AUGUSTA, Ga. — A couple hours after the 2026 Masters began Thursday morning, I set out to walk all 18 holes with three goals in mind: Watch some golf, offset the caloric intake of Augusta National’s press center (which Willy Wonka would deem a bit decadent) and take some time to admire the little things.
Our photographer Darren Riehl did the hard work. I mostly just pointed at stuff. Here begins our tour.
Editor’s note: This may be a strange, wandering story but it has good pictures, so feel free to skip the words and skim those.
No. 1
The entire Masters Tournament relies on a certain assumption of orderliness from its patrons. Even its insistence on calling them “patrons” helps set the tone. It’s easy to roll your eyes at some of that stuff, but here’s the result: When players walk from the clubhouse toward the first tee, they very often just walk through the sea of people gathered there. There are a few officials with ropes who can establish temporary order, if need be. Often need don’t be.
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We’re behind Wyndham Clark, who’s bobbing and weaving without issue toward the practice green adjacent the first tee. If he tried this at the WM Phoenix Open, he’d emerge soaked in cheers and light beers. The group ahead is getting ready to play. Saquon Barkley is among those looking on from the left side of the tee. The green jacket makes an announcement.
Fore please! Now driving, Andrew Novak.
Fore please turns into fore left. The patrons duck for cover. It’s an organized setting but an unpredictable game.
No. 1: first tee, first umbrella
Darren Riehl
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No. 2
You know the hazards on the second nine here; there’s water on 11, 12, 13, 15, 16. You may not know there’s also a creek down the left side of the second hole. And you really may not know the way Augusta National marks that creek; rather than automatically conforming to the usual shape and size of your standard penalty-area stakes, in line with Masters minimalism, the club has innovated with these undersized, understated mini-stakes.
No. 2: undersized, understated hazard stakes
Darren Riehl
No. 3
This is the trendiest hole at Augusta National; it’s always been excellent, but as a brain-bending short, tricky par 4, it seems to be having a bit of a well-deserved moment of appreciation. Also trendy: Drake Maye, who’s on the right side as we arrive.
A couple hours after our pass-through, Scottie Scheffler will drive the green, but that’s a rarity. What’s far more common are tricky, in-between wedge shots. In the span of two minutes, we see Andrew Novak playing a clever spinner from the pine straw that zips back past the hole, which one onlooker immediately declares “the shot of the tournament.” We see Brian Campbell taking the safe way out of his half-wedge, flying it well past the front hole location to the middle of the green. We see Tom McKibbin hit one low, glancing cleverly off the bank and trickling just past the hole. These guys are good. This course is hard. A leaderboard looms behind them.
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No. 3: this year’s trendiest hole: the wee 3rd
Darren Riehl
No. 4
Augusta National’s lone palm leans over, glancing at the front right bunker. There used to be more of these.
No. 4: Augusta’s lone palm
Darren Riehl
No. 5
Do all the trees have numbers? And tags? Here, down the left side of the brutish par-4 5th, is No. 2230. There’s a lot of monitoring going on here, amidst the nature.
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No. 5: here’s No. 2230
Darren Riehl
No. 6
The hill at No. 6 provides a particularly unique spectating perspective; I can’t think of any other hole in professional golf where the golfers hit directly over your head, with you facing their target. You can see the par-3 16th from here, too — it may be my favorite Thursday-Friday spot to sit and watch. (The sixth tee is at the top of the photo, if you use some imagination.)
Patrick Reed makes eagle, up ahead. It takes a minute for the leader board to change to a red 5, explaining the roar.
No. 6: the rare seat where players hit over you
Darren Riehl
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No. 7
The strange thing about Rory McIlroy’s miraculous recovery shot from the trees left of No. 7 — last year, that is, in the final round — is that he missed the short birdie putt that followed. The same strange thing is true of his miraculous approach at No. 15, which resulted in a short miss for eagle. That was a clean, miraculous result after a day of contradictory, messy storytelling. McIlroy double-bogeyed the first hole, opening the door to the rest of the field. Then he slammed it shut with a run of good play, then opened it again, etc. The only clean narrative came in retrospect, with his win.
Anyway, when you walk No. 7, it’s tempting to see where McIlroy played that approach shot through the trees. But that’s not pictured below. Here’s a little rope in its little rope spot. This is how they keep order at the walkways. They let you cross as soon as the players pass. The whole process seems to work more smoothly here than elsewhere.
No. 7: a little rope maintains a lot of order
Darren Riehl
No. 8
The leader boards are famous around here. You likely know about the Masters no-phone rule; one of its effects is that there’s an outsized pressure on the changing of the boards and thus the updating of the patrons.
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What that means is that it’s important to match the correct names with the correct scores. Here’s a look at how they do that, from the rear of the leader boards: by writing the names in light-green chalk. Simple done right.
No. 8: leader board chalk to keep track
Darren Riehl
No. 9
You’re never far from much as a patron on No. 9, and as you work your way toward the green, you can hang a left, cross the first fairway and get to the merchandise shop, or the concession area, or a rocking chair. If you’re a golfer you can also hang a left and play down that same first fairway. Here’s Nico Echavarria taking the alternate path, though not on purpose.
No. 9: as played from No. 1 fairway
Darren Riehl
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No. 10
We’ve caught Bryson DeChambeau’s group now, which is alternately known as Xander Schauffele’s group, or Matt Fitzpatrick’s group, but based on the ooh that goes up as DeChambeau hits a towering draw around the corner, there’s one guy commanding outsized attention. Kevin Hart is in this gallery. So is Kai Trump. None of the above are pictured. Instead here’s a tree down the right side, an outlier among the pines, that Darren particularly liked.
No. 10: a tree Darren liked
Darren Riehl
No. 11
The course is firm and fast and it’s separating the guys in full control of their distance and their spin from those without. Here are Patrick Reed and Tommy Fleetwood and Akshay Bhatia. They’re a combined nine-under par — for now. This must be the hottest group on the property. It’s a back pin and downwind, which means it’s playing less perilous than usual. None of them has to visit the lonely drop zone down the left.
No. 11: a lonely drop zone
Darren Riehl
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No. 12
I’m struck by the stark difference between Augusta National’s two iconic second-nine par-3s. No. 16 is a hub of crowd activity from tee to green, while at No. 12 you play toward solitude. It must feel quiet over there.
No. 12: the bridge boys
Darren Riehl
No. 13
As we walk toward the green at No. 13, Shane Lowry pitches his ball over the creek and onto the middle of the green. It checks up and rolls in for a triumphant eagle. Later I’ll watch highlights and see that Ludvig Aberg has a chip for eagle from behind the green that trickles all the way back into this tributary. No. 13 is easy until it’s not. Here’s a side angle you’re not used to seeing, with the azaleas a few days past full bloom.
No. 13: the hidden tributary
Darren Riehl
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No. 14
There’s a large, thick stand of bamboo behind the tee box at No. 14. It seems out of place, but nothing’s really out of place on the former grounds of Fruitland Nurseries. Dustin Johnson tees off. Wayne Gretzky is just outside the rope line. Johnson instinctively tosses his broken tee on the ground at the end of the tee box — then reconsiders. He picks up the tee and hands it to his brother. A tee stub stands out here more than it might elsewhere.
No. 14: bamboo behind 14 tee
Darren Riehl
No. 15
A cheer goes up as Fred Couples’ name appears atop the leaderboard; at 2 under through four holes, he’s been deemed worthy of the spot. He’ll still be under par when he gets to this hole a couple hours later — but he won’t be under par by the time he leaves.
No. 15: Fred Couples appears, to cheers
Darren Riehl
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No. 16
Augusta National’s tee markers, like most everything here, are simple, minimal and just about right.
No. 16: counting rings on the tee markers
Darren Riehl
No. 17
The Masters is an interesting cross-section of analog everything with groundbreaking technology. Here’s a well-sharpened pencil being used for some scoring-related purpose. You don’t see a well-sharpened pencil in use as much as you used to.
No. 17: lots of stuff done by hand here
Darren Riehl
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No. 18
Have you ever seen a ladder like this? I have never seen a ladder like this. This is how Augusta National’s scorers get up to the big leader board beside the 18th green.
No. 18: Augusta has perfected ladders, too
Darren Riehl
18-hole summary
There’s a big scoreboard with everybody’s name and hole-by-hole score, listed alphabetically, by the first fairway — where most people enter and exit the course. When you finish, they put your name under the score you shot. It’s a good reminder that while the 60-something scores get all the attention, they’re heavily outnumbered.
Bonus: early score-posting
Darren Riehl
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If you’ve somehow made it this far, Dylan Dethier welcomes your comments at dylan_dethier@golf.com.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboys signed six of their seven picks from the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, including first-round selection Caleb Downs to his four-year rookie deal.
Downs, the 11th overall pick of the draft, will receive $28.95 million in fully guaranteed money that includes a $17.5 million signing bonus. The deal also includes a fifth-year team option.
The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to acquire Downs, a safety. Dallas has yet to sign its other first-round pick, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, who was selected with the 23rd overall pick.
Downs, a two-time consensus All-American, was named the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio State and took home the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy.
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His career totals include 164 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 44 games for Alabama (2023) and Ohio State (2024-25).
In addition to Downs, the Cowboys signed third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham, fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton, fourth-round cornerback Devin Moore, fourth-round edge rusher LT Overton and seventh-round wide receiver Anthony Smith.
Renegade is the 4-1 favorite in the 2026 Kentucky Derby odds ahead of the 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, May 2. The 20-horse field will depart from the gates at 6:57 p.m. ET and the winner will try to go on to become the first Triple Crown winner in the sport since 2018. Bet the Kentucky Derby with the exclusive TwinSpires offer code CBSSPORTS to receive up to $400 in bonus bets here, double what’s available to the general public:
Hochman has shown a profit in 22 of the past 39 Triple Crown races. One example of his best picks was Big Brown in the 2008 Kentucky Derby at odds of 2-1. More recently, he swept the 2022 Triple Crown, capped off by Mo Donegal’s easy win in the Belmont Stakes. In 2023, he cashed the Preakness with National Treasure. In 2024, he successfully tabbed Straight No Chaser to win, place and show in the Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship at odds of 3-2.
Hochman delivered exceptional handicapping results during the summer 2025 racing season at two of the country’s premier tracks, Saratoga and Del Mar. His combined 65.7% win rate across the two tracks represents elite-level performance that significantly exceeds industry benchmarks for professional handicappers.
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Now, Hochman has handicapped the 2026 Kentucky Derby field and revealed his picks. Go here to see them.
Top 2026 Kentucky Derby predictions
One of Hochman’s surprising 2026 Kentucky Derby picks: One issue with Commandment is his slowdowns at the end of the course, which is a problem given the Kentucky Derby is longer than the Florida Derby. There’s also the issue of jockey of Luis Saez lacking Derby success. Saez has 12 starts in the Kentucky Derby and not only has he never won, but he’s never finished in the top two.
“Despite winning the Florida Derby, Commandment’s 1:49.99 race time is slow compared to recent winners. His peak came in the Fountain of Youth, posting a 99 Equibase Speed Figure, but he dropped to 96 in the Florida Derby. Both finishes were razor-thin-a nose and a neck-revealing his difficulty in separating from rivals when it counts,” Hochman told SportsLine. “Additionally, Commandment’s jockey situation adds uncertainty.” See who to back at SportsLine.
Another stunner: Hochman is high on The Puma, who is 10-1 and comes into the 2026 Kentucky Derby off a close loss in the Florida Derby. The Puma has strong connections with jockey Javier Castellano and trainer Gustavo Delgado, who are re-united after winning the 2023 Kentucky Derby with Mage. Castellano went on to also win the 2023 Belmont Stakes atop a different horse, showing his versatility as a jockey and his ability to get the best out of whatever horse he’s steering.
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“The Puma has shown grit in every race and should be a key factor in exotic wagers with improving speed figures in every start and is a dangerous contender at a square price,” Hochman says. “He finished a close second in the Florida Derby but earned a significantly faster Thoro-graph number (2½) than the winner, Commandment, thanks to his wide trip. Running the final three-eights of a mile in 36.89 seconds and the final eighth in 12.68 seconds should serve him well.” See which other horses to back at SportsLine, and you can sign up for FanDuel Racing here to get $25 in bonuses with a $5 wager:
Heading into Kentucky Derby Weekend, William and Dorothy Kania made the trip to Louisville from Northern Indiana with a plan.
They made the nearly five-hour trip from around Gary to the Wyndham East in Jeffersontown on April 30 and had burgers at Brass Social — “it was fantastic,” William Kania said in a May 1 interview at Churchill Downs. After that, it was time to rest up and get ready for a weekend at the races.
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“Don’t be afraid to bet horses that ran good in their last race,” he advised first-timers. “The true handicappers will say, ‘Oh, that’s too easy.’ The horses that run good, they keep running good.”
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The couple had their eye on Percy’s Bar in the Kentucky Oaks, the annual showcase for fillies run the day before the Kentucky Derby that was set to take place later that evening. A full card of 13 races was scheduled throughout the day, with the Oaks set to cap off the night at 8:40 p.m.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Whitney Ensor kisses her husband Howard Ensor while attending the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1, 2026. The Ensor’s got engaged at the Kentucky Derby.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Whitney Ensor kisses her husband Howard Ensor while attending the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1, 2026. The Ensor’s got engaged at the Kentucky Derby.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Carson Grisham of Dallas, Texas wearing a large fascinator for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Unique hats for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Unique hats for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Unique hats for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Karen Boler wears a handmade fascinator at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Rhonda Stover of Delray Beach, Florida was wearing her mother-in-law’s hat for the 25th time while she attends the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Brent Taylor, from Oregon, bought a Racing Form from Annie Napier while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday,
May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Unique hats and fascinators for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Unique hats and fascinators for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Joe Kolok sr and jr, from New York and New Jersey, attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday,
May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Shazia Manus, right, of Denver puts an arm around Kentuckuian Rhonda Hauser as the two walked around the grandstand area for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
People arrive at the gate while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday,
May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Kristen Hansen took a selfie while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday,
May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
The Meyers and Warner family’s get their picture taken while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday,
May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Ozzie bought a Racing Form while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday,
May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Dan and Karen Skeels got their picture taken while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday,
May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Gilberto Arpero, from Texas, stopped to take a picture while attending 2026 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Friday,
May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Carla Dickenson, left, scrubs stains out of Stephanie Dickenson’s jacket on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026. The sisters-in-law had accidentally spilled a starbucks drink before arriving at Churchill Downs.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Fans line up to enter Churchill Downs before the races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Fans walk through Churchill Downs before races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Lines grow as fans line up to enter Churchill Downs before the races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Ellen Lance speaks to her husband before the races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Jeff Ketterman returns to his wife’s side after handing his phone to a bystander for a picture on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026. Ketterman usually wears a distinct vintage style, even outside of derby week.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Carrie Cooke Ketterman sports a large hat on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Stephanie Connelly pulls down her heart-shaped sunglasses as she poses for a portrait on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026. Stephanie’s glasses are from Krewe.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Dave Quiring sports a horse-themed jacket while holding a drink for a portrait on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
A Kentucky State Police officer talks to other members of the force in the Paddock before races begin on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Tellers Desaray Johnson, left, and Tori Johnson prepare for the wagers that will be placed on horses on the 2026 Longines Kentucky Oaks day during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
A fan carries an Oaks Lily cocktail through Churchill Downs on Thurby during the 2026 Kentucky Derby Week in Louisville, Ky., on Thursday, April 30, 2026. An Oaks Lily cocktail is a signature cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice blend, triple sec, and lime juice.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Shayla Hunter walks at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Julie Thrasher carries a chocolate coverd strawberry at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Jake Elwood wears designer shoes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Olivia Wu wears shoes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026. Wu says her outfit was inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
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Kentucky Oaks 2026 fashion, fans and fun at Churchill Downs
Scenes at Churchill Downs on Oaks, one day before 2026 Kentucky Derby. May 1, 2026
Oaks Day, which takes steps to recognize breast and ovarian cancer survivors, always brings a pink-filled crowd to Churchill Downs. There were 100,910 attendees in 2025 and 107,236 in attendance the year before.
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The 2026 forecast was cooler than usual, with temperatures not expected to rise past the low 60s, but rain was not expected. The forecast for the May 2 Kentucky Derby is similar, with temperatures not likely to rise past the upper 50s.
It’s a little chillier than the weather in Central Florida, where Johnna and Payne Luce live. The couple took photos outside Churchill Downs around noon on May 1 as they worked through the crowd to enter the racetrack.
They’re here for the weekend, shelling out for all-inclusive tickets in the Ford First Turn reserved section. Johnna said it’ll probably be the only time they make the trip, so they wanted the full experience. She didn’t grow up around horses but would watch the Kentucky Derby every year with her grandma — “I’ve watched it ever since I was little and I love it.”
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Fashion during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Fashion during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Fashion during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Fashion during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Zoe Gwozdz and Steve Miller during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Katrina and Adolph Thompkins during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Maria, Dan, and Nora Nedvidek during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Javier and Leslie Rodriguez during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Jason Engleman, Jimmy Lewis, Windy Engleman, and Denise Lewis during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Melanie And John Jones, Joyce And Rodney Wood, and Kathy Dutton during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Heidi Wilson, Lissa Capuson, April, Bliz, Nanci Hoolihan, and Diane Thomas during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Steve and Nancy Bailey during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Cheryl and Jay Dortch during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Judge Shannon Meyer and Amy Clay during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Cliff Hartman, Mike Hooligan, Marcus West, and Dana Wilson during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Katherine Metcalf and Autumn Enzweiler during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Michele and Steve Kelien during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Fashion during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Kathy Brohm, Maxann Newby, Teresa Goodin, and Margy Stivers during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Von Purdy, Rick Purdy, and Seema Sheth during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Kentucky Derby 2026 fashion was bold, head-turning and chic. See photos
Rob King and Megan King during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
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Fashion during Thurby at Churchill Downs during 152nd Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. April 30, 2026 (by Frankie Steele/Special to Courier Journal)
“This has always been her dream,” Payne Luce said. “She and her grandmother have shared a special bond over the Kentucky Derby.”
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Deb Woodcock also grew up watching the race. When she was young, she said, she wanted to be a Derby jockey when she was older.
“I had the height thing going,” she said with a laugh. “I love horses. I just love them.”
That particular dream may not have come to fruition, but Woodcook finally made it to the Derby this year in celebration of her 70th birthday. Her son, Eric Vavasek, surprised her with the trip from New York to Louisville for Woodcook’s milestone birthday.
“She doesn’t really watch a lot of live sporting events, but she never misses the Derby,” Vavasek told The Courier Journal. “To be able to do something for her that I know she’s really wanted to do just makes it extra special.”
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When Woodcook found out about the gift, she started crying.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “ I still can’t believe it.”
Sipping on an Oaks Lily and snacking on mac-and-cheese bites, Woodcook wore a long pink dress peppered with black flowers and a matching floppy hat, decorated with a lily.
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“Being here, it’s amazing,” she said of the “pinch me” day. “I don’t even have the words and I haven’t even seen the horses yet.”
Dressed in a long light pink cape, Linda Bonilla from West Palm Beach, Florida, said her look was inspired by “ballerina vibes” and staying warm. And Carrie Sweet, from Northern California, was dressed in pink polka dots with a scene from “Pretty Woman,” featuring superstar Julia Roberts, in mind.
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Sweet, who chose to celebrate her upcoming 60th birthday with a trip to the Kentucky Oaks, said her dress “just spoke to me.”
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“It’s just the best sporting event,” Sweet said. “The people watching, the drinks, the whole vibe is so much fun.”
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Ashlyn Roberts enjoys a mint julep on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on April 30, 2026.
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Ashlyn Roberts enjoys a mint julep on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on April 30, 2026.
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Amber Kuntz poses for a photo on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on April 30, 2026.
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Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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See the best 2026 Kentucky Derby hats, fascinators inside Churchill Downs
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Fans arrive at Churchill Downs on Thurby during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026
Always scheduled for the first Saturday in May, this year’s Kentucky Derby is set for May 2 at Churchill Downs. Gates at the famed Louisville racetrack open at 8 a.m. while the first race’s post time is set for 11 a.m. The Derby, which will air on NBC, should start at 6:57 p.m.
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Reach Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com. Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.
The 2026 cars were always going to be strange. New rules, active aero, a power unit split nearly 50/50 between combustion and electric, and a grid full of engineers handed a clean sheet for the first time in years. What nobody quite predicted was that the most talked-about device of the season would be a rear wing that flips itself upside down on the straights and earned its nickname from a 1990s line dance.
Ferrari rolled into the Miami International Autodrome this weekend with a revised version of that wing. Red Bull, after a quiet test session at Silverstone during the five-week gap caused by the cancelled Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds, has shown up with one of its own.
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The technical FIA document for Miami reveals that 10 of the 11 Formula 1 teams have brought new parts to Florida, but the only updates anyone in the paddock is genuinely talking about are the two on the back of the SF-26 and the RB22.
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How the Macarena Wing Actually Works
The 2026 regulations replaced traditional DRS with a broader active-aero concept that lets teams design rear wings capable of changing shape between cornering and straight-line modes. Most of the grid interpreted that as a hinged flap that opens like a slightly fancier version of what we had before. Ferrari did not.
Ferrari dominated headlines during pre-season testing in Bahrain when it first revealed its unique rear wing design, which rotates at the end of straights to help reduce drag. The upside-down rear wing made its first race weekend appearance at the Chinese Grand Prix, but Ferrari reverted to its more traditional rear wing design after debuting it in first practice.
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The wing earned the Macarena tag because, in motion, the upper element swings through such an extreme arc it looks like the car is doing a dance move on the back straight.
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The Ferrari version can rotate up to 270 degrees. Red Bull’s interpretation, debuted in FP1 on Friday, is substantially different.
The Red Bull version seemingly rotates 160 degrees in the opposite direction compared to the Ferrari concept. The aim in terms of lift and further reducing drag is, logically, the same.
Red Bull, when asked, has insisted the design isn’t a copy. The submission to the FIA describes it in deliberately bland terms – language about revised attachments and a tweaked third profile near the centerline – but Laurent Mekies’ team explained that it simply could not bring its own version to the track in time for the first three race weekends, which is why it is being used for the first time in Miami following a successful test at Silverstone.
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The reaction in the paddock has been telling. “That rear wing is opening much more than the Ferrari, and even the Alpine,” one observer said of the Red Bull design, and 2009 world champion Jenson Button added: “It seems a lot faster than Ferrari’s.”
Whether it’s actually quicker or just more visually dramatic is a question for qualifying. Ferrari, meanwhile, hasn’t been still during the five-week break.
Ferrari was testing an updated version of its own Macarena rear wing during a filming day run at Monza last month. The Scuderia appears to have brought an all-new version to Miami.
The team’s own filing describes the focus as maximising drag shedding in straight mode while keeping cornering load. There are also reworked endplates with upwashing volumes to clean up flow around the new wing geometry.
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Everyone Else Brought Something, Except Aston Martin
The rest of the grid filed updates that range from comprehensive overhauls to just a single bracket.
Ferrari has made the most changes of any team with 11 upgrades to the car , covering the front wing endplate, front corner, suspension, floor, diffuser, beam wing, rear suspension and the rear wing assembly. McLaren brought seven updates centered on a completely new floor and a new rear wing of its own, with revised front and rear corner furniture, modified bodywork and a sidepod louvre option to handle Miami’s notorious cooling demands.
Red Bull’s package goes well beyond the Macarena. The submission lists revised front wing elements including the now-permitted diveplane, new front wheel bodywork ducts, a reshaped sidepod inlet, a new engine cover, revised floor bib geometry and updated rear corner work.
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The RB22 is still overweight but, according to insiders, significantly less so than during the first three race weekends of 2026. At the start of this season, the new car from technical director Pierre Wache was around 12kg overweight, after which this upgrade should roughly halve that excess fat.
Mercedes, the team everyone is chasing, brought almost nothing. Just a repositioned exhaust with a new slotted bracket and a slight increase in front drum lip chord. When you’re already winning, you don’t reinvent the car at race four. Williams filed seven items including a new floor, sidepod, and a profiled tailpipe bracket that copies Ferrari’s earlier exhaust-blowing concept. Racing Bulls brought a new rear wing with revised mainplane and flap profiles, plus an optional shorter-chord front flap to widen the balance window for Miami specifically.
Alpine has a complete new rear wing assembly with a reprofiled endplate. Audi grouped its work into two front and rear submissions covering brake ducts, suspension covers, floor edge and diffuser. Haas filed exactly one update: a device on the floor winglet. Cadillac, the newest team on the grid, used Miami to debut its first proper upgrade package: nine items covering front wing endplate, flap profiles, mirror stay, floorboard, floor body, diffuser, rear suspension, rear corner and tailpipe bracket.
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Surprisingly for a team in need of a change of fortunes, Aston has not made a single performance update, with the outfit instead focussing on reliability improvements.
Whether any of this closes the gap to Mercedes is the question of the weekend. Mekies has already warned that fans should “not expect miracles” after the very difficult start to the season.
Caleb Banks (88) addresses reporters following his on-field workout, discussing performance and draft outlook during Florida’s Pro Day session, March 26, 2026, at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville. The defensive lineman showcased his size and movement skills in front of NFL scouts while taking questions about his development and readiness for the next level. Mandatory Credit: Alan Youngblood-Gainesville Sun.
The Minnesota Vikings shocked the masses one week ago, selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks in Round 1. Most draft pundits had labeled Banks as a 2nd-Round pick. This week, Bleacher Report wasn’t shy about the selection, naming it one of the draft’s worst selections and criticizing Banks’s injury history.
Minnesota bet big on upside, and national skepticism arrived almost immediately.
Banks will now have to prove them wrong. He’s already a lightning rod from the 2026 NFL draft, and only stellar performance will change that.
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Vikings DT Enters the NFL with Boom-or-Bust Attention
The Banks pick wasn’t universally praised.
Caleb Banks hears his name called as Minnesota makes its selection, stepping into the spotlight after being chosen in the first round, Apr. 23, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Florida defensive lineman joined the Vikings as a highly regarded interior presence, expected to bolster the defensive front with size and disruptive ability. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
BR on Banks
BR’s Brent Sobleski delivered his takes on the NFL’s “worst draft picks,” and regrettably, Banks made the cut.
Sobleski opined, “The Issue: Caleb Banks is a massive and mega-talented defensive tackle, who barely played during his final season on campus and has significant concerns over previous foot injuries. How to Make it Work: A healthy career and continued progression from Banks is the only way to validate this selection.”
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“Once again, Banks broke a bone in his foot at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. The Vikings still pulled the trigger, because Minnesota’s decision-makers felt they had a good grasp on Banks’ health and his talent was well-worth the first-round investment.”
Before Thursday night, Minnesota hadn’t drafted a defensive tackle in Round 1, 2, or 3 since 2013.
Sobleski added, “First-round picks tend to be a 50-50 proposal even in optimal situations. Banks has an added strike against him before walking into Minnesota’s building. The Vikings must now cross their fingers and hope the defensive lineman can stay on the field.”
“The pick was the type of high-risk, high-reward opportunity multiple other franchises wouldn’t have considered, particularly among the top-20 selections.”
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It Really Is Boom or Bust
Large humans with foot injuries always raise concerns. They just don’t heal ideally, or at least such injuries make big headlines when they occur to such people.
Prior to the Combine, when Banks broke a bone in his foot, the mock draft community projected him as a sure-fire Round 1 selection. The injury truly changed that. What does this mean? Well, Banks undoubtedly has the size and talent for a 1st-Round commodity. It’s all about the injury.
If Banks hits, no one will care that the Vikings “reached” for him. If the foot injury lingers or leads to others, it will be easy to say, “I told you so.” Plain and simple.
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SB Nation‘s Scotty Payne noted on Banks a week before the draft, “Banks is very boom/bust. You love the traits, and he has the potential to be a Chris Jones-like player in the middle of your defense. However, the inconsistent play, lack of production, and injuries could give you a dud.”
A Summer of Watchful Eyes
With the draft in the rearview and the NFL schedule release around the bend, the Vikings and all 31 teams will turn to organized team activities (OTAs), minicamp, and later, training camp. You better believe all eyes will be on Banks, with fans waiting to see if the early gamble pays off.
Caleb Banks (88) secures a loose ball during second-half action, reacting quickly after a turnover opportunity, Nov. 16, 2024, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. The Florida defensive lineman capitalized on the play as the Gators controlled momentum in a home win over Missouri in Southeastern Conference competition. Mandatory Credit: Doug Engle-USA TODAY Network.
For example, if Banks is off and running by early August, that will provide a positive signal about his Week 1 readiness. On the contrary, if Banks simply doesn’t do much this summer, many will roll their eyes and think or say, “See, this is a guy you could’ve got in Round 2 or 3 if you knew he wouldn’t be ready for 2026.”
The easiest path for all parties is for the Vikings’ diligence on Banks’s medicals to pan out in the next few months, enabling him to be an active participant this summer.
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Joining an Already Good Defense
From the moment defensive boss Brian Flores arrived in the Twin Cities in 2023, Minnesota’s defense has ranked second in the NFL per EPA/Play and DVOA and placed No. 3 last year behind the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks. Banks is joining a sweet system; Flores and the rest of the gang don’t need him to kickstart a unit from the bottom rung of the ladder.
Think of it this way: in 2025, Flores’s defense produced the NFL’s third-best efficiency rankings while employing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, two expensive free agents from the 2025 class who did not play up to their contractual value. A third-ranked defense with two middling iDL performers suggests the group can become even more dominant if Banks is worth his salt early on.
Caleb Banks speaks with reporters during a media session, answering questions about his progress and outlook for the season, July 16, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The Florida defensive lineman drew attention from media members while discussing development, preparation, and expectations entering the upcoming campaign. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images.
Flores and the Vikings also drafted Iowa State nose tackle Domonique Orange one night after Banks. The interior defensive line may cook in 2026.
It’s just that Sobleski isn’t a fan of Banks’s lower-than-50-50 odds to succeed. It’s now on Banks and the Vikings, as an organziation, to prove everyone wrong.
KL Rahul etched his name in the record books with another dominant outing against Rajasthan Royals, becoming the Indian with the most 50-plus scores against the franchise in IPL history. With this effort, Rahul moved to eight 50+ scores against RR, going past Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, who both had seven. He now sits level with AB de Villiers at the top of the list.Most 50+ scores vs RR in IPL8 – AB de Villiers (20 inngs)8 – KL Rahul (18 inngs)*7 – Shikhar Dhawan (24 inngs)7 – Virat Kohli (33 inngs)Chasing a stiff target, Rahul led from the front and found strong support in Pathum Nissanka, who scored a fluent 62 and registered his maiden IPL fifty. The pair stitched together a century opening stand, laying a solid platform for Delhi Capitals in the pursuit.Earlier, Rajasthan Royals were powered by a captain’s knock from Riyan Parag, who smashed 90 off 50 balls to take his side to 225 for 6. Coming in at 12 for 2 after early setbacks, Parag absorbed pressure before turning the tide with an aggressive counterattack, including a decisive over against Kyle Jamieson.He brought up his first fifty of the season in 32 balls and shared a crucial 102-run stand with Dhruv Jurel. Contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and a late blitz from Donovan Ferreira ensured RR posted a formidable total.However, Rahul’s consistency against RR once again stood out, as he added another milestone to his impressive IPL journey.
Seasoned quick Way To The Stars heads back to his native state after more than 12 months interstate, tackling Hawkesbury with trainer Matt Smith forecasting a competitive effort.
As a two-time Listed winner, the gelding encountered fair issues in recent runs, drawing wide in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) with no luck, then struggling on the soft Flemington surface last occasion.
The Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m) offers his ideal firm footing, and Smith highlights barrier three as a bonus for the 14-horse lineup.
“We had no hope in the Oakleigh Plate from the outside gate. We probably should have scratched,” Smith said.
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“And then we ran on a track that was wet in Melbourne, and he didn’t like that at all.
“I think he is back to his best. He’s a horse that needs to get his first 400 right, and if he can get that right, he can be competitive.”
With five weeks off and a trial under his belt, Way To The Stars is primed for Saturday.
Smith rates Nash Rawiller’s mount highly in this wide-open affair.
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“He’s been up at the farm for a few weeks and has done a bit of work on the sand. He had that trial and he’s good to go. He’s fresh, fit, well,” he said.
“It’s a good race. There are plenty of chances in it, and he’s one of them.”
Barnmate World Alliance is on standby for a Hawkesbury Gold Rush berth pending more scratches, and entry would see him as a threat.
Three-from-four first-up wins, track and distance suitability, plus draw four next to Way To The Stars enhance his claims for the six-year-old.
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“If he gets the right set-up, he is always dangerous,” Smith said.
“He needs tempo, which he’ll get here.
“He’s fit, and he’s well and I can’t fault him. His work was sharp on Tuesday morning so he’s ready to go.”
Promising gelding Golden Straand gets Smith’s backing to keep climbing in the Blake’s Marine Handicap (1100m), after a fresh win at Warwick Farm took him to four successes from nine starts.
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“He’s a really good horse. He could be in that stakes race, but he’s going through his grades,” Smith said.
“He’ll be very hard to beat in that race.
“He could end up in Queensland, for sure. The only thing with him is he needs good ground. His only blemish was on a wet track at Randwick, and he didn’t go on that at all.”
Man Utd academy talent Ethan Ennis has spent a hugely successful season on loan with Fleetwood Town.
Manchester United have activated their option to extend Ethan Ennis’ contract by 12 months. Ennis was out of contract at the end of the season, but he has enjoyed a hugely successful loan with Fleetwood Town.
Ennis has contributed six goals and eight assists for Fleetwood, demonstrating his durability across 45 appearances in League Two. United have been thoroughly impressed with Ennis during his loan stint.
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The Manchester Evening News understands new contract discussions will take place with Ennis this summer, and the youngster will have options on the table, with Championship clubs interested.
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Fleetwood staff were impressed by Ennis’ work ethic from the moment he arrived in Lancashire. That helped him to become a mainstay in their starting XI, and pick up their player of the month award in January.
Ennis is a goalscoring winger by trade. He scored 10 goals in 15 academy appearances for United in the first half of last season before joining Doncaster on loan in January 2025, but he has played at wing-back for Fleetwood.
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The 21-year-old won the FA Youth Cup in his first season in Manchester, playing alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
United gave Ennis a new deal in the summer of 2024. He played for the first-team in the opening two friendlies of pre-season against Rosenborg and Rangers, but was not included in the United States tour squad.
Ennis spent the second half of 2024/2025 on loan with Doncaster, where he was part of a team that secured promotion.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Brendan Sorsby seems more and more likely to be ruled ineligible for the 2026 football season.
That could open the door for BYU to win the Big 12 Championship.
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin discusses why Cal’s Spring Game bolsters their status as an ACC sleeper.
The Bears seem to have supported QB Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele quite well.
Washington State has its third head coach in three seasons, entering the new world Pac-12 conference.
Who leads in their QB battle for HC Kirby Moore?
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00:00 Thoughts on BYU and Big 12 04:13 Will Hammond’s injury recovery update 13:10 Cooper Perry on Cal 14:50 Discussing first-year head coaches 18:00 Promising football prospects discussed 20:44 Transfer rules enforcement discussion 23:53 PAC12 media strategy and visibility 27:30 Quarterback race for starting position
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