Eureka Downs Releases 2026 Rules Book Ahead of Inaugural Race Meet

Eureka Downs has released its 2026 Rules Book, providing horsemen with detailed policies and procedures for the upcoming inaugural race meet in Eureka, Kansas, General Manager Mike Weiss announced.

The 13-page Rules Book outlines requirements covering the track's preference system, entries, jockeys, horse eligibility, stable procedures, health documentation, medication and Lasix policies, paddock and barn regulations, workouts, Kansas-bred eligibility, claiming, scratches, and purse distribution.

Under the preference system, horses registered with the Racing Office before 4:00 p.m. today, October 7, will receive a zero date to start the meeting. Horses registered after the deadline will receive an "E" date corresponding to the day they are registered. A zero date will have preference over a running date.

Fields will be limited to 10 horses based on the 2026 preference system. The Racing Secretary also has final discretion in determining which races are used, with decisions based on field size, quality of the field, and available purse funds. Restricted Kansas-bred or Kansas-owned overnight races that fail to attract at least five betting interests by 9:30 a.m. on entry day may be opened to all horses meeting the qualifying condition, with Kansas-bred or Kansas-owned horses preferred. That provision does not apply to stakes.

The Rules Book also establishes several eligibility requirements. First-time starters age 9 and older will not be considered, maidens age 7 and older are ineligible, and horses age 13 and older are not eligible to race. Pregnant mares more than 150 days into gestation also will not be considered.

Horsemen shipping to Eureka Downs must have foal papers, a Coggins dated within 12 months, the required health certificate and an equine herpes inoculation dated between 10 and 90 days before arrival. RULES BOOK draft 1 jpeg (1) The Rules Book also contains an extensive section addressing EHV precautions and biosecurity, including recommendations that horsemen monitor temperatures before shipping and limit nose-to-nose contact and the sharing of buckets.

Eureka Downs will strictly enforce workout requirements. Horses that have not started for 60 days or more must complete a timed workout satisfactory to the Stewards before racing. First-time starters must have gate approval and at least two timed workouts, including one from the gate, within 60 days of the race. Quarter Horses competing around the turn must have previously negotiated a turn without issue or have an official timed workout around the turn.

Kansas-bred participants also have significant incentives available during the meet. According to the Rules Book, at least $270,000 from the Kansas Breeding Development Fund will be distributed during the 2026 Eureka Downs meeting. Eligible Kansas-bred horses will earn purse-supplement points based on finishing position in both restricted and non-restricted races, with the supplements paid in addition to the regular race purse.

The Rules Book also states that all races will pay purse money through all finishing positions, with purse distributions according to field size posted in the Racing Office.

Horsemen planning to participate in the inaugural Eureka Downs meeting are encouraged to review the complete Rules Book before shipping or entering horses.

CLICK HERE to view the 2026 Eureka Downs Rules Book.

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