(Edited press release)
Churchill Downs Incorporated today launched the official 2006 Kentucky Derby Web site (www.kentuckyderby.com), and the official site for the 2006 Kentucky Oaks (www.kentuckyoaks.com). The redesigned sites offer unparalleled coverage of the Kentucky Derby and its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, as well as the prep seasons leading up to the historic races. The 132nd "Run for the Roses" takes place on May 6, 2006, while the 132nd running of the Kentucky Oaks will be held on May 5, 2006. Kentuckyderby.com and Kentuckyoaks.com feature daily news updates, exclusive articles from top handicappers, free video of every major Kentucky Derby and Oaks prep race, and detailed information on each Derby and Oaks contender, including photographs, videos, past performances, pedigree information, and recent workouts. Kentuckyderby.com also includes an online Derby Store and a virtual Derby experience, with webcams, celebrity videos, and photo galleries designed to capture the event's excitement and pageantry. "Our sites are built around the equine athletes at the heart of these great sporting events, and are designed specifically for the customer," said Jeremy Borseth, director of CRM channels and Internet operations for Churchill Downs Incorporated. "Our Derby and Oaks contenders pages are second to none and offer a wealth of information on each hopeful.  We also supplement our profiles with related news, features, and handicapping information to ensure that visitors have everything they need right at their fingertips. When it comes to finding information on the Kentucky Derby and Oaks, racing fans can find everything they are looking for on these Web sites. "The Derby's rich tradition is also reflected on Kentuckyderby.com," Borseth continued. "We have revamped our historical features and multimedia areas to showcase the Derby's atmosphere and represent its unique flavor. Kentuckyderby.com creates a comprehensive and enjoyable online experience for fans of all ages and sophistications." One new feature of both sites is the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" and "Road to the Kentucky Oaks" sections. These areas offer complete previews and reviews of every major prep race on the Derby and Oaks trail, including exclusive articles, past performance charts, official results, stakes recaps, and free video analysis from CDSN handicappers. Kentuckyderby.com, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2006, also includes five major sections to cover the various aspects of the Kentucky Derby. The "Coverage" portion includes the richly informative Derby contenders section, as well as event news, daily updates from the racetrack, workout videos, trainer interviews, and real-time odds on the popular Kentucky Derby Future Wager. Las Vegas handicapping expert Roxy Roxborough again joins CDSN handicappers John Asher, Jill Byrne, Steve Fugitte, and Mark Hoard to offer favorite picks and top selections. The site's second section, "Videos," represents a new focus on an area that proved highly popular on the 2005 Kentucky Derby site. The section currently offers the 2004 Kentucky Derby and the entire 2005 Triple Crown series, as well as celebrity video. In the months leading up to the 132nd Kentucky Derby, it will offer free video of all major Derby prep races and interviews with celebrities on Derby Day. The "History" segment gives visitors a taste of Derby and Oaks lore with informative race timelines, a collection of charts and statistics from all 131 previous events, information on the winners' connections, and sections on African Americans and women that played prominent roles in the two races. The "Experience" section brings to life the essence of Derby and Oaks with extensive photo galleries and information on the traditions of the event, including the Garland of Roses, Mint Juleps, Derby hats, the Twin Spires, the infield, Millionaire's Row and much more. Kentuckyderby.com is also the online home of the "Derby Store," where fans can find officially licensed Kentucky Derby 132 and Kentucky Oaks 132 apparel and souvenirs. Digett, an interactive media design firm based in Boerne, Texas, aided in the design of the 2006 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites.
