1998

World History

President William Jefferson Clinton impeached.

Dow Jones Industrials soar with help from technology stocks.

The entertainment world loses 'Ole Blue Eyes', Frank Sinatra.

Churchill Downs History

The stakes program received a major upgrade as the overall schedule was increased $1.2 million to a record $7.8 million highlighted by the Grade II Stephen Foster at $750,000, the richest Churchill stakes outside of the Kentucky Derby. The race attracted a talented field headlined by Silver Charm who was defeated by eventual Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Awesome Again.

The Kentucky Derby Post Draw was revised to allow owners and trainers the opportunity to select their post position following a random draw that determines the selection order.

Wagering interests for the Kentucky Derby were expanded from 12 to 14.

In March the board of directors approved a shareholders-rights plan to prevent unwanted takeovers. The board also approved a 2-1 stock split and announced an increase in the line of credit from $20 million to $50 million. A later announcement increased the line of credit to $100 million.

The track finalized the purchase of Ellis Park and the Kentucky Horse Center on April 21 for $22 million.

The first-ever Kentucky Derby Alumni Day was held with an all-star group of trainers, jockeys and owners on hand for the June 13 event.

African-American Ansel Williamson, the first Derby winning trainer, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Saratoga, NY.

The track served as the location for filming of two films - “Nice Guys Sleep Alone” and “Simpatico.”

Construction began on the Central Avenue expansion project that will link Churchill, U. of L. Football Stadium and the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center.

Star Bank constructed a branch within the grounds of the track making it the first-ever full service bank at a racetrack.

The track announces its plans for a Derby Future Bet for 1999 to allow fans three separate opportunities (Feb., March and April) to wager on Derby contenders leading up to the race.

Churchill became the first four-time host of the Breeders’ Cup with a record 80,452 on hand for the Nov. 7 event.

On Wednesday of Breeders' Cup week, a United Parcel Service 747 jet experienced engine problems over the Downs as aircraft debris dropped on to the backside hitting the barn of Breeders’ Cup Classic favorite Skip Away.

Alex Waldrop is named General Manager for the track and Rebecca Reed as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary to become the highest ranking woman in the track’s corporate history.

Riverboat gaming begins local operations on Nov. 20.

Silver Charm makes his third appearance of the year at Churchill as he wins the Clark Handicap to become the first Kentucky Derby winner to return and win at the Downs since Alysheba in the 1988 Breeders' Cup Classic.