Track News

(July 11, 2008) – Churchill Downs’ recently concluded Spring Meet was highlighted by memorable performances by equine stars such as “Horse of the Year” Curlin; Big Brown, the winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum!

Churchill Downs today launched the official Web site for the 2008 Kentucky Derby, www.kentuckyderby.com, and the official 2008 Kentucky Oaks Web site, www.kentuckyoaks.com.

Grand Obsession, the 2-1 favorite in a field of eight fillies and mares, rallied past 24-1 longshot Simply Seattle for a 2 ¾-length victory in Thursday’s $36,405 allowance feature at Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is accepting entries for the 2008 Red Smith Kentucky Derby Writing Contest, which annually recognizes outstanding print media coverage of the Kentucky Derby.

The Churchill Downs Foundation has contributed $100,000 to Every 1 Reads, a community-wide effort with a goal of having every child enrolled in Jefferson County Public Schools (“JCPS”) reading at or above their grade level.

Churchill Downs is still accepting applications for its “Chief Party Officer” (“CPO”) of the Kentucky Derby 134 infield, but time is growing short -- the deadline to apply is Sunday, April 13.

Officials with Churchill Downs Racetrack announced today that TwinSpires.com, the official advanced-deposit wagering (“ADW”) site for Churchill Downs Incorporated (the “Company”), and Xpressbet.com would be accepting wagers on the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum!

Churchill Downs will become the first racetrack in the United States to offer simulcasting in high definition (“HD”) when it opens its 2008 Fall Meet on Sunday, Oct. 26.  The HD signal will be rolled out progressively to select off-track betting locations (“OTBs”) and racetracks across the nation, as well as on-track in a variety of public areas.

(July 18, 2008) - The funeral service for popular track announcer Luke Kruytbosch, the "Voice of the Kentucky Derby" since 1999, will be held in Churchill Downs' paddock garden on Monday, July  21, at 1 p.m. ET.

(November 20, 2008) – Churchill Downs will offer free general admission Friday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 23 to all patrons who donate two non-perishable canned goods in conjunction with the Kentucky Harvest Thanksgiving Food Drive, sponsored by Forcht Bank.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 26, 2008) – Trackside at Churchill Downs will open early at 9 a.m. (all times Eastern) on Saturday, March 29, to import the six lucrative stakes races that comprise the 13th annual Dubai World Cup program from Nad Al Sheba Race Course in the United Arab Emirates.  

Churchill Downs Incorporated has partnered with Truly Indie and filmmakers John and Brad Hennegan to distribute their award-winning documentary The First Saturday in May to U.S. theatres for a week-long national run in 18 major markets starting Thursday, April 18. A special one-night Louisville, Ky., premiere is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, at The Louisville Palace Theatre.

(May 16, 2008) – Louisville-based UPS employees are expected to deliver strong support for their namesake Big Brown on Saturday at Churchill Downs as the historic racetrack hosts a “UPS Day at the Races” in conjunction with a simulcast of the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course.

Churchill Downs today announced that Matt Koontz, a 24-year-old horseplayer from Las Vegas, has won the 2008 Kentucky Derby “Road to the Roses” Fantasy Challenge, a free online contest sponsored by Quint Events.  In addition to the grand prize VIP trip for two to the 2009 Kentucky Derby, Koontz also collected a record $16,150.

A $28,754 carryover in the revamped Z-5 (Super Hi-5) awaits horse racing fans at Churchill Downs as bettors across North America attempt to correctly select the top five finishers in Thursday’s third race.

The Kentucky Derby “Road to the Roses” Fantasy Challenge, a free online contest that allows racing fans to manage a stable of Kentucky Derby contenders during the three-month buildup to the historic race, is now open for registration.

Near constant rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of fans at Churchill Downs as Proud Spell, the 3-1 favorite, worked her magic in Kentucky Oaks 134, dominating a field of 10 fillies as a crowd of 100,046 looked on, the ninth largest on-track gathering in Kentucky Oaks history.  The dreary weather, which forced fans from their seats during repeated downpours, did take its toll on wagering.

If unbeaten Big Brown wins Saturday’s $1 million Belmont Stakes, all fans in attendance at Churchill Downs that day will receive a free, limited edition commemorative Triple Crown print to be given away at the Louisville racetrack on Sunday, June 22.

The elite of the professional golfing world will combine with the best of Thoroughbred racing on Friday, Sept. 19, as historic Churchill Downs hosts “Soiree Under the Spires,” an exclusive gala that serves as the premier social event of The Cup Experience during Ryder Cup week in Louisville.

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.  Click here for complete rules.

The solid gold trophy that will be presented to the owner of the 3-year-old Thoroughbred that wins the $2 million-guaranteed Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3, arrived at the historic track on Thursday, March 27.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) ("CDI" or "Company") today provided an update on the status of negotiations between Churchill Downs Racetrack and the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association ("KHBPA") and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association regarding distribution of the Churchill Downs simulcast signal to national advance-deposit wagerin

Officials of the Breeders' Cup Ltd and Churchill Downs will make a major economic development announcement in a press conference scheduled at the historic racetrack on Wednesday, October 8 at 10:30 a.m. (EDT). The press conference is scheduled to be held in the Aristides Room on the 4th floor of the Churchill Downs clubhouse.

 

A colorful painting that depicts racing under the shadows of the Twin Spires by Atlanta-based artist Jeff Williams has been unveiled as the official art of the 2009 “Art of the Kentucky Derby” series that celebrates next year’s 135th renewals of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks.

Churchill Downs has been selected as the final resting place for 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, who was euthanized one year ago after a lengthy battle with laminitis. The announcement was made Tuesday by Barbaro’s owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, at a Churchill Downs news conference.

Following a traditional three-day break after the running of the $2 million-guaranteed Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I), Spring Meet racing resumes at Churchill Downs on Wednesday with large and enticing carryover pools in the track’s Pick 6 and new Super Hi-5 wagers. 

(June 6, 2008) – Popular Churchill Downs jockeys Miguel Mena and Brian Hernandez Jr. will be featured in the inaugural edition of “Jockey Talk” – a new program at the Louisville racetrack that will allow horse racing fans to mingle with their favorite race riders.

Churchill Downs annually helps to support local kids by collecting school supplies and other items to help children get their school year off on the right foot. This year, the employees of Churchill Downs racetrack and the corporate office worked together to support the students of our backside workers. The school supplies drive collected the following items:

Churchill Downs is introducing an exclusive new infield experience called the “Infield Club” for the 135th runnings of the Kentucky Derby and Oaks, allowing fans the opportunity to enjoy the exuberant party atmosphere of the infield with an upgraded twist.  Kentucky Derby 135 takes place on May 2, 2009, while Kentucky Oaks 135 will be run on Friday, May 1, 2009.

Churchill Downs Racetrack today announced that Mike Battaglia, who since 1997 has served as the host and racing analyst for the track’s televised simulcast signal, would be leaving that role prior to the start of Churchill Downs’ 134th Spring Meet.

Churchill Downs will again implement special hospitality and safety measures for the Kentucky Derby 134 and Kentucky Oaks 134. Patrons are advised to arrive early on both days to accommodate expanded search procedures at all entrance gates. All patrons are subject to being scanned by magnetic wands before entry to Churchill Downs.

Friday Happy Hours sponsored by Budweiser Select and Fischer's. $2 Budweiser Select and $2 Hot Dogs. Every Friday 4pm to 7pm. Friday Happy Hours Club Card You could win tickets to the 2009 Kentucky Derby and a $500 Visa Gift Card!

Officials of Churchill Downs Incorporated (“Company” or “CDI”) (NASDAQ: CHDN) and representatives of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (“FHBPA”) have come to agreements on a 2008 purse contract at Calder Race Course and on a slots contract for when the track begins slots operations on a yet-to-be-determined date.

Soft business levels stemming from the nation’s economic slowdown and the unresolved negotiations with horsemen over distribution of the Churchill Downs simulcast signal to national advance deposit wagering (“ADW”) outlets have prompted Churchill Downs to announce a 10 percent reduction in overnight purses for the remainder of its Fall Meet and reductions in purses for two of the meet’s

A field of 275 horseplayers is scheduled to gather in Las Vegas later this week to take a shot at record prize money and recognition as racing’s “Handicapper of the Year” in the ninth Daily Racing Form/National Thoroughbred Racing Association National Handicapping Championship (“NHC IX”), but only seven of those handicappers have a shot at a $1 million bonus offered by Churchill

A victory by a 49-1 longshot in Churchill Downs' 9th race on Wednesday made a single bettor an instant millionaire with the second-largest Pick 6 payout in track history.  But the prospect of another mammoth win remained in play as the track's new Super Hi-5 wager was not hit and a record carryover pool of $866,712 will be available for the wager on the final race o

Churchill Downs will open admission gates at 11:30 am ET on Friday, October 24, and 11 am ET on Saturday, October 25, for an action-packed two-day simulcast of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships from Santa Anita.

The board of directors of Churchill Downs Incorporated has elected James McDonald and Alex Rankin to the positions of director to serve until the 2010 annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders. The Company’s shareholders will be given an opportunity to vote to ratify the election of McDonald and Rankin at the 2009 annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders.

Directors John and Brad Hennegan and other special guests will be in attendance at the Louisville premiere of the riveting Kentucky Derby documentary, The First Saturday in May, on Sunday, April 13.

Roy and Gretchen Jackson, the owners of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, today announced that they have selected renowned equine sculptor Alexa King to portray Barbaro in bronze. The statue will become the focal point of Barbaro's official memorial and burial site at Churchill Downs.

The Breeders’ Cup and Churchill Downs Incorporated joined state and local officials on Wednesday to announce that the 2010 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held at historic Churchill Downs for a record seventh time.

On July 18, Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear announced Horses and Hope, an initiative she has created with the Kentucky Cancer Program. The project will foster work with the state's equine industry to identify new opportunities to provide breast cancer awareness, education, screening and treatment referral, as well as to raise funds to sustain programs into the future.

Churchill Downs welcomed outstanding Metro Louisville area high school students who are members of the 2008 Churchill Downs Governor's Scholars initiative to the historic home of the Kentucky Derby with a reception at the track on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Due to preparations for the Spring Meet and for Kentucky Derby 134 on Saturday, May 3, Churchill Downs will move simulcasting operations to its Trackside Louisville facility at 4520 Poplar Level Road from Wednesday, April 2, through Friday, April 25.  Simulcasting will also be available at Trackside Louisville on Kentucky Oaks Day, Friday, May 2; Kentucky Derby Day; and on Sunday, May 4.

Churchill Downs has established the dates for the three wagering pools that will comprise the track’s 2008 renewals of its Kentucky Derby Future Wager (“KDFW”) and Kentucky Oaks Future Wager (“KOFW”).

Churchill Downs Racetrack has been forced to cut purses by 20 percent, effective Wednesday, May 14, because the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (“KHBPA”) and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (“KTA”) have blocked the distribution of Churchill Downs’ simulcast signal to national advance-deposit wagering (“ADW”) sites, including TwinSpires.com., the o

Churchill Downs Incorporated has reached an agreement with the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority regarding procedures followed for assigning assistant starters during Kentucky Derby 134 on Saturday, May 3, 2008. CDI has agreed to pay an administrative assessment of $15,000, but does not admit any wrongdoing as part of the agreement

(Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008) – It’s sure to be a Happy Halloween for at least 10 college students on Friday, Oct. 31 at Churchill Downs as the Louisville, Ky.

Racing resumes under the Twin Spires on Saturday, April 26, and Churchill Downs’ official Web site is keeping pace with a new look and expanded features for the 2008 season. The redesigned Web site is available at www.churchilldowns.com.

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There's a new way to win big and fast at Churchill Downs!  Pick the first five finishers in the last race every day at Churchill, and you'll take down the big money! 

Eight Belles, the runner-up in Kentucky Derby 134 who was euthanized after suffering a catastrophic injury moments after the race, will be memorialized at the Kentucky Derby Museum on Sunday, Sept. 7. The service will be open to the public and is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. ET in the Museum's outdoor garden.

Churchill Downs, which became the nation's first racetrack to offer simulcasting in high definition ("HD") when it opened its 2008 Fall Meet on Oct. 26, has released a list of racetracks and off-track betting locations ("OTBs") across the United States where the HD signal is now available.

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.

Churchill Downs is open for simulcast wagering on Easter Sunday, March 23. Admission is free all day and and simulcasting includes Fair Grounds Race Course, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita. Gates open at noon.

 DENIS OF CORK EYES BELMONT, SET FOR MONDAY WORK

Churchill Downs will provide its fans an ideal way to ease into the three-day Independence Day holiday weekend and the closing weekend of its 52-day Spring Meet as it offers special “Holiday Happy Hours” during a pre-holiday weekend twilight racing program on Thursday, July 3.

The historic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs will be glowing pink both inside and out through the month of November as the home of the Kentucky Derby takes part in Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear’s “Horses and Hope   initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in the state’s horse industry.

Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay knows his recipes – and his horses. The host of the Food Network’s Emmy-awarding winning television show, “Boy Meets Grill,” is no stranger to the horse racing scene, having owned racehorses for a number of years after developing an affinity for the sport.

The largest Kentucky Derby crowd of the 21st century gathered under the historic Twin Spires to watch undefeated Derby favorite Big Brown power through the stretch and dominate a full field of 20 horses in the Grade I Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. 

Churchill Downs and six other historic and cultural sites in Metro Louisville were honored by the Louisville Historical League at the historic home of the Kentucky Derby on Thursday for being selected by voters as being among the community’s “7 Wonders of Louisville.”

Churchill Downs, Levy Restaurants Sports & Entertainment and Chef Gil Logan, the executive chef for the historic home of the Kentucky Derby and Levy Restaurants, will present “Beef vs. Bison,” an unforgettable evening of cooking demonstrations and dining to benefit Kosair Children’s Hospital, from 6-10 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, Aug.

Churchill Downs will again offer Kentucky Derby fans a rare opportunity to grab hard-to-get tickets to the "Run for the Roses" when the historic track hosts another public drawing on Saturday, April 5, for fans to purchase two reserved seats for the $2 million-guaranteed Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum!

Roy and Gretchen Jackson, the owners of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, will join Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby Museum representatives for a news conference on Thursday, May 1, to introduce the artist that has been selected to create a permanent memorial honoring Barbaro.  The Kentucky Derby 132 winner died in January 200

Good afternoon, As you may already be aware, Churchill Downs Incorporated is currently involved in a dispute with horsemen that is affecting Churchill Downs racetrack and Calder Race Course in particular. I want to take a few moments to explain what’s going on and what CDI is doing to resolve this matter.

Jockey Robby Albarado, a finalist for last year's Eclipse Award as America's leading jockey who ranks seventh among the all-time riding leaders at Churchill Downs, earned his first "leading rider" title under the historic Twin Spires as the home of the Kentucky Derby wrapped up its 52-day Spring Meet on Sunday, July 6. 

With the 2009 “Run for the Roses” only six months away, Churchill Downs today unveiled the official logos for Kentucky Derby 135 and its companion event, Kentucky Oaks 135, as fans at the historic racetrack enjoyed the “Stars of Tomorrow I” racing program, featuring 11 races for 2-year-old Thoroughbreds that could shortly be on the 2009 Kentucky Derby and Oaks trails.  The Kentucky Der

Roy and Gretchen Jackson, the owners of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, will participate in a news conference at Churchill Downs on Tuesday, Jan. 29, to make a special announcement.

National Thoroughbred Racing Association President and CEO Alex Waldrop and Thoroughbred racing industry leaders outlined a series of industry-wide safety and integrity reforms at a press conference in New York on Wednesday, Oct. 15.  The NTRA also announced the creation of a new Safety and Integrity Alliance, comprised of the largest tracks and horsemen’s groups in the U.S.

(June 9, 2008) – Churchill Downs will begin testing a new wagering format with on-track customers Wednesday that allows patrons to bundle win, exacta and trifecta plays at a lower price per bet.

Churchill Downs Incorporated has presented a check for $25,347 to the Kentucky Derby Museum to help in the funding and development of education programs at the museum.  Those programs benefit the more than 22,000 students from schools throughout the region who visit the museum each year.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 9, 2008) – International has been named the official truck of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, officials announced Tuesday, April 8, at the historic Louisville, Ky. racetrack. Churchill Downs Incorporated and Navistar Inc. have agreed to a two-year deal.

Churchill Downs kicks off its 134th Spring Meet and the celebration of Kentucky Derby Week on Saturday, April 26, as the historic home of the “Run for the Roses” opens its 52-day spring session with an 11-race program headed by the 84th running of the $100,000-added Derby Trial.

Eight Belles, the runner-up in Kentucky Derby 134 who was euthanized after suffering a catastrophic injury moments after the race, will be honored by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) (“Churchill Downs”) through a series of charitable contributions and initiatives announced today, including the interment of her remains at the Kentucky Derby Museum.  The announcement was made in conj

Luke Kruytbosch, the announcer at historic Churchill Downs and the “Voice of the Kentucky Derby” since 1999, has died. His body was found Monday morning in an apartment Kruytbosch (pronounced KRITE-boss) was renting in Evansville, Ind.  No official cause of death has been announced, but published reports indicate that it appears that he had died of natural causes.

As part of the ongoing charitable efforts of Churchill Downs racetrack to benefit the Louisville community, Churchill recently donated $5,000 to Harbor House of Louisville, an organization that provides high-quality training and care for adults with developmental disabilities.  The donation will be used by Harbor House to fund programs in conjunction with the Luci Center, a Shelbyville, Ky.-ba