If you're sitting on the couch wondering what horse race is today on tv, you’ve actually picked one of the best Saturdays in January to tune in. Today is January 17, 2026. It's that sweet spot in the winter racing calendar where the three-year-olds start getting serious about the Kentucky Derby, and the veteran "big horses" are tuning up for the massive purses in Florida and Saudi Arabia.
Honestly, it's a busy day. You've got live action stretching from the crisp morning air in New York down to the humid afternoon in New Orleans, and eventually out to the sunny West Coast at Santa Anita.
The short answer? The Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds is the crown jewel of the day. But there is a lot more on the menu.
Where to Find the Action: The TV Channels
Most people get confused about where to actually watch these races because the broadcast rights are split up.
- FanDuel TV (formerly TVG): This is your "always-on" option. They cover almost everything—Gulfstream, Santa Anita, and Fair Grounds. If a horse is running today, FanDuel TV is probably showing it.
- Fox Sports (FS2): This is where you'll find "America's Day at the Races." They usually focus heavily on the NYRA tracks like Aqueduct and often simulcast the big stakes from Fair Grounds.
- Peacock/NBC: Save this for next week. The big Pegasus World Cup isn't until January 24, so you won't find racing on NBC today.
The Lecomte Stakes: The Road to the Derby Starts Here
If you only watch one race today, make it the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds. It’s Race 13 on their card, with a scheduled post time around 7:00 p.m. ET.
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Why does this one matter? Points.
The winner gets 20 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. That’s a massive head start. In the 2026 season, trainers are being more aggressive with their schedules, and the Lecomte has become a proving ground for the "Rising Stars" out of the Steve Asmussen and Brad Cox barns. Today, keep an eye on Golden Tempo, a Curlin colt who looked like a monster in his debut.
Earlier in the day at Fair Grounds, you also have:
- The Louisiana Stakes (G3): A 1 1/16-mile dirt battle for older horses.
- The Silverbulletday Stakes: The fillies' version of the Derby trail, offering points for the Kentucky Oaks.
Santa Anita: The California Cup
While the East Coast is wrapping up, "The Great Race Place" out in Arcadia is just getting started. Today is California Cup Day. It’s basically a celebration of horses bred right there in the Golden State.
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The Unusual Heat Turf Classic is the big one on the grass, but don't sleep on the California Chrome Cal Cup Derby. It’s named after the legend himself, and while it doesn't offer Derby points, it usually produces a fast horse that ends up in the Preakness later in the year.
Santa Anita’s first post is usually around 3:30 p.m. ET, so it’s the perfect late-afternoon viewing.
What About the International Scene?
If you're an early bird or a degenerate (no judgment here, we've all been there), the UK and Australian markets are already in full swing.
- Flemington (Australia): They had their Summer Fun Race Day today. If you're watching a replay, look for the VOBIS Gold Reef.
- UK Racing: Tracks like Ludlow and Wincanton are the mainstays today. It’s mostly jumps racing (National Hunt) this time of year over there. If you like seeing horses fly over hedges in the mud, check the morning schedule on FanDuel TV.
Betting Odds and What to Look For
Basically, the "smart money" today is looking for horses that can handle the distance. A lot of these three-year-olds are stretching out to two turns for the first time.
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At Fair Grounds, the track has been playing pretty fair lately—not too biased toward speed or closers. However, at Aqueduct (Race 1 starts at 12:40 p.m. ET), the inside rail can get "heavy" if there’s been any moisture. If you see horses winning from the middle of the track in the first three races, stick with that trend for the rest of the day.
Summary of Today's TV Schedule
| Race/Event | Track | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| America's Day at the Races | Aqueduct/Various | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM | FS2 |
| Silverbulletday Stakes | Fair Grounds | 5:30 PM | FanDuel TV |
| Louisiana Stakes | Fair Grounds | 6:30 PM | FanDuel TV |
| Lecomte Stakes | Fair Grounds | 7:00 PM | FanDuel TV |
| Cal Cup Derby | Santa Anita | 7:30 PM | FanDuel TV |
Actionable Next Steps
To get the most out of your viewing today:
- Download the FanDuel Racing or TwinSpires app. Even if you don't bet, they provide the live "HD" feed for free if you have an account. It’s often better quality than the cable broadcast.
- Check the scratches. Horses get pulled out of races every hour. Use Equibase.com to see the "Late Changes" so you don't get excited for a horse that isn't even running.
- Watch the warm-ups. In the 10 minutes before the Lecomte Stakes, look for the horse that is "on the bit"—head down, slightly sweating, but not washing out. That’s usually your winner.
Enjoy the races. It’s a long road to the first Saturday in May, and it starts today.