Kentucky Derby News

April 17, 2009

Kentucky Oaks 135 Update -- Rachel Alexandra Sizzles

L & M Racing’s Rachel Alexandra did nothing to diminish her status as the possible favorite for the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) when what was planned as an easy work on Thursday at Churchill Downs became another sizzling display...

April 17, 2009

Kentucky Derby 135 Update -- Square Eddie Returns in Coolmore Lexington

J Paul Reddam’s Square Eddie, who started the year near the top of almost anyone’s list of contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I), makes a late return to the road to Churchill Downs when he faces 10 rivals in...

April 17, 2009

Pioneerof the Nile, Chocolate Candy Jog; Four Derby Hopefuls Set for Weekend Works

After spending the winter on synthetic surfaces in California, Zayat Stables Pioneerof the Nile and the Sid and Jenny Craig Trust’s Chocolate Candy got a feel for the traditional dirt track at Churchill Downs on Friday as they began their first...

April 16, 2009

Return of Coolers To Infield Included in Hospitality, Security Polices for 135th Kentucky Derby, Oaks

For the first time since 2001, fans who enjoy Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Days in the infield at historic Churchill Downs will be allowed to bring coolers into the track for the 2009 renewals of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and the...

April 16, 2009

Likely Oaks Favorite Rachel Alexandra Zips; 'Pioneer', Chocolate Candy Due To Arrive Early Thursday Afternoon

Trainer Hal Wiggins was looking for an easy work on Thursday for L & M Racing’s Rachel Alexandra, the likely favorite for the $500,000 Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) at Churchill Downs on May.  But ‘easy’ is a relative term when it...

April 16, 2009

West Coast Stars Pioneer of the Nile, Chocolate Candy Arrive for Derby 135; Flat Out Still In Derby Picture

Two more contenders for the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) joined the scene at Churchill Downs Thursday afternoon when the 1-2 finishers in the Santa Anita Derby (GI) – Pioneerof the Nile and Chocolate Candy...

April 15, 2009

Arkansas Derby Winner Papa Clem Arrives At Churchill Downs For Kentucky Derby 135

Bo Hirsch’s homebred Papa Clem, winner of the $1 million Arkansas Derby (Grade II) on April 11 at Oaklawn Park, arrived at Churchill Downs late Tuesday afternoon to continue his preparation for the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by...

April 15, 2009

LeAnn Rimes to Sing National Anthem at Kentucky Derby 135

Churchill Downs today announced that multiple-award winner and country music superstar LeAnn Rimes will help the historic racetrack launch a modern-day Kentucky Derby tradition when she performs the national anthem live as part of the ceremonies leading...

April 15, 2009

Kentucky Derby 135 News: Leparoux To Ride General Quarters in Derby 135; Godolphin Duo Works Saturday; West Side Bernie Jogs

LEPAROUX TO RIDE TOYOTA BLUE GRASS WINNER GENERAL QUARTERS IN KENTUCKY DERBY 135 — Four-time Churchill Downs’ riding champion Julien Leparoux has been named to ride owner-trainer Tom McCarthy’s Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (Grade I) winner...

April 13, 2009

Remembering Alysheba

Alysheba, winner of the 1987 Kentucky Derby and 1988 Horse of the Year, was euthanized on March 27 at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky., due to injuries suffered in a fall at the Kentucky Horse Park.  The son of Alydar was 25. ...

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