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Sign up now for your chance to get 2009 Kentucky Derby tickets!

jeremy — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:01:31 -0400

Your chance to win 2009 Kentucky Derby tickets is here! Simply follow the link below and fill out the form!

Statement from Churchill Downs Incorporated President and CEO Bob Evans on the loss of Eight Belles

jeremy — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:09:30 -0400

"The entire Churchill Downs Incorporated family -- as well as the horse racing industry -- has been devastated by Eight Belles’ tragic accident following her courageous performance in Kentucky Derby 134. With all of the advancements made by our industry to improve the overall health and welfare of Thoroughbred racehorses, losing a competitor like Eight Belles will never be easy or acceptable.

James Scully's Kentucky Derby Recap

Ashley Walker — Sun, 04 May 2008 22:14:31 -0400

It was an afternoon of brilliance and sadness. BIG BROWN (Boundary) sparkled with a convincing victory in the 134th Kentucky Derby (G1), dominating as trainer Richard Dutrow all but promised he would, but the aftermath was marred by the breakdown of the gallant EIGHT BELLES (Unbridled's Song).

Post Kentucky Derby Notes Available

Ashley Walker — Sun, 04 May 2008 14:48:21 -0400

BIG BROWN – IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.’s Big Brown, the emphatic 4 ¾- length winner of the 134th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (GI), had an easy morning at Barn 22 following his victory in the “Run for the Roses.”

Kentucky Derby 134 Delivers Positive On-Track Results

CDI — Sat, 03 May 2008 23:10:22 -0400

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.

Paul Moran's Kentucky Derby Beat

admin — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:49:51 -0400

Dawn broke over Churchill Downs this morning muted by a thick, low cloud cover. The soaking rain that began on Friday continued, offering the occasional hopeful respite only to resume tauntingly. Weather forecasters, generally no more reliable than handicappers, predict that the rain will end sometime this morning.

FIRSTDIBZ™ Launches “Derby Winner” Marketplace

CDI — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:21:22 -0400

FirstDIBZ™ (www.firstdibz.com) has partnered with Churchill Downs Incorporated to launch the first-ever horse racing forward marketplace, guaranteeing third-floor clubhouse access to Kentucky Derby 135 in May 2009 for those who pick the winning horse in 2008.

Get Your FanFotos Here!

jeremy — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:20:22 -0400

Get your 2008 Kentucky Derby FanFotos by clicking here!

Big Brown Dominating Winner Of Kentucky Derby 134

merv — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:19:22 -0400

IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.’s Big Brown justified his trainer’s confidence and the faith of the betting public by powering to a 4 3/4-length victory over Fox Hill Farms’ filly Eight Belles to win the 134^th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands before a crowd of 157,770, the second-largest in history.

Kentucky Oaks Recap

CDI — Fri, 02 May 2008 21:38:13 -0400

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.

Kentucky Derby Notes (May 2, 2008)

Ashley Walker — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:05:49 -0400

ADRIANO – Trainer Graham Motion sent his Lane’s End Stakes (GII) winner to the Churchill Downs racetrack Friday morning for a 1½-mile gallop under Alice Clapham in preparation for Saturday’s 134th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands.

Patrick Henry Hughes To Play 'Call To The Post' Before Woodford Reserve

Ashley Walker — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:04:51 -0400

Patrick Henry Hughes, whose story touched hearts around the country when his family was featured on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” last February, will return to the winner circle – this time the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle – to join track bugler Steve Buttleman in playing the “Call to the Post” prior to the Grade I Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on Kentucky Derby Day, May

Wagering on Derby, Oaks, and Woodford Reserve allowed on TwinSpires.com and Xpressbet.com

jeremy — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:47:16 -0400

Click Here To Wager On The Kentucky Derby And Kentucky Oaks At www.twinspires.com

Paul Moran's Derby Beat: Colonel John

admin — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:37:11 -0400

Calm settles over the Churchill Downs backstretch on Friday. The work is done, the atmosphere subdued. The cards dealt in the draw for post position on Wednesday are face up on the table. There is nothing to do except to wait and consider the possibilities. Friday morning is a deep breath waiting to be exhaled.

James Scully's Morning Notes (May 1, 2008)

merv — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:42:00 -0400

On this sunny and warm morning, a huge crowd was on hand to watch BIG BROWN (Boundary) blow out three furlongs in preparation for the Kentucky Derby (G1). He looked spectacular entering the track, acting cool and collected as he walked down the backside, and the exercise rider had a hard time holding him as they broke into a gallop.

Kentucky Derby Notes (May 1, 2008)

merv — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:31:49 -0400

The last timed work for a horse entered in Kentucky Derby 134 was turned in Thursday by morning-line favorite Big Brown, who covered three furlongs in :35.40. The 35.40 was a bit faster than the :36 to :37 range Dutrow talked about Wednesday, but he said the time wasn’t a problem.

Big Brown 3-1 Morning Line Favorite For 134th Kentucky Derby

Ashley Walker — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:18:09 -0400

IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.’s undefeated Big Brown was installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite Wednesday afternoon over 19 rivals for Saturday’s 134th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (GI) at Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Derby Notes (April 30, 2008)

merv — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:04:05 -0400

The Smooth Air team has been riding various waves of emotion this week, as can be expected when participating in the Kentucky Derby for the first time. Stutts, 70, and his wife Dianne attended the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders Derby Traine

James Scully's Morning Notes (April 30th, 2008)

Ashley Walker — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:39:33 -0400

Sunshine made the cold bearable on a beautiful morning at the Downs, and many of the Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders visited the track in preparation for the biggest day of their lives.

James Scully's Morning Notes (April 29th, 2008)

merv — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:24:24 -0400

Tuesday morning notes:

James Scully's Morning Notes (April 28, 2008)

merv — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:18:33 -0400

The grandstand and backside were packed with people on a picture perfect morning at Churchill.

Kentucky Derby Notes (April 28, 2008)

merv — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:05:55 -0400

Speaking from Belmont Park where he was overseeing the New York division of his stable, trainer Todd Pletcher stated Monday morning that the Coolmore Lexington Stakes (GII) winner would bypass the Kentucky Derby and instead point for the Preakness Stakes two weeks later.

Kentucky Derby Notes (April 27, 2008)

merv — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:27:50 -0400

TOP STORIES:

James Scully's Morning Notes (April 27th)

Ashley Walker — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:16:59 -0400

With rain expected later in the afternoon, trainers had the opportunity to take advantage of ideal conditions at the Downs, and five Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders received their final workout in preparation for Saturday's 134th running.

COLONEL JOHN (Tiznow), ADRIANO (A.P. Indy) and EIGHT BELLES (Unbridled's Song) all came onto the track after the renovation break.

Macho Again Wins Derby Trial With Strong Rally

Ashley Walker — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:30:36 -0400

West Point Thoroughbreds' MACHO AGAIN (Macho Uno), who failed to fire in his second attempt on Polytrack in the Lane's End S. (G2) at Turfway Park last month, appreciated the return to dirt on Saturday at Churchill Downs, overtaking 5-2 favorite Kodiak Kowboy (Posse) in the final furlong to take the $115,200 Derby Trial S. by a half-length.

Withers Rocks To Harlem Beat

Ashley Walker — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:18:34 -0400

Making his stakes debut, Stronach Stables' homebred HARLEM ROCKER (Macho Uno) rolled past 3-5 favorite J Be K (Silver Deputy) en route to a sparkling victory in Saturday's $142,500 Withers S. (G3). The Todd Pletcher-trained gray, still perfect after three career starts, reeled off the one-turn mile in a sharp 1:34 2/5 on Aqueduct's fast track to herald his arrival on the sophomore scene.

James Scully's Morning Notes (April 26th)

Ashley Walker — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:01:35 -0400

The rain subsided Saturday morning as dawn broke on the backstretch at Churchill Downs, but it remained overcast and chilly with a brisk breeze blowing through the morning hours.

Churchill Downs Offers Super Hi-5 Wager, Special Derby Bet Offers Shot at New Mercedes Benz

CDI — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:30:06 -0400

Churchill Downs will offer a daily opportunity for its racing fans to win big when it introduces its new Super Hi-5 wager starting with Saturday’s opening day of the historic track’s April 26-July 6 Spring Meet. A special Super Hi-5 wager on the 2008 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum!

Anak Nakal Sharp for Zito, Recapturetheglory Works

CDI — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:46:40 -0400

ADRIANO – Courtlandt Farms’ Adriano visited the paddock and starting gate before galloping a mile and a half under Xavier Aizpuru after the renovation break.
“He never has had any problems at the gate and this is just a precaution,” said Alice Clapham, assistant to trainer Graham Motion. “As long as the opportunity is there, we may as well take advantage of it.”

Kentucky Derby Red Carpet Program Highlights Hollywood's Connection to The 'Run For The Roses'

Ashley Walker — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:23:22 -0400

Celebrity guests planning to attend Kentucky Derby 134 will literally receive the “red carpet treatment” when they arrive at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3.

J Be K Heads Short Withers Field

merv — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:22:15 -0400

J BE K (Silver Deputy), a smashing five-length winner of the Bay Shore S. (G3), will seek his second straight stakes tally when heads to the starting gate in Saturday's $150,000 Withers S. (G3) at Aqueduct. Only three opponents will attempt to derail his momentum, and the Steve Asmussen-trained sophomore colt will likely be a prohibitive choice in the one-mile, one-turn contest.

Kentucky Derby Worktab

merv — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:18:17 -0400

Undefeated Florida Derby (G1) winner BIG BROWN (Boundary) drilled five furlongs in :58 3/5 under exercise rider Michelle Nevin at Palm Meadows on Thursday in his final major workout prior the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 3 at Churchill Downs. The Richard Dutrow Jr. trainee is the probable favorite for the 1 1/4-mile classic, which is expected to draw a full 20-horse field.