultimate grand finale to months of incredible competition during the live racing season at Prairie Meadows." said Brian Ohorilko, Prairie Meadows President and Chief Executive Officer. "By exclusively featuring Iowa-bred horses, we are able to celebrate and recognize the incredible talent we have right here in the state. The high caliber of competitors speaks to the breeders, owners and trainers who help make the Iowa racing industry a destination, and we are proud to host them at Prairie Meadows." 

The Iowa Classic features 15 races, including the Iowa Sorority ($100,000 – Guaranteed), the Iowa Cradle ($100,000 – Guaranteed), the Iowa Breeders’ Oaks ($100,000 – Guaranteed), the Iowa Breeders’ Derby ($100,000 – Guaranteed), the Iowa Classic Distaff Sprint ($75,000 – Guaranteed), the Dan Johnson Sprint ($100,000 – Guaranteed), the Donna Reed ($100,000 – Guaranteed), the Governor Terry E. Branstad ($100,000 – Guaranteed), the Jim Bader Juvenile( $25,000 – Guaranteed), the Future of Iowa( $70,000 – Guaranteed), the Terrace Hill ($70,000 – Guaranteed), the Polk County Derby ($119,900 – Estimated), and the Jim Bader Futurity ($194,525 – Estimated). 

For the full line-up of Iowa Classic racing entries, click here.

For more information about live horse racing, visit www.prairiemeadows.com/racing. 

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