Churchill Downs Adds Middle East Races to Global Derby Path

Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ:CHDN) is one of the oversold mid-cap stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On October 14, the company announced the addition of three new international races to the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system: the UAE 2000 Guineas, the Saudi Derby, and a newly created Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes.

These races will form part of the European and Middle East Road, offering horses a chance to qualify for the 2026 Kentucky Derby through designated point allocations. The move is designed to deepen Churchill Downs’ international pipeline and attract top-tier talent from regions with growing racing influence.

By tapping into the Middle East’s expanding horse racing circuits, the company aims to broaden its global footprint and enhance the Derby’s stature as a worldwide event. Only two horses from this expanded pathway will ultimately earn a Derby invitation, but the strategic goal is clear: reinforce the Kentucky Derby’s brand in emerging markets.

Founded in 1875 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ:CHDN) owns and operates racetracks and gaming facilities across the U.S., including its flagship Churchill Downs Racetrack. It also runs TwinSpires, a major online wagering platform, and has expanded its historical racing machine footprint in multiple states.

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Disclosure: None.