Classes Added and Nomination Deadlines Set for Bill Wise WCHS Sweepstakes

Six classes join the hundreds of classes at the 2026 World’s Championship Horse Show

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (January 30, 2026) – The Kentucky State Fair Board voted to add the Bill Wise WCHS Sweepstakes classes to the schedule for the World’s Championship Horse Show taking place August 22-29, 2026. The approval will add six Bill Wise Sweepstakes classes to the lineup and will include:

• Bill Wise WCHS Sweepstakes Two-Year-Old Fine Harness
• Bill Wise WCHS Sweepstakes Two-year-Old Park
• Bill Wise WCHS Sweepstakes Three-Year-Old Fine Harness
• Bill Wise WCHS Sweepstakes Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited
• Bill Wise WCHS Sweepstakes Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure
• Bill Wise WCHS Sweepstakes Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited

The Bill Wise Sweepstakes nomination and payment deadlines are as follows:

• Yearling: March 15, 2026, of horse’s Yearling year
• Two-Year-Old: March 15, 2026, of horse’s Two-Year-Old year
• Three-Year-Old: March 15, 2026, of horse’s Three-Year-Old year
• Four-Year-Old: March 15, 2026, of horse’s Four-Year- Old year

For the 2026 program, there will be a one-time buy-in option available for all of the classes.  These payments will be due to the Fair Board by May 1, 2026 for eligibility in the 2026 Sweepstakes classes.  The amounts for each of the buy-ins are:

• 2-year-old Sweepstakes    $3,000
• 3-year-old Sweepstakes    $4,000
• 4-year-old Sweepstakes    $5,000 

The buy-in is not necessary for horses who have already had their regular nomination fees paid.  The regular schedule of nomination fees would not change, with one exception.  The initial nomination of 2-year-olds for 2026 (originally set for 9/15/2025) will be extended to March 15, 2026.

For nomination forms and more information, visit https://wchorseshow.com/bill-wise-american-saddlebred-sweepstakes.