Bob Evans

For the first time in its history the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held at Churchill Downs, Inc (“CDI”) in consecutive years as officials from Breeders’ Cup Ltd, Churchill Downs and Commonwealth of Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear made the announcement at a news conference this morning at the racetrack.

The 2011 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious two-day event, annually attracts the best horses from North America and Europe. It is the richest prize money event in sports, with more than $26 million in purses offered over the two-day event, which will be held on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5. 2011. The Breeders’ Cup will be televised on ABC/ESPN and to more than 130 countries around the world.

The 28th Breeders’ Cup will mark a record eighth time that the Championships will be held at Churchill Downs - the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby. This year’s Breeders’ Cup will be conducted on Nov. 5, 6.  Previous editions of the Breeders’ Cup were held at Churchill Downs in 1988, 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000 and in 2006.   The previous six runnings have had an average attendance of 73,556, with an all-time single day Breeders’ Cup crowd of 80,452 at the 1998 event. The 2006 event, which was attended by 76,132 fans, also produced all-time Breeders’ Cup records for single day on-track handle, $18,259,971, and the total worldwide single day wagering mark of $140,332,198. 

“I am thrilled that Kentucky’s iconic Churchill Downs, home of the legendary Kentucky Derby, has been selected to host the 2011 Breeders’ Cup World Championships,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “The 28th Breeders Cup will mark a record eight times that Churchill has hosted the Breeders’ Cup and will be the first time it has hosted this prestigious race for two consecutive years. Jane and I congratulate Churchill Downs on this accomplishment and we look forward to joining the thousands of spectators who will attend these events.”

Governor Beshear was joined by Breeders’ Cup Chairman William S. Farish Jr. and Breeders’ Cup President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Avioli, Churchill Downs Incorporated President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Evans, Bill Carstanjen, Chief Operating Officer of Churchill Downs, Inc., and Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery.

“The prospect of consecutive years at Churchill Downs combined with Kentucky’s strong business climate and legislative incentives are sure to make the event a tremendous success for the Breeders’ Cup, greater Louisville and the state,” said Breeders’ Cup Chairman William S. Farish, Jr.  “Churchill Downs continues to be one of the world’s greatest racing facilities, and is extremely popular with our horsemen and fans. We are enjoying an excellent relationship with Bob Evans and the Churchill management team. On behalf of our Board and Trustees and the racing and breeding industry which benefit the Breeders’ Cup, we appreciate Churchill’s continued enthusiasm and support in extending our relationship for the 2011 World Championships.”

“The return of the Breeders’ Cup for a second consecutive year in 2011 is good news for Kentucky and Churchill Downs as it underscores the importance of the event and our track to life and the economic vitality in our state and region,” said Evans.  “Nearly a half-million fans from around the world have witnessed some of racing’s most dramatic moments during the record six previous visits by the Breeders’ Cup to our historic track.  From its first stop in 1988, the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs has been one of our industry’s greatest celebrations and its return in 2011 provides another wonderful economic development opportunity for our city, state and region.  We are pleased to welcome the two-day Breeders’ Cup championship in 2011 to complete its first back-to-back visits to Churchill Downs and our city.”

Over the past four years, the, Breeders’ Cup World Championships has experienced unprecedented growth, with total races expanding from eight to 14, and total purses increasing from $14 million to $26 million. This year’s Breeders’ Cup will be the first at Churchill under the two-day format. It will also be the first Breeders’ Cup in which both days of the Championships will finish under the lights. 

Like every prolific sporting championship, the Kentucky Derby® is the culmination of months – even years – of preparation, determination and the heart-felt desire to win America’s greatest race for horses.  For many, the chance to compete in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and not making the cut means saying goodbye to a dream.

Just like the road to the Super Bowl, World Series and Final Four, teams of Thoroughbred horses, owners, trainers and jockeys must perform well in schedule of preparatory races – a playoff series – in order to earn a start in the “Run for the Roses.”  

The newly launched “Road to the Kentucky Derby” television series, produced in partnership by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CDHN) and NBC Sports, will take viewers into the middle of this gutsy competition and show them the intense commitment made by both human beings and horses chasing the Kentucky Derby dream.

The three-part series, slated to run on consecutive Saturdays from March 27 through April 10, will provide live coverage of six Derby prep races, key competitions that contenders must win to earn a coveted spot in the Derby’s 20-horse starting gate.  The series will also give viewers at home a sense of the spectacle surrounding a day at the races, including snapshots of the fashion, food, famous faces and racing’s real “characters” – the fans – to draw viewers into the social scene that makes racetracks the ultimate source for entertainment.  
    
    “We are excited to partner with NBC Sports on this new approach to televised horse racing, which has helped us grow viewership for the Kentucky Derby telecast over the last three years,” said Bob Evans, president and chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated.  “Derby prep races are still the focal points of each telecast, and viewers will have the chance to invest themselves in the compelling storylines of Derby hopefuls as they earn a berth in America’s premier horse race. By blending traditional sports coverage with feature and lifestyle stories, we will offer entertainment programming that appeals to a broad audience, including women and younger viewers, while widely distributing live racing coverage for our core fans.”

    The broadcast schedule for the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series is as follows:

SATURDAY, MARCH 27 (USA Network, Fair Grounds, 5-6 p.m. ET):
Grade II, $750,000 Louisiana Derby, 1 1/8 miles, Fair Grounds
Grade II, $500,000 Lane’s End, 1 1/8 miles, Turfway Park

SATURDAY, APRIL 3 (NBC Sports, Santa Anita, 5-6 p.m. ET):
Grade I, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby, 1 1/8 miles, Santa Anita
Grade I, $750,000 Wood Memorial, 1 1/8 miles, Aqueduct

SATURDAY, APRIL 10 (NBC Sports, Keeneland, 5-6 p.m. ET):
Grade I, $1 million Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8 miles, Oaklawn Park
Grade I, $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass, 1 1/8 miles, Keeneland

    While viewers take in the action at home, fans at the track will have the chance to enjoy the “DreamBet” of a lifetime. Churchill Downs Incorporated will sponsor a special promotion at each of the broadcast host tracks for the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series, allowing on-track patrons to enter a drawing for the opportunity for a free $10,000 wager on the broadcast host track’s race. A winning fan will be drawn at random during the course of the racing program at each broadcast host track.  Churchill Downs will then place a $10,000 “win” wager on the horse the winning contestant at each host site selects in the following races:

·    Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on March 27;
·    Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita Park on April 3; and
·    Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland Race Course on April 10.

    Viewers at home can watch to see if the contestant wins big as the race unfolds.  Churchill Downs Incorporated piloted a similar wagering concept during its three “Downs After Dark” night racing events in the summer of 2009 that proved extremely popular with fans of all ages and wagering experience levels.  For more information and to review official rules for each “DreamBet,” Sweepstakes visit www.KentuckyDerby.com/dreambet.

    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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An evening of exquisite cuisine and entertainment has been added to the roster of Kentucky Derby Week festivities as Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (NASDAQ: CHDN) today announced plans to host Taste of Derby™ presented by Yum! Brands, an event that will showcase nationally known chefs and restaurants from popular horse racing destinations around the country. A portion of proceeds raised through Taste of Derby will benefit the Dare to Care Food Bank and the United Nations World Food Programme in support of YUM’s ongoing partnership with these two hunger relief organizations.  

The inaugural Taste of Derby will be held Thursday, April 29 – two days before the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and on the eve of the Kentucky Oaks – beginning at 7 p.m. EDT at the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center, which is located near the heart of downtown Louisville.

The event will feature 10 premier chefs from around the country – each representing a major racetrack and its respective culinary region – serving their signature dishes. The event will also feature live entertainment and a live charitable auction. All proceeds from the auction will benefit Taste of Derby’s partner charities.

Already confirmed for Taste of Derby are James Beard Award-winner Michelle Bernstein of Miami’s modern bistro Michy’s (Calder Casino & Race Course); Stephen Lewandowski of Manhattan’s landmark restaurant Tribeca Grill (Belmont Park); Tory McPhail of New Orleans’ famous Commander’s Palace (Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots); Ouita Michel of Midway, Ky.’s historic Holly Hill Inn (Keeneland); Nancy Silverton of Los Angeles’ La Brea Bakery and Pizzeria Mozza; and alumni from Bravo’s hit television program Top Chef. More premier chefs will be announced at a later date.

    Additionally, Churchill Downs will select two Louisville chefs to represent its world-famous racetrack and the city of Louisville. Area chefs are invited to submit a menu that best represents the personality and flavors of Louisville and Kentucky. Entries should be sent to TasteofDerby@KyDerby.com no later than Friday, Feb. 12. The menus will be judged by a panel of local food critics and industry experts. Three finalists will be announced Feb. 16 with the winners crowned on March 1. The winners also will be featured in Taste of Derby promotional materials and their recipes will be published on the Derby party-planning website http://www.KentuckyDerbyParty.com.

    Tickets to Taste of Derby will go on sale on Churchill Downs’ new online box office http://Tickets.ChurchillDowns.com on Friday, Feb. 5. General admission is $250 (cocktail chic attire) and will offer patrons tastings and wine pairings from each premier chef station as well as the opportunity to dine alongside famous horse racing personalities and celebrities. The VIP ticket package for $350 also includes admission to a special VIP reception at 6 p.m. and a commemorative gift bag. Additionally, a limited number of reserved tables of eight (8) will be sold for $4,000.
 
 “We’re thrilled to introduce Taste of Derby, which we believe will be the perfect kickoff to Kentucky Derby weekend,” said Bob Evans, Churchill Downs Incorporated president and chief executive officer. “For more than a century, the Kentucky Derby has brought together great horses and great people from all over the country. Great food – a long-time staple of the Derby experience – brings people together, too, and some of the nation’s culinary capitals also happen to be racing cities with tracks that hold Derby prep races and Triple Crown events. It’s only fitting that Taste of Derby showcase the first-class cuisine that can be found in America’s top racing markets while positively impacting hunger relief efforts in the communities where those tracks are located.”

Louisville-based Yum! Brands, Inc., (NYSE:YUM), the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver’s and A&W Restaurants, has been the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby since 2006, and is also the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Taste of Derby.

“We are proud to partner with Churchill Downs on Taste of Derby to help raise awareness and funds for our two key partners, Dare to Care Food Bank and the United Nations World Food Programme,” said Jonathan Blum, senior vice president of Yum! Brands Inc. “As the world’s largest restaurant company, we believe it is our privilege and responsibility to help those less fortunate who don’t have enough to eat by moving them from hunger to hope.”

For more than 15 years, Yum! has donated nearly $50 million of prepared food annually to homeless shelters and soup kitchens in the U.S. Additionally, Yum! has been the primary sponsor of Dare to Care Food Bank for nine years, donating $9 million. In 2007, Yum! created World Hunger Relief, the world’s largest private-sector, hunger-relief effort that raises awareness, volunteerism and funds for the United Nations World Food Programme, raising nearly $60 million for WFP and other hunger relief organizations since the program’s inception. The efforts have provided approximately 250 million nutrition—fortified meals, mostly to women in children, in remote corners of the world. The Company’s 1.4 million employees, franchisees and their families have volunteered 15 million hours to aid hunger relief agencies around the globe. In late January at the World Economic Forum, YUM was recognized by the United Nations World Food Programme as its “Corporate Partner of the Year,” underscoring the impact the company is having on world hunger relief.

Other Taste of Derby corporate partners include Woodford Reserve (Silver Sponsor), Galt House Hotel & Suites, Gateway Press, Sullivan University and The Cubero Group.

Churchill Downs has also teamed with celebrated restaurateur Wayne Kostroski for the inaugural Taste of Derby. Kostroski, who will receive the James Beard Foundation’s 2010 Humanitarian of the Year award, founded Taste of the NFL, the popular fundraising benefit held annually on the eve of the Super Bowl. Taste of the NFL, which also raises funds to fight world hunger, was established in 1992.

“I have been fortunate enough to have worked in one of the most exciting and generous industries, the hospitality services industry,” Kostroski said. “Because of the long-time relationship working with some of the most talented chefs in America through Taste of the NFL, it is particularly special to have the opportunity to partner them with one of America’s most prestigious events, the Kentucky Derby, to fight hunger. We are all honored to be part of the launch of America’s next big event in the fight against hunger, Taste of Derby.”

    For additional information about Dare to Care Food Bank and World Food Programme, visit DareTo Care.org and WFP.org, respectively.

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 & 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.

About Yum! Brands, Inc.
Yum! Brands, Inc., (NYSE:YUM) based in Louisville, Kentucky, is the world’s largest restaurant company in terms of system restaurants, with more than 36,000 restaurants in over 110 countries and territories. The company is ranked #239 on the Fortune 500 List, with revenues in excess of $11 billion in 2008. Four of the Company’s restaurant brands – KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Long John Silver’s – are the global leaders of the chicken, pizza, Mexican–style food and quick–service seafood categories, respectively. Outside the United States, the Yum! Brands system opened more than four new restaurants each day of the year, making it a leader in international retail development. The company has consistently been recognized for its reward and recognition culture, diversity leadership, community giving, and consistent shareholder returns.  In 2007, the company launched World Hunger Relief, the world’s largest private sector hunger relief effort to raise awareness, volunteerism and funds to benefit the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other hunger relief agencies. To date, this effort has raised nearly $60 million for the WFP and other hunger relief agencies and is helping to provide approximately 250 million meals and save the lives of millions of people in remote corners of the world.  

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Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) and NBC Sports have announced a partnership to present three broadcasts featuring six Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown prep races this spring leading up to the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on NBC Sports on Saturday, May 1. The three one-hour broadcasts, two on NBC and one on USA Network, will include the Louisiana Derby, Lane’s End Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial, Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and Arkansas Derby. The announcement was made Jan. 11 by Bob Evans, President and CEO, Churchill Downs Incorporated and Ken Schanzer, President, NBC Sports.
    
The shared vision of Churchill Downs and NBC Sports’ successful “Big Event Strategy” led to the 2009 Kentucky Derby being the most viewed Derby in two decades with a more than 26% increase in viewers since the strategy was launched in 2007. Each of the three, one-hour “Road to the Kentucky Derby” broadcasts will feature stakes races and handicapping segments in addition to lifestyle elements designed to broaden the audience for these races and to drive viewership of the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown.  

“This approach has been effective in bringing new fans to racing, and we hope to see similar success with the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby‘ series,” Evans said. “The key difference is that we promote racing to both men and women by focusing on the fan’s entire experience of racing, not just the race itself. This includes food, fashion and celebrity.”

“We value the relationship we have with Churchill Downs immensely,” Schanzer said. “Adding the broadcasts of these important Derby prep races allows us to introduce key storylines that continue to build the broadest possible audience for the Kentucky Derby and the sport of Thoroughbred racing.”

ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY:

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, USA Network – Louisiana Derby – Broadcast from Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, La. Coverage will also include the Lane’s End Stakes from Turfway Park in Florence, Ky.

SATURDAY, APRIL 3, NBC Sports – Santa Anita Derby – Broadcast hosted from Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. Coverage will also include the Wood Memorial from Aqueduct Race Track in Jamaica, N.Y.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, NBC Sports – Toyota Blue Grass Stakes – Broadcast hosted from Keeneland in Lexington Ky. Coverage will also include the Arkansas Derby from Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark.

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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.

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.

The 27th Breeders’ Cup, Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious global event – currently consisting of 14 races held over two days with purses totaling $25.5 million – will be run on Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6, 2010, and will be televised live on ESPN, ABC and to a worldwide audience of more than 120 countries.

Churchill Downs, the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby, has previously hosted the Breeders’ Cup in 1988, 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000 and 2006 and has been the site of six of the seven largest crowds in Breeders’ Cup history.  In 1998, 80,452 fans attended the Breeders’ Cup. That record eclipsed the mark set in 1994 at Churchill, when 71,671 were on hand. The 2006 event, which was attended by 76,132 fans, also produced all-time Breeders’ Cup records for single day on-track handle, $18,259,971, and total worldwide single day wagering of $140,332,198.

Breeders’ Cup Chairman William S. Farish Jr. and President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Avioli joined Churchill Downs Incorporated President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Evans and Steve Sexton, CDI executive vice president and president of Churchill Downs racetrack, to announce Churchill Downs’ selection as host track for the 2010 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.  State and local officials on hand for the announcement included Larry Hayes, Secretary of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet and interim Secretary of Economic Development for Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, and Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson.

“We are delighted to be returning the Breeders’ Cup to Churchill Downs and to our great supporters in Kentucky and throughout the region,” said Breeders’ Cup Chairman William S. Farish, Jr. “Churchill Downs has proven to be an outstanding Breeders’ Cup venue and is extremely popular with our horsemen and fans from around the world. Churchill will also provide an extraordinary site for our expanded two-day program of the Championships. We appreciate the efforts and enthusiasm displayed by Bob Evans and his management team in our agreement to bring the Breeders’ Cup back to Churchill Downs and continue an ongoing partnership that has been of great benefit to the Breeders’ Cup, Churchill Downs and the racing and breeding industry.”

“The return of the Breeders’ Cup to Churchill Downs in 2010 is wonderful news for our track and Kentucky’s signature horse industry, as well as the business owners and the state and local governments that will benefit from the economic boost this major international event will provide to our city and region,” said Evans.  “Our state, industry and our Churchill Downs team take great pride in the unparalleled record of success of the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs.  The bold idea that became the Breeders’ Cup was unveiled in our city by visionary breeder and Breeders’ Cup founder John Gaines, and we are excited to officially start the countdown to the first visit by this great event in its new two-day format to Churchill Downs in 2010.”

“The horse industry is a vital engine in Kentucky’s economy and the return of the Breeders’ Cup to Churchill Downs will complete an unforgettable year of international focus on our industry and the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Hayes.  “After an international audience views the Kentucky Derby in the spring, we will welcome the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to the Kentucky Horse Park, and then focus our attention on Churchill Downs for the return of the international celebration of racing that is the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.  It will truly be a ‘Year of the Horse’ in the state that is the horse capital of the world, and the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will benefit businesses and citizens throughout Kentucky.”

"We had a successful first Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs on ESPN, and we look forward to working with Greg Avioli and Bob Evans to make this weekend even bigger,” said Len Deluca, ESPN senior vice president of programming and acquisitions. "Churchill Downs is horse racing's greatest stage, so it's fitting that the Breeders Cup returns there in 2010.”

Some of the greatest moments in Breeders’ Cup history have taken place under the famed Twin Spires during the Championships’ six previous visits to Louisville. The 1988 Breeders’ Cup was arguably one of racing’s all time greatest days, highlighted by Personal Ensign’s unforgettable stretch drive to win the Breeders’ Cup Distaff and Alysheba clinching Horse of the Year by winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic.  In 1991, the 2-year-old Arazi stunned the racing world with a dominating performance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. In 2000, the 3-year-old Tiznow won a grueling stretch duel over Irish invader Giant’s Causeway in the Classic, and was later named Horse of the Year. In 2006, the remarkable English mare Ouija Board (GB) won her second Filly & Mare Turf title and the Argentine bred Invasor won the Classic and clinched the Horse of the Year title.

This year’s Breeders’ Cup will be held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25.  Championship Friday will feature five Breeders’ Cup races on the first-ever all female racing card. The Championships continue on Saturday with nine open Breeders’ Cup races. The 2009 Breeders’ Cup will also be held at Santa Anita.

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 is scheduled for Oct. 26-Nov. 29. Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record six times, and will host the international racing championship again on Nov. 5-6, 2010. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

About Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships consisting of 14 races and $25.5 million in purses. The organization also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, and the Breeders’ Cup Stakes Program. Breeders’ Cup has offices in Lexington, Ky., and in New York City. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com.

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.

“The presence of The Ryder Cup in Louisville places our city in the international spotlight, and is a great honor for our entire community,” said Dave Tompkins, senior vice president of Churchill Downs Incorporated.  “Certainly, Churchill Downs is thrilled to bring the PGA’s best to the home of the Kentucky Derby for this exclusive event.  ‘Soiree Under the Spires’ is a must for out-of-town fans hoping to experience Louisville’s greatest landmark, and also gives local residents a chance to enjoy a personal, once-in-a-lifetime experience with PGA players and officials.”

The exclusive event will include entertainment by Grammy Award-winning artist Michelle Branch and will be attended by the elite of the racing and golfing world, including former Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman, winner of the 1996 Open Championship and the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year in 1996; Fuzzy Zoeller, who won the 1979 Masters in his first appearance in the event and the 1984 U.S. Open; jockey Pat Day, winner of the 1992 Kentucky Derby and a four-time winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey; and retired jockey and NBC sports commentator Gary Stevens, whose credits include three victories in the Kentucky Derby and a leading role in the 2003 movie Seabiscuit.  Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO Bob Evans and former University of Louisville basketball coach Denny Crum also plan to attend, as well as an assortment of sports celebrities, international dignitaries, PGA players and local media celebrities.

Ticket prices for the event range from $500 to $1,000, and limited quantities are still available.  More information is available by calling Angela Shelman at (502) 894-9768 or by sending an e-mail to soiree@thecupexperience.com.

The evening at Churchill Downs includes a sampling of Kentucky bourbons, America’s only native spirit, and offers an up-close view of horses from the Kentucky Horse Park in the paddock area.  The party then moves to the elegant members-only Turf Club for a cocktail reception and live entertainment, followed by a sumptuous Kentucky-themed dinner served in the world-renowned Millionaires Row, perennial gathering place for the Kentucky Derby’s most exclusive clientele.  Guests will enjoy picturesque views of the beautiful racecourse from both areas.

The evening will also include both live and silent auctions.  Items up for auction will include tickets to the 2009 Masters and 2009 Kentucky Derby; a Mercedes Benz smart car donated by Smart Center Louisville; a custom Cup Experience motorcycle from Derby City Custom motorcycles; trips to Ireland, Hilton Head, S.C., Los Angeles, and Chicago; rare autographed golf and racing items; and an original Tiger Woods painting by acclaimed artist Billy Lopa.

Proceeds from Soiree Under the Spires will benefit a number of local charities, including the Fightmaster Cup, Kentucky Harvest/Blessings in a Backpack, Brandon’s House Counseling Center, the Michael Quinlan Brain Tumor Foundation, the Louisville Deaf Oral School, the Robby Albarado Foundation to assist homeless and socially-economically disadvantaged individuals in the Louisville area, and the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy.

The Ryder Cup, professional golf’s top international match play competition, is one of the most prestigious events in all of sports.  The 37th Ryder Cup will be played at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Sept. 16-21, 2008.

Metro Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson formed the Louisville Host Committee to oversee the community’s support for the 2008 Ryder Cup.  The Host Committee created The Cup Experience, a not-for-profit organization that is operating and promoting a series of community-wide events and activities prior to and during the Ryder Cup.  For more information on The Cup Experience – presented by regional supercenter Meijer – go to www.thecupexperience.com.

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 has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record six times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.