Bensalem, PA – September 13, 2026 – The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (PTHA) is pleased to announce a full afternoon of live racing at Parx Racing on Friday, September 18th, as the excitement builds for Pennsylvania Derby weekend.
Pennsylvania Derby Eve will feature an 11-race card with a special first post of 12:05 p.m. EST. Horsemen responded at the entry box, with 137 horses hitting the overnight and making up Friday’s 11-race program, with increased purses added on every race throughout the day.
Friday’s card will also serve as PTHA’s Owners’ & Trainers’ Appreciation Day, Part Two, a follow-up to the success of the PTHA’s August 15th Appreciation Day. Appreciation Days such as these represent the culmination of the yearly racing program and the support of the Horsemen. Additionally, this will be a great lead into the 46th running of the Pennsylvania Derby.
“The response from our Horsemen for Friday’s card speaks for itself,” said Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr., Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. “Having 137 horses hit the overnight for 11 races is a tremendous way to begin Pennsylvania Derby weekend.”
The weekend represents a showcase for Pennsylvania Thoroughbred racing. Following Friday’s race-card, the spotlight turns to Saturday. “Parx Horsemen and local shippers really stepped up and supported our Pennsylvania Derby Eve card, great competitive fields, with field size averaging over 12 for the day”, added David Osojnak – Parx Director of Racing.
