Derby week

The National Thoroughbred League (NTL), a new series of races meant to bring the team concept to the sport and to attract new fans, will put on its second 2024 event Saturday at Parx. It is called Oktober-Fast and is hosted by NBA Hall of Famer and Philadelphia icon Julius (Dr. J) Erving. When the NTL was in the planning stages last year the focus was on purchasing horses and then having them divvied up between the teams. There are currently 10 teams in the league and they would own...

The 150th Spring Meet at Churchill Downs concluded Sunday with a record $708.3 million wagered over the 43-day meet. That broke the 2022 Spring Meet record of $614.8 million by $93.5 million. Just 10 years ago, the Spring Meet betting totaled $368.8 million. All sources handle during the six-day Derby Week (April 27-May 4) rose to $446.6 million--including $320.5 million on Kentucky Derby Day--to eclipse last year's Derby Week record of $412.0 million. The wagering increases continued throughout the final 37 days of the Spring Meet (May 9-June 30) as...

LOUISVILLE, KY--What a difference a day makes. The activity on the backside only a day ago offered a hint that something big was encroaching, however, Wednesday dawned with an explosion of activity straight out of the gate. Masses piled onto the barn area to watch the morning workouts, reminding me just how different Churchill Downs is Derby week when compared to almost any other racetrack in the United States. Fans are given a tremendous amount of access, creating an atmosphere that is difficult to compare most other venues. Trying to...

LG&E and KU Energy have partnered with Churchill Downs to become the first Green Energy partner of the Kentucky Derby. LG&E and KU Energy, the holding company for Kentucky's two largest utilities--Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company--will be the presenting sponsor of Saturday's 10-race opening night program, which is now officially billed as "Opening Night Powered by LG&E" and kicks off the first "green" Kentucky Derby Week. Through participation in LG&E and KU's Green Energy program, Churchill Downs Racetrack has agreed to purchase blocks of Green Energy...

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be present this year at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week and will be recognized with a named race on the undercard of Champions Day happening May 3. Following the running of the TAA race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. "Churchill Downs is proud to utilize Champions Day as a platform to recognize the heroes of thoroughbred racing. We look forward to promoting the work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as we celebrate...

Led by the $3 million GI Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve Sat. May 6, a record 50 stakes races that total $20.525 million will be staged at Churchill Downs Racetrack during the 44-day Spring Meet which spans April 29-July 3. The lineup features 28 stakes races that received significant boosts--including the GI Stephen Foster which is now worth $1 million--and one new event, the $175,000 Chorleywood Overnight S. Derby Week kicks off the Spring Meet with 22 stakes that total a record $13.125 million over the six-day stretch that...

Tickets for Kentucky Derby Week and the entire 44-day Spring Meet at Churchill Downs go on sale Thursday, Feb. 2 at noon. The 149th Spring Meet spans nine weeks from Apr. 29-July 3. Among special events slated for this year's Derby week, Champions Day has moved to Wednesday, and this year's event will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's memorable Triple Crown sweep with a limited-edition print giveaway, an artist signing and a partnership with the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. For more information or to buy...

Second Stride, the Louisville-based organization which provides professional rehabilitation, retraining, and placement of retired Thoroughbreds, will hold its 11th annual Derby Week fundraiser Monday, May 2, at 6 p.m. after two years of being sidelined and/or limited by the pandemic. The event will be titled "Champions Night" and will be held at Molly Malone's in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood. Sponsored by Churchill Downs and Skychai Racing, Champions Night will feature a handicapping session moderated by Byron King of BloodHorse. Panelists include Horse Racing Nation's Ed DeRosa, television talent Megan DeVine, and...

For the first time, officials at Churchill Downs will open general admission access to the infield for the annual 'Thurby' presented by Old Forester. The day's events will feature live music from Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats as part of the celebration of music and Kentucky bourbon. "We couldn't be more excited to expand our Derby Week entertainment with this infield music experience on Thurby," said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. "As a day that has come to be celebrated as Kentucky's Day, we're confident this event...