LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Always a Runner captured the 152nd Kentucky Oaks on Friday night, making history as the first winner of the prestigious race for 3-year-old fillies to cross the finish line under the lights in prime time at Churchill Downs, according to WUKY 91.3 FM.

The shift to an evening race marks a significant change for one of thoroughbred racing's most storied events. The Kentucky Oaks, traditionally held during the day on Kentucky Derby weekend, has been a cornerstone of Churchill Downs' racing calendar since 1875. The move to prime-time television is part of efforts to reach a broader audience and modernize the presentation of one of racing's classic races for fillies.

Always a Runner's victory adds another chapter to the race's rich history. The Oaks has long been a proving ground for top female thoroughbreds, with past winners going on to compete at the highest levels of racing. Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, hosts the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks as part of Kentucky Derby weekend, drawing racing fans from around the world.

The decision to run the race under the lights reflects broader trends in sports broadcasting, as organizers seek to capitalize on prime-time viewership when more casual fans are likely to tune in. For racing enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, the nighttime spectacle under Churchill Downs' lights provided a new experience for what has historically been an afternoon tradition tied to the Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Oaks has produced numerous champion racehorses over its 152-year history and remains one of the most important races on the American racing calendar for fillies.