Always A Runner charges late to win Kentucky Oaks

Field Level Media|published: Fri 1st May, 21:37 2026

Always A Runner, with Jose L. Ortiz up, leads Meaning, with Juan J. Hernandez up across the finish line to win the 152nd running of these Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, Friday, May 1, 2026 in Louisville Ky.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Always A Runner lived up to her name Friday evening as the Chad Brown-trained filly stormed down the stretch to take down rivals and claim the 152nd Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.

In just her third start, she overcame a rough start from the ninth gate as she bumped with Prom Queen to her outside. Always A Runner, sired by Gun Runner, settled into the middle of the pack, staying there alongside the 5-1 favorite Zany as Explora led the field with a half-mile time of 46.85 seconds.

Always A Runner was ninth out of 13 as the horses entered the final turn in the 1-1/8-mile race and started gaining ground. Jockey Jose Ortiz shuffled her wide at the top of the stretch, where she chased down Meaning and Counting Stars and pulled away to finish in 1:48.82 and stayed perfect for her young career.

Owned by Three Chimneys Farm and Douglas Scharbauer, Always A Runner was one of four horses to go off at 5-1, with her win-pool bets making her the third choice. She paid $13.04 to win, $7.46 to place and $5.44 to show. Meaning, the fourth choice, finished a length back and paid $7.44 and $5.62. Counting Stars paid $5.36.

This isn't the only 3-year-old Brown is running off just two starts this weekend. He also has Emerging Market in Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Should the colt win, he would be the first to win the Derby off just two starts since 1883.

The Kentucky Oaks was run at night for the first time.

--Field Level Media