Kentucky Derby 135

RACHEL ALEXANDRA MOVES TO NEW BARN – Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick’s new purchase Rachel Alexandra began her new life in the care of trainer Steve Asmussen on Thursday morning by galloping once around a sloppy Churchill Downs main track under exercise rider Dominic Terry.
    The dominating, 20 ¼-length winner of last Friday’s Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), Rachel Alexandra was sold by the L and M Partners of Dolphus Morrison and Michael Lauffer on Wednesday.  Rachel Alexandra was transferred from trainer Hal Wiggins’ barn to Asmussen’s at 5:15 (EDT) Thursday morning.
    Jess Jackson, who campaigned two-time Horse of the Year,2007 Preakness (GI) winner and 2008 Stephen Foster Handicap (GI) winner Curlin under his stable colors, was asked what he thought of the latest addition to his stable after her morning exercise.
    “She is a graceful athlete; she moves like a ballerina and has the size of some of the colts,” Jackson said. “I am looking forward to seeing her compete.”
    Jackson was asked when the “ballerina” might run next.
    “The ink is not even dry yet,” Jackson said. “The only decision was to bring her to Steve’s barn. No decision has been made on any race or a rider. Basically the same team is in place as we had with Curlin, and like Curlin, we will let her decide when she runs and where she runs.”
    Asmussen, who saddled Curlin to his Preakness victory, indicated that like most of his runners nine to 10 days after a race, Rachel Alexandra would have her first recorded workout on Sunday or Monday. Terry would be her regular exercise rider and she would go out in the second set, around 6:15, each morning.
    “She’s a tremendously fast filly,” Asmussen said. “Hal (Wiggins) and his team did a tremendous job with her. We just got her today and we have no timetable or any plans to announce at this time.”
    For Wiggins, Thursday was anything but business as usual.
    “They came and got her at 5:15,” Wiggins said. “I didn’t know anything about it (the sale) until Tuesday night. I hope I see her in the winner’s circle many more times.”
    Racing for Wiggins, Rachel Alexandra compiled a record of 10-7-2-0 with earnings of $958,354. In addition to the Kentucky Oaks triumph, Rachel Alexandra scored Grade II victories in the Fantasy, Fair Grounds Oaks and Golden Rod plus added runner-up finishes in the Grade III Pocahontas and Debutante at Churchill Downs.
    “It was pretty tough (this morning),” Wiggins said. “When a horse is injured, that’s tough, too. As a trainer, you never know what you will find (in the morning). We will get over it. We were blessed to have her and experience the joy of winning the Oaks here.
    “It will be a little hard walking by that stall,” Wiggins continued, knowing he will still see her on the track. “It will be a joy to see her. I’ll have a smile on my face and a good feeling. I wish the new owners nothing but the best. I know she is in good hands and they will do right by her. I will be pulling for her every time she runs.”    
 
MINE THAT BIRD CONTINUES PREAKNESS PREPARATIONS – Kentucky Derby 135 winner Mine That Bird galloped two times around the main track at Churchill Downs on Thursday morning before the renovation break with exercise rider Charlie Figueroa up.
    Trainer Bennie “Chip” Woolley Jr. expressed satisfaction with the morning activity and remains on track to bring Mine That Bird, owned by Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Suerte Equine, to Pimlico on Tuesday.
    “He is doing good and I am surprised how he has bounced back because he had to run hard,” Woolley said. “But he is pretty easy on himself and doesn’t pound the ground.”
    But the overriding issue Thursday morning was the possibility that Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra could be supplemented to the Preakness and Woolley could possibly lose the services of jockey Calvin Borel, who swept the Oaks and Derby last weekend.
    “I hope they go to the Acorn (on June 6) with that mare,” Woolley said. “I told people that day (Derby Day) that I was glad she was not in the Derby.”    
    Woolley was bracing for the prospect of maybe losing his rider.
    “It’s a possibility; it could happen,” Woolley said. “But I don’t think I will have a hard time finding a rider if it happens.”

PREAKNESS PROBABLES GALLOP ON “SLOPPY” TRACK -- Zayat Stables’ Pioneerof the Nile galloped a mile and a half on a “sloppy” track after the renovation break with exercise rider George Alvarez up.
    Trainer Bob Baffert is scheduled to return to Louisville Saturday night and Pioneerof the Nile is tentatively slated to work Monday before shipping to Maryland on Wednesday if Baffert decides on a Preakness bid.
            Bo Hirsch’s Papa Clem galloped a mile and a half before the renovation break under exercise rider Mundo Gonzalez. The fourth-place Kentucky Derby finisher is scheduled to gallop again Friday and may leave for Pimlico later in the day or Saturday.
         Owner/trainer Tom McCarthy was happy with the mile and a half morning gallop from General Quarters before the renovation break, but he had a question for a bystander as exercise rider Julie Sheets brought the colt off the track.
    “What are they doing with that filly?” McCarthy asked referring to Rachel Alexandra. “She’s an awfully good filly.”
    Rachel Alexandra could be supplemented to the Preakness, but McCarthy is planning to head east on Tuesday.
    “I would hate not to go and have her not get in,” McCarthy said. “I went back and looked over the Oaks field and it didn’t look like she was facing the quality of competition that she will face in the Preakness.”
    McCarthy plans to gallop General Quarters the next five days, including next Tuesday before vanning to Baltimore.
    “I’d like to train here that morning if at all possible and then be able to jog Wednesday morning at Pimlico to allow him to get a feel for the track,” McCarthy said.
    Julien Leparoux, who was aboard in Kentucky Derby 135 in which General Quarters finished 10th, retains the mount for the Preakness.
        Robert Baker and William Mack’s Flying Private galloped shortly after the track opened Thursday morning at Churchill Downs with Taylor Carty up.
    Trainer D. Wayne Lukas said he likely would name a rider for Flying Private on Friday.
    Asked about the prospect of facing Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness, Lukas said: “I don’t like the idea at all. I’d like to run against the third-place finisher in the fifth at Beulah!”
       Adele Dilschneider’s Terrain galloped a mile and a half before the renovation break with exercise rider Jimmy Valdez up.
    Trainer Al Stall Jr. plans to work Terrain on Saturday or Sunday.
    “Looks like Sunday may be the work day,” Stall said as he monitored a Weather Channel forecast that called for rain the next three days in Louisville. “But we are in no rush. We have the luxury of time with five weeks (between the Toyota Blue Grass and the Preakness).”
       Trainer Dale Romans sent Heiligbrodt Racing Stable, Team Valor International and Gary Barber’s undefeated Hull out for a gallop after the renovation break.
    Asked if the presence of the speedy Rachel Alexandra might alter his Preakness plans for Hull, Romans said, “She might.”
    Hull is scheduled to work five furlongs on Saturday.

BARN TALK – Julien Leparoux rode two winners on Wednesday’s card to take a one-win lead (12-11) over Jamie Theriot in the race for leading rider. Leparoux’s career win total stands at 993 entering Thursday’s card.
    Trainer Al Stall Jr. said that B. Wayne Hughes’ My Pal Charlie has been nominated to the $600,000 Shadwell Metropolitan Handicap (Grade I) to be run May 25 at Belmont Park.
    “He came out of the race Derby Day (a runner-up finish in the Grade II Churchill Downs) in great shape,” Stall said. “A mile on the dirt may not be a bad way to go with him.”

Due to preparations for the upcoming Spring Meet and Kentucky Derby 135, Churchill Downs will move simulcast operations to its Trackside Louisville facility at 4520 Poplar Level Road from Wednesday, April 1, through Friday, April 24.

Churchill Downs officials will temporarily move simulcast operations to minimize inconvenience to customers in the days leading up to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, and opening day on Saturday, April 25.

Simulcast wagering will return to Churchill Downs on Saturday, April 25, and remain through Thursday, April 30, before shifting to Trackside Louisville for Kentucky Derby weekend (Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 3). Simulcast wagering returns to Churchill Downs on Wednesday, May 6, following dark days at the racetrack on Sunday, May 3, Monday, May 4, and Tuesday, May 5.

Churchill Downs’ Gold Room 6 will remain open throughout the month of April for eligible Twin Spires Club Members.

Admission gates at Trackside Louisville open at 11:30 a.m. (all time Eastern) throughout the month of April unless otherwise noted.

Simulcast wagering will be offered five days a week (dark Mondays and Tuesdays) for an admission fee of $3 ($1 for Twin Spires Club members and seniors). Trackside Louisville will also be open on Kentucky Oaks Day, Friday, May 1, and Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 2. Gates open at 9 a.m. on both days and admission is $10. On Sunday, May 3, Trackside Louisville gates open at noon and admission is free.

The temporary relocation of Churchill Downs’ simulcast wagering operation comes just prior to opening day at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., on Friday, April 3. The schedule also includes the third and final pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, scheduled for Thursday, April 2, through Sunday, April 5.

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. The track’s 2009 Spring Meet will take place from April 25 through July 5. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

With Kentucky Derby 135® just around the corner, Churchill Downs, the legendary racetrack that hosts the annual “Run for the Roses,” has announced that Nick Ferrara, also known as “RiNickulous,” will be the new Chief Party Officer (CPO) of the 2009 Kentucky Derby infield.  The reigning CPO, Tim “Stymie” Snyder will formally relinquish his party-ruling duties today, making Ferrara the official master of the “People’s Party” on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

“First of all, I’d just like to thank the Academy…no, but seriously, this is ridiculously cool,” said Ferrara, the new Chief Party Officer of Kentucky Derby 135. “Being named the new CPO is a total honor and I can’t wait to prove to the folks at Churchill Downs that they picked the right partier for the job. I have some pretty big shoes to fill, but I have the party know-how and more than a few tricks up my sleeve.

“Churchill Downs has also asked me to share some great news with their infield guests.  Coolers will again be allowed in the infield at Churchill Downs for this year’s Kentucky Derby (May 2) and Kentucky Oaks (May 1)! I know that coolers were a big part of the infield vibe in years past, and with everybody’s partying funds being tight these days, I think it’s great that Churchill Downs management, with the support of law enforcement officials, decided it was time to bring back this great tradition.”

“Spending the past year as the Chief Party Officer was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I want to thank Churchill Downs for entrusting me with the opportunity to pay homage to the millions of Derby fans that have called the infield home for many years,” said outgoing CPO Tim “Stymie” Snyder. “I’m going to spend this Derby enjoying my CPO emeritus status, checking out the new Infield Club, and firing back some mint juleps. I am also happy to serve as an advisor to ‘RiNickulous’ if he wants any tips. I’ve talked to the new CPO and believe me, the People’s Party is in good hands!”

Ferrara, 30, hails from Southern California and grew up across the street from the famed Santa Anita Race Course, which hosts the Santa Anita Derby, an annual Kentucky Derby prep race.  Ferrara has long held an interest in horse racing, having owned racehorses before.  He was selected from a group of more than 300 individuals who applied for 2009 CPO contest through www.ChiefPartyOfficer.com and through 2008 CPO Stymie Snyder’s visit to Super Bowl XLVIII in Tampa, Fla.

The perks to serving as the public ambassador for the Kentucky Derby infield, which annually draws approximately 100,000 fans during Derby weekend, are numerous. Not only will Ferrara serve as the official “spokesperson” for the infield and participate in numerous media interviews about infield party preparations, he will also preside over a specially designated CPO infield encampment throughout Derby weekend. The CPO’s luxurious “boardroom on wheels” will be a deluxe recreational vehicle that will offer food and hospitality, games and activities, and a photo booth to capture all of the craziness of the People’s Party.

Derby fans can check out the CPO’s official Facebook page, by visiting www.Facebook.com and typing “Chief Party Officer” in the search engine.  Visitors must be a Facebook member to view the page.  Registration is free.

“I know it seems early, but now is the time to start planning your trip to the People’s Party in the infield on Derby weekend,” Ferrara added. “Churchill Downs is making it really easy this year to buy tickets in advance, so you can save all of your cash for betting on the ponies and other ‘spirited’ activities. It’s really easy to go online to http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2009/tickets/buy and buy your general admission tickets right now with a Visa debit or credit card.  Tickets to the ‘Greatest Two Minutes in Sports’ are still a bargain at $40 while Kentucky Oaks tickets are only $25.  So if you and your friends want to have a blast Derby weekend, plan ahead and buy your tickets to the infield party now!”

As previously mentioned, Churchill Downs will again allow coolers into the infield on both Kentucky Oaks and Derby Days, a long-time tradition that was put on hold after Sept. 11, 2001, when Churchill Downs implemented more stringent security measures at the recommendation of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  This year, coolers will be allowed in the infield only and only through GATES 1 and 3. Cooler contents may include ice, non-alcoholic beverages (no glass containers permitted), and food items packaged in clear-plastic containers.  All coolers are subject to search by on-site security personnel.

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009.  The track’s 2009 Spring Meet will take place from April 25 through July 5.  Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010.  Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

Churchill Downs has launched the official Web site for the 2009 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, www.kentuckyderby.com, which will offer unparalleled coverage of the horse racing season leading up to the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. [asset|height=12|width=1] Employing advanced Web technology, the site serves as an all-inclusive online resource for the entire Kentucky Derby experience, from in-depth contender information to full-scale treatment of the lavish entertainment and party atmosphere that surrounds the historic event.

“Kentuckyderby.com brings together all the different elements of the Kentucky Derby experience into one user-friendly site,” said Jeremy Borseth, senior director of channel services and Internet operations for Churchill Downs Incorporated.  “It pays tribute to the time-honored traditions and pageantry of the ‘Run for the Roses,’ while at the same time reflecting the latest online technology to help fans stay informed.  Whether you’re a passionate racing fan, a Derby party host, or a newcomer attracted to the Kentucky Derby scene, you’ll find everything you need at Kentuckyderby.com, including how to buy tickets, where to go, and what to see in Louisville.”

Among the new components of the official Kentucky Derby 135 Web site is an expanded lifestyle and entertainment section, which includes Red Carpet and Derby celebrity photo galleries, information on the official Kentucky Derby Party program, and insider’s peeks at Millionaires Row and the boisterous infield.  Kentuckyderby.com will also serve as the online home for an exciting array of Kentucky Derby 135 events and programs, which will be unveiled in the weeks ahead.

A focal point of the 2009 Kentucky Derby Web site remains the “contenders” pages, which include videos, photographs, detailed pedigree analyses, workout information, and past performances.  These pages are supplemented by an area dedicated to Kentucky Derby prep races, which provides complete previews and recaps of every major prep race on the Kentucky Derby trail, including video replays, video analysis by Churchill Downs experts, past performance charts, official results, and stakes recaps.  The site also contains exclusive analysis videos and interviews, as well as comprehensive historical archives of past runnings of the Kentucky Derby.

A user-friendly navigation bar near the top of the Kentucky Derby site home page provides quick links to Kentucky Derby and Oaks ticketing information, a summary of Derby history and traditions, and a link to the official online Kentucky Derby Store, located at www.kentuckyderby.com/store, where fans may purchase officially licensed Kentucky Derby 135 apparel and souvenirs.

One popular item returning in 2009 is a suite of advanced interactive online tools that link visitors to Kentucky Derby content available through YouTube, Facebook, and other popular social networking platforms.  The site will offer weekly video podcasts, also available through Apple’s iTunes and YouTube, to provide the latest information on all major Kentucky Derby prep races and contenders.  From the site’s download section, fans may also enjoy free access to wallpaper, ringtones, and a host of other Derby-themed applications.

John Asher, who serves as vice president of racing communications for Churchill Downs, will be joined by Churchill Downs analyst Jill Byrne and expert handicapper James Scully as racing analysts in place for the 2009 Kentucky Derby Web site.  Bloodstock Research Information Services, an industry-leading data services company owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, is providing news content and pedigree information.  The site also features blogs by Justin Dew, who will analyze the racing and wagering aspects of the Kentucky Derby, and Caroline Smith, who will focus on the fashion and entertainment scene of Kentucky Derby 135.

The official Web site for the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks, www.kentuckyoaks.com, is expected to launch in March 2009.

Kentuckyderby.com is the official Web site of the Kentucky Derby and is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated. As one of the world’s premier sporting events and the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in May. The 135th running of this celebrated event is scheduled for May 2, 2009, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.  Approximately 150,000 people attend the Kentucky Derby in person, with more than 20 million people tuning in via television and radio worldwide.

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track.  Churchill Downs will conduct the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009.  The track’s 2009 Spring Meet will take place from April 25 through July 5.  Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on November 5 and 6, 2010.  Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

Churchill Downs will soon make Kentucky Derby dreams come true for 500 horse racing fans, as the racetrack today announced an expanded public drawing for guests to purchase two seats to the upcoming 135th "Run for the Roses," scheduled for May 2, 2009.  [asset|text=Click here for complete rules.|aid=3657|format=link|height=128|width=128]

Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 22, and continuing each live race day through closing day, Nov. 29, Churchill Downs will hold live drawings for reserved seats to Kentucky Derby 135.  Churchill Downs' guests will have one chance each day, for six days, to have their names drawn for the opportunity to purchase the reserved seats.  A total of 500 pairs of tickets, or 1,000 in total, will be made available for the public drawing.

"Our goal in creating the public drawing for the right to purchase reserved seats to the Kentucky Derby two years ago was to allow an even broader audience to enjoy America's premier horse race first-hand, especially racing fans from Louisville and neighboring communities who support Churchill Downs on a year-round basis," said Steve Sexton, president of Churchill Downs and executive vice president of Churchill Downs Incorporated.  "Setting aside reserved seats for the general public to purchase gives our fans added opportunities to personally experience the excitement and energy of the first Saturday in May.  This year, we wanted to expand the ways in which customers can become eligible for a chance to purchase tickets, and we believe this new format will allow even more opportunity for our guests to enjoy the ‘Run for the Roses' with us in 2009."

Churchill Downs' guests may enter each daily drawing by filling out an entry form with their contact information at Guest Services stations located inside Gate 17 or outside of Gate 10 in the clubhouse.  Entries must be completed and turned in to the Guest Services stations between the time gates open (11 a.m. EST on Nov. 22, 23, and 26, and 10 a.m. EST on Nov. 27-29) by 1:35 p.m. EST in order to be eligible for that day's drawing.  Individuals who wish to enter the drawing without paying an admission charge may do so at the Gate 10 Guest Services station, which is located outside of the Gate 10 admission booths.  Entries must be received by 1:35 p.m. in order to be eligible for that day's drawing.  No late entries will be admitted into the drawing.  Guests who miss the 1:35 p.m. deadline to enter may try again on the next racing day until Saturday, Nov. 29, closing day of the 2008 Fall Meet.

Entry forms are good for one drawing only.  For multiple chances to be selected, guests must visit on multiple days to complete a new entry form at each visit.

Following the fourth race (approximately 2 p.m.) on Nov. 22, 23 and 26 and following the sixth race on Nov. 27-29, Churchill Downs will draw from all eligible entries and announce over the public address system the names of those who have won the right to purchase two tickets to Kentucky Derby 135.  A total of 50 names will be drawn on Nov. 22 and 23, while 100 names will be drawn daily from Wednesday, Nov. 26, through closing day, Saturday, Nov. 29.  Winners will be announced after every race through the end of the race card.

Winners who are present should proceed to the Guest Services station at Gate 17 no later than 5 p.m., where they will be allowed to personally draw for their Kentucky Derby 135 reserved seats.  For winners who are not present by 5 p.m., a Churchill Downs guest services representative will draw on their behalf. 

All winners will be notified by Churchill Downs and will automatically be invoiced using the information provided on the entry form.  Payment for invoiced tickets will be due to Churchill Downs no later than Jan. 30, 2009.  No tickets will be distributed to winners until payment has been received in full.

Guests are eligible to enter once daily, and they may only win once for the duration of the contest.  Winners' names will be entered into Churchill Downs' records for Kentucky Derby 135 reserved seats.  Once an individual's name has been selected, that guest WILL NOT be eligible to enter the drawing again.

The seats available include a variety of clubhouse and grandstand seats, ranging from grandstand bleacher seats to clubhouse boxes.  The ticket prices per seat range from $88 to $207 ($176 to $414 per pair).  Seats will only be made available in pairs and cannot be purchased individually.

Customers must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the public drawing.  Employees of Churchill Downs Incorporated, Levy Restaurants and Brantley Services are not eligible to participate.

Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. The track's 2008 Fall Meet runs from October 26 through November 29. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders' Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on November 5 and 6, 2010.  Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

Churchill Downs racetrack has announced a freeze in most ticket prices for the 2009 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, allowing customers to purchase the majority of reserved seats and general admission at the same price levels offered in 2008.  The 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009, while Kentucky Derby 135 will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

"Our slowing economy is having a pronounced effect, and many of our customers have been affected in various ways as well," said Bob Evans, president and chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated.  "Although the Kentucky Derby occupies an elite spot in the world of sports and tickets are typically in high demand, we want to keep our price points at the same level to help our customers in this challenging economic climate.  Our fans are critical to our success, and we hope this announcement makes it easier for them to join us on the first Saturday in May next year to enjoy the excitement of Kentucky Derby 135."

The freeze in Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks ticket prices includes the majority of Churchill's permanent seats, as well as most temporary seating areas and general admission on the day of the events.  There will be a previously scheduled price increase by contract for customers in the 30-year personal seat license program, who are coming off a three-year price freeze by contract, and limited price increases in some luxury suites and for a handful of Marquee Village units adjacent to the Kentucky Derby Red Carpet venue, as well as a new price structure for a new reserved seating section in the infield that Churchill Downs will pilot in 2009.

Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009. The track's 2008 Fall Meet runs from October 26 through November 29. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders' Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on November 5 and 6, 2010.  Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.