Five of the seven Breeders' Cup winners with Churchill Downs ties will be paraded at the home of the Kentucky Derby between races on Sunday.
Mort Fink's Wise Dan (Mile), Janis Whitham's Fort Larned (Classic), Fred and "Buff" Bradley, Carl Hurst and Brent Burns' Groupie Doll (Filly & Mare Sprint), Priscilla Vaccarezza's Little Mike (Turf) and Winchell Thoroughbreds' Tapizar (Dirt Mile) will all take part in the "Parade of Breeders' Cup Champions." They be paraded at Churchill Downs with horses running in Sunday's eighth race. Post time is scheduled for 4:06 p.m. (EST).
The Breeders' Cup winners will walk from the barn area, parade in front of the Churchill Downs grandstand and then head to the paddock where they will remain during the running of the race. The connections for each horse -- the owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys and stable assistants -- will be saluted, as well.
"Sunday will be a unique opportunity for our loyal fans to salute their hometown heroes," said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. "We couldn't be more proud of our Kentucky champions, and their achievements authenticate the quality of racing at Churchill Downs and the Commonwealth's signature horse racing and breeding industry. We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to their owners and trainers for their cooperation in making this one-of-a-kind event come together.
"Our 'Parade of Breeders' Cup Champions' is sure to be a marvelous event and will make lasting memories for their legion of fans."
Wise Dan, based in Lexington, Kentucky, with trainer Charlie Lopresti, will van up from Keeneland for the ceremony. All others are stabled at Churchill Downs.
Juvenile Sprint winner Hightail, owned by Brad Kelley's Bluegrass Hall, also is stabled at Churchill Downs but is unable to partake in the ceremony. The two-year-old is a naturally high-strung colt, according to trainer D. Wayne Lukas, and is being prepared for the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot a week later on November 17.
Besilu Stables' Royal Delta is another horse with Churchill Downs ties unable to join the parade because she is stabled with Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott's string in New York. The four-year-old filly won the Ladies' Classic at Churchill Downs last fall and returned to Louisville, Kentucky, this spring for a 9 1/2-length romp in the Grade 2 Fleur de Lis.
The first of Sunday's 10-race Veterans Day program is 12:40 p.m. General admission is $3, but all United States veterans and active military will receive free general admission in honor of the holiday.
