Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Churchill Downs officials will present donation checks totaling $223,346 on Thursday, June 24, to four charitable organizations that benefited from fundraising partnerships with the Kentucky Oaks and the new Taste of Derby Presented by Yum Brands™, a new event introduced during Kentucky Derby Week.

Representatives of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Horses and Hope, Dare to Care and The World Food Programme will be at the historic home of the Kentucky Derby Thursday afternoon to accept checks for the donations to their respective organizations and causes.  The donations will be presented to those groups during in the winner’s circle following the seventh race, which has a scheduled post time of 3:57 p.m. (EDT).

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world, will receive a check for $118,346 to help fund the search for a cure for breast cancer.  That donation grows out of the second year of the fundraising partnership between Komen for the Cure and the Kentucky Oaks, America’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies held on the eve of the Kentucky Derby. 

Churchill Downs pledged to donate $1 for each person who attended the 2010 renewal of the Oaks, and a record crowd of 116,046 poured through the track’s admission gates on Friday, April 30.  Also included in the Komen fundraising total is $2,300 in winnings from the “Kentucky Oaks Dream Bet,” in which the track wagered $1,000 on each of the 14 fillies that competed in the race.  The winner was the favored Blind Luck, who paid $4.60 for each $2 win wager.

The partnership of Komen for the Cure and the Kentucky Oaks has generated $218,346 in breast cancer research funding during its first two years.

A check for $30,000 will be presented to Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear to benefit her Horses and Hope breast cancer outreach initiative in Kentucky’s horse industry.  Horses and Hope provides breast cancer screening and education to stable workers and other employees at Kentucky racetracks.  The check to be accepted by Mrs. Beshear represents the fulfillment of a Churchill Downs pledge to donate $1 from the sale of each of “Oaks Lily,” the signature drink of the Kentucky Oaks, on the day of the race.

The donations to the United Nations World Food Programme and Louisville’s  Dare to Care Food Bank grew out of the inaugural Taste of Derby, a celebration of food, racing and style hosted by Churchill Downs, which was held at Louisville’s Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center on Thursday, April 29.  The World Food Programme and Dare to Care are key partners in Taste of Derby’s presenting sponsor, Yum! Brands, own World Hunger Relief initiative, the world’s largest private-sector, hunger-relief effort.  Each program received half of the $70,000 in designated proceeds from the 2010 Taste of Derby.

“The fundraising efforts championed by Churchill Downs and these great organizations have produced exciting results, and we are pleased to formally present these contributions to our partners for work that is making a substantial difference in the lives of so many people,” said Dana Johnson, director of community relations for Churchill Downs.  “Kentucky Derby Week and the annual celebration of the Kentucky Oaks have long been important parts of life in this community and region, and it is very gratifying to Churchill Downs and our partners to see these celebrations help to raise critical funding for people in need in our community and beyond.”

Got pink? Churchill Downs and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, are issuing the people of Louisville a challenge to “Get Your Pink On!” each Friday leading up to the 136th running of the Kentucky Oaks to honor breast cancer survivors.

Pink is the official color of both breast cancer awareness and the April 30 Kentucky Oaks – the Kentucky Derby’s companion event for 3-year-old fillies; therefore, Churchill Downs, in conjunction with its Oaks Day charitable partner Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is staging its second PINK OUT at the track on Oaks Day. All Oaks attendees are encouraged to wear pink or to incorporate pink into their attire for the day to show their support.

To celebrate PINK FRIDAYS during the month of April, Churchill Downs and its PINK PATROL will award a local business, restaurant, school and boutique that best “Pinks Out” its establishment with pink decorations, trim, products and clothing. Weekly winners will receive a surprise Friday afternoon visit by the Churchill Downs PINK PATROL with free third floor grandstand box seats for six on Kentucky Oaks Day. In addition, all winners will be saluted and recognized on Kentucky Oaks Day during a winner’s circle ceremony in conjunction with the 12th race.

To participate, simply log onto Facebook.com, search Kentucky Oaks (Brand/Company), “Become A Fan” of Kentucky Oaks and post your “PINK OUT” photo on the official Kentucky Oaks Facebook page.

PINK FRIDAYS’ weekly PINK PATROL prize schedule:

·    Businesses and Restaurants – Post “PINK OUT” photos by Wednesday, April 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET; winner to be announced Friday, April 9;
·    Schools – Post “PINK OUT” photos by Wednesday, April 14 at 11:59 p.m. ET; winner to be announced Friday, April 16; and
·    Boutiques – Post “PINK OUT” photos by Wednesday, April 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET; winner to be announced Friday, April 23.

Continuing a commitment to new Kentucky Oaks Day traditions established a year ago, Churchill Downs and Susan G. Komen for the Cure renewed their partnership to raise funds to aid in breast cancer awareness and research through Kentucky Oaks Day events.

The Kentucky Oaks will once again be televised live on NBC Sports’ sister cable network Bravo from 5-6 p.m. EDT. The one-hour broadcast will spotlight the 1 1/8-mile Oaks with an additional focus on fashion, cuisine, the celebrity experience associated with Kentucky Oaks Day and Churchill Downs’ renewed partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

For more information on the Kentucky Oaks, please visit www.KentuckyOaks.com.

About Churchill Downs Incorporated
    Churchill Downs Incorporated, (“CDI”), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates four world renowned Thoroughbred racing facilities: Arlington Park in Illinois, Calder Casino and Race Course in Florida, Churchill Downs Race Track in Kentucky and Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in Louisiana.  CDI operates slot and gaming operations in Louisiana and Florida.  CDI tracks are host to North America’s most prestigious races, including the Arlington Million, the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, the Louisiana Derby and the Princess Rooney, along with hosting the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5-6, 2010.  CDI also owns off-track betting facilities, TwinSpires.com and other advance-deposit wagering channels, television production, telecommunications and racing service companies such as BRIS and a 50-percent interest in the national cable and satellite network, HorseRacing TV, which supports CDI’s network of simulcasting and racing operations.  CDI’s Entertainment Group produces the HullabaLOU Music Festival at Churchill Downs Racetrack which premieres on July 23-25, 2010.  CDI trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

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TIME TO ‘THINK PINK’ AS KENTUCKY OAKS, SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE® RENEW PARTNERSHIP -- Churchill Downs and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world's largest breast cancer organization, officially renewed their partnership on Wednesday, Feb. 17, to raise funds to aid in breast cancer awareness and research during Kentucky Oaks Day, Friday, April 30.

The 136th running of the $500,000-added Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) and activities surrounding America’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies will again be televised live by the Bravo Network in partnership with its parent company, NBC Universal.  Churchill Downs Incorporated has pledged to donate $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every person in attendance on Kentucky Oaks Day.  Last year's race won by eventual Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra attracted a crowd of 104,867.

Oaks Day events will include a "PINK OUT," which encourages all Oaks attendees to incorporate pink into their attire for the day; a moving Survivors Parade; First Lady of Fashion Contest; and a special Kentucky Oaks winner's circle formed by breast cancer survivors.

SOUTH / DEVIL MAY CARE HEADS SILVERBULLETDAY – After a poor run over synthetic footing in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G!) at Santa Anita, Devil May Care looks to make amends in her 2010 debut in Saturday’s 1 1/16-mile Silverbulletday (GIII) at New Orleans’ Fair Grounds.

The Todd Pletcher-trained winner of Belmont Park’s Frizette (GI) finished 11th behind champion She Be Wild in the Breeders’ Cup, her only loss in three starts.

“She hated the synthetic track,” said Pletcher.

Other contenders in Saturday’s race include Jody Slew, upset winner of the Tiffany Lass Stakes at Fair Grounds for trainer Bret Calhoun, and the Dale Romans-trained Quiet Temper, winner of the Delta Princess (GIII) and the beaten favorite in that race..

FLORIDA / CHAMPION SHE BE WILD NOMINATED TO DAVONA DALE – She Be Wild, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) and the champion 2-year-old filly of 2009, heads the roster of 3-year-old fillies nominated to the Davona Dale (GII) at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 27.

Also among the nominees is Bickersons, a seven-length winner in the Forward Gal (GII) on Jan. 31 over a field that included She Be Wild, and the Dale Romans-trained Sassy Image, winner of the Pocahontas (GIII) and Golden Rod (GII) in November at Churchill Downs.

WEST / TORNADO SET TO ROAR IN OAKS – Tornado Betty, considered the top 3-year-old filly at Turf Paradise in Phoenix, is favored in Saturday’s $25,000 Arizona Oaks.  The winner of the Arizona Juvenile Filly will be challenged by Pocketful, an eight-length maiden winner in January.

Two organizations dedicated to raising funds for the ongoing search for a cure for breast cancer shared the spotlight Saturday at Churchill Downs as the historic home of the Kentucky Derby presented donations totaling $130,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure©, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, and Kentucky-based Horses and Hope.

The track presented a check for $100,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of the first-ever partnership between the worldwide breast cancer organization and the Kentucky Oaks, the historic race for 3-year-old fillies witnessed by 104,867 at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1. 

Many of those fans were dressed is Komen’s signature pink to show support for the effort to find a cure from breast cancer as the spectacular day of racing was filled with outreach and information activities.  One of the most dramatic moments of Oaks Day was a parade of breast cancer survivors on the track beneath the venerable Twin Spires prior to the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks.

Churchill Downs Director of Community Relations presented the $100,000 check for Komen for the Cure to Edward Addams, director of Susan G. Komen Lexington, and Dee Vance of the organization’s Louisville office.  The check presentation was conducted in the winner’s circle after Saturday’s sixth race at Churchill Downs.

    Komen for the Cure Vice President, Marketing Katrina McGhee had been scheduled to participate in the presentation of the donation, but problems with air travel prevented her from making the journey to Louisville.

    Johnson also presented a $30,000 check from Churchill Downs to Horses and Hope, a Kentucky-based breast cancer outreach and awareness initiative launched by First Lady Jane Beshear and the Kentucky Cancer Program.  Horses and Hope focuses on workers in Kentucky’s horse industry who might not otherwise have access to breast cancer education, screening and early detection programs. 

    The check is part of Churchill Downs’ ongoing partnership with the First Lady’s initiative.  Accepting that donation in the winner’s circle ceremony were Connie Sorrell, director of the Kentucky Cancer Program regional office at the University of Louisville, Mary Midkiff of Horses and Hope, Anita Cauley of the First Lady’s “Pink Team,” and Patricia “P.J.” Cooksey, the all-time leading female jockey at Churchill Downs and a breast cancer survivor who is active in the “Horses and Hope” program.

For information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877-GO KOMEN.

Information on Horses and Hope is available at www.horsesandhope.org.

While many of America’s top horses will be competing in the $600,000 Stephen Foster Handicap and four other major races at Churchill Downs on Saturday, the search for a cure for breast cancer will also be in the spotlight as the historic track presents a $100,000 check to Susan G. Komen for the Cure©, the world’s largest breast cancer organization.

    The $100,000 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the result of the fundraising partnership between the organization and the $500,000-added Kentucky Oaks, America’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies renewed for the 135th consecutive year at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 1.  Many of the 104,867 people who attended the race were dressed in Komen for the Cure’s signature shade of pink as Oaks fans were urged “Think Pink” to show support of the effort to find a cure of breast cancer.

    The special day of racing was packed with activities designed to raise awareness of breast cancer, including an emotional parade of breast cancer survivors on the track shortly before the running of the Kentucky Oaks.  The day was capped by a breathtaking Oaks victory by Rachel Alexandra, who won the race by a record 20 ¼ lengths.

    Scheduled to accept the $100,000 check from Churchill Downs on Saturday is Katrina McGhee, vice president, Marketing for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Also scheduled to be present are Bob Silverthorn and Dee Vance of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Louisville.

    Churchill Downs will also present a check for $30,000 as a donation to Horses and Hope, a breast cancer outreach and awareness initiative in Kentucky’s horse industry that was founded by Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear and the Kentucky Cancer Program.  Horses and Hope works with workers at Kentucky racetracks and horse farms to raise breast cancer awareness and provide opportunities for education, screening and early detection of breast cancer.

    Scheduled to accept the $10,000 donation for Horses and Hope will be Connie Sorrell, director of the Kentucky Cancer Program regional office at the University of Louisville, Mary Midkiff of Horses and Hope, and Anita Cauley of the First Lady’s “Pink Team.”

    The check presentations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Horses and Hope are set to occur after the sixth race, which has a scheduled post time of 3:35 p.m. EDT.

For information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877-GO KOMEN.

Information on Horses and Hope is available at www.horsesandhope.org.

Churchill Downs Racetrack, host of the Kentucky Derby® and the Kentucky Oaks®, wants you to help support the fight against breast cancer by purchasing tickets to Kentucky Oaks 135 at www.KentuckyOaks.com/Komen! The Kentucky Oaks is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2009, one day before the famed “Run for the Roses.”

To help raise money and awareness for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Churchill Downs has planned an exciting day of events for race-goers. There will be a “First Lady of Fashion” contest, Survivors Parade and even the first-ever Kentucky Oaks winner’s circle formed by breast cancer survivors. Churchill Downs will also create special areas in the infield where Komen for the Cure supporters can gather and enjoy Oaks Day.  Komen survivors and supporters will also have a chance to meet Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, who will be honored as the inaugural First Lady of Oaks.

Here’s how it works.  Churchill Downs will donate at least $100,000 to Komen from funds from Kentucky Oaks 135 general admission and reserve seating attendance.  If Komen survivors and supporters at Oaks 135 sets a new attendance record (current Oaks Day record is 111,243), Churchill Downs will donate $1 for every Oaks attendee, up to a maximum donation of $135,000.  Komen supporters will also have the chance to purchase tickets to two Infield Suites that will be specifically reserved for them.  Komen will receive $100 for every designated Infield Suite ticket sold.

With pink being the official color of the day, Churchill Downs is staging a total “Pink Out” at the track on Oaks Day. So pull out your cutest or most handsome pink outfit and show your support!

Even if you can’t make it to Louisville, you can get involved by visiting www.kentuckyderbyparty.com for a specially designed Passionately Pink for the Cure ® branded invitation and everything needed to throw an Oaks or Derby party as a fundraiser at home.

To build on the excitement of the day, Bravo will air a special featuring the food, fashion and celebrity experience associated with Kentucky Oaks Day! The program will include special on-track events related to the new partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and will air from 5-6 p.m. EDT on May 1.

And as if things couldn’t get any more exciting, “Top Chef: The Tour” will be part of Churchill’s new Infield Club hospitality area.  The Top Chef Tour stop at the Kentucky Oaks will feature some of the show’s “chef’testants” hosting four interactive shows in the Infield Club, with limited reserved seating available. Cooking demonstrations, gourmet tips, show secrets and food tastings will be highlighted from the Top Chef Tour unit, a state-of-the-art customized traveling kitchen with expansive space to accommodate cooks and fans alike.  Top Chef: The Tour will also include trivia contests, information kiosks, and an opportunity for Infield Club guests to interact with the “chef’testants.”

Churchill Downs will also help to raise money for Horses and Hope, a breast cancer initiative of Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear and the Kentucky Cancer Program, on Oaks Day.

For more information on the Kentucky Oaks and the partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, please visit http://ww5.komen.org/ContentSimpleLeft.aspx?id=16122&terms=Oaks and follow @komenforthecure and @derbyoaks on Twitter.
 
About Churchill Downs
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.
 
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.3 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
 
About Bravo
Bravo is a program service of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Bravo has been an NBC cable network since December 2002 and was the first television service dedicated to film and the performing arts when it launched in December 1980.  Information about Bravo can be found on the Internet at www.bravotv.com.