Churchill Downs Inc. has announced a series of new rules and policies designed to enhance the safety and welfare of jockeys and horses. The measures will be in place at Churchill Downs racetrack in advance of the this year's Kentucky Derby and will include standardized third-party testing of track surfaces and comprehensive testing of all winning horses for more than 100 prohibited drugs.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has granted approval to allow Churchill Downs to offer exacta wagering in its Kentucky Derby Future Wager pools.
The Horseplayers Association of North America regularly rates the 65 Thoroughbred racetracks in North America. Featured exclusively on BloodHorse.com is a countdown of the top 10 tracks. Churchill Downs is #5.
The public unveiling of a bronze statue to celebrate the life of 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Barbaro will take place at Churchill Downs April 26. The announcement came on the second anniversary of Barbaro's passing on Jan. 29, 2007.
Dates for the three pools of Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Derby and Oaks Future Wagers are set.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has approved an innovative new wager between Churchill Downs and racetracks in other states.
John Christensen has teamed with Churchill Downs to install an equine hydrotherapy spa product and service at the Churchill Downs Trackside Training Center on Poplar Level Road in Louisville.
Summer conditions expected this weekend at Churchill Downs have led the track to relax its security measure prohibiting patrons from packing sunscreen.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority unanimously voted to deny a waiver of the state's new helmet rule for international riders participating in the Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 4 at Churchill Downs.
The owner of the 3-year-old Thoroughbred that wins the 2006 running of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) May 6 at Churchill Downs will take home the largest share of the race's $2 million purse, but that victorious owner will also become the first in Derby history to be handed the keys to an International RXT truck.
Racing fans at Churchill Downs will be the first in America to have the opportunity to participate in Fanta-Bet, a competition wagering concept from United Tote beginning on Nov. 3.
Kentucky legislators received assurances July 13 the state is well equipped to handle future equine disease outbreaks, but they got no answers to questions about the origin of the strangles cases earlier this spring at the Churchill Downs Trackside Training Center.
Churchill Downs has launched its first-ever "Speakers Bureau" to make representatives from all areas of the historic track available for participation in events and gatherings sponsored by business, community, and social groups.
The start of the fall meet at Churchill Downs coincides with Halloween this year, but track officials insist patrons who walk through the gates Oct. 31 will discover nothing but treats.
Jim Gates, the vice president for administration for Churchill Downs who has served as acting general manager of the track since 2002, has been appointed general manager.
The Kentucky Derby Future Wager will return to Churchill Downs this year, as will a new bet tied to the Kentucky Oaks.
Alex Waldrop is stepping down as president of Churchill Downs racetrack to fill a new position as the chief lobbying strategist for Churchill Downs Inc.
