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2026 Lecomte Stakes: Crown the Buckeye Leads Strong Field

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The 2026 Lecomte Stakes will be held January 17, 2026, at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, with 11 horses vying for a $250,000 purse and 20 Kentucky Derby qualifying points.
Crown the Buckeye is the 4-1 favorite after finishing third in the Gun Runner Stakes.
Chip Honcho is 9-2, and Thunder Buck is 6-1, among the strong contenders.
Golden Tempo, an 8-1 maiden winner, is expected to perform well.

History

Historical Context

The Lecomte Stakes, inaugurated on February 20, 1943, at the New Orleans Fair Grounds, serves as a crucial preparatory race for the Kentucky Derby. Initially for older horses, it shifted to three-year-olds in 1962, showcasing emerging thoroughbreds like No Le Hace, who excelled in the American Triple Crown. The race's $250,000 purse reflects its significance in shaping horse racing careers.

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Story summary

The 2026 Lecomte Stakes will be held January 17, 2026, at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, with 11 horses vying for a $250,000 purse and 20 Kentucky Derby qualifying points.
Crown the Buckeye is the 4-1 favorite after finishing third in the Gun Runner Stakes.
Chip Honcho is 9-2, and Thunder Buck is 6-1, among the strong contenders.
Golden Tempo, an 8-1 maiden winner, is expected to perform well.

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