Louisville

Last summer, the TDN was first introduced to the Project to Preserve African American Turf History (PPAATH), a Louisville-based group that promotes the education of African American contributions to racing throughout history. In 'The First Steps Towards Inclusiveness in Racing,' we spoke with CEO and Founder Leon Nichols on the inception of their organization and how they hope to change the sport of racing for the better. A few months after our meeting, the group was featured on NBC's coverage of the 146th Running of the Kentucky Derby in a...

The Backside Learning Center (BLC) will be hosting a Bourbon Bonanza Raffle on February 11. All proceeds will help fund efforts toward COVID-19 vaccine education, access and promotion for backside workers and their families at Churchill Downs. The drawing will take place at 4 p.m. on February 11 and the deadline for entry is February 10 at 10:59 p.m. Participants will enter to win one of two, eight-bottle baskets with values ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The first basket, called Cupid's Collection, features Pappy Van Winkle 12-year-old Lot B, Kentucky...

With the running of the Kentucky Derby just over two days away, Churchill Downs has issued "A Message To Our Community From Churchill Downs." We are publishing the message in its entirety: The Kentucky Derby has been run every year for the past 145 years. It is a great American tradition that has survived depressions, wars, pandemics and myriad changes in our country, large and small. The first Derby was run just ten years after the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery in America. Over ninety...

Edited Press Release Across the nation, communities have grappled with how to ensure that all community members have access to the internet and computers in order to complete schooling and access vital resources. In Louisville, over 20% of families lacked access to internet, including many of the workers and their families who work at Churchill Downs and surrounding racetracks.  Now, due to a generous donation to the Backside Learning Center from Wasabi Venture Stables Club members, many backside families will move closer towards digital equity. The Backside Learning Center (BLC)...

Few felt the jarring absence of the GI Kentucky Derby, or indeed any racing at all, on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs more acutely than a Louisville native. Add to that being a horseman who relies on the track's customary spring/summer meet to make your living, throw in having a Derby hopeful in your barn to boot, and one can understand why longtime Churchill-based trainer Greg Foley was so excited to be back home this week, with racing set to resume Saturday beneath the Twin Spires. "It's...

Churchill Downs Racetrack released the first condition book for its upcoming spring meet, which is now scheduled to begin May 16. A total of 125 races cumulatively worth $7,265,000--for a daily average of $559,000--are offered in the first condition book, which covers racing from May 16-June 5. Maiden special weight races offer a purse of $79,000 and allowance races range between $81,000 and $88,000. All purses include prize money from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund. The stakes schedule throughout the meet features 16 stakes totaling $2,250,000. The first graded stakes...

Churchill Downs Racetrack officials have announced that opening day of the 2020 Spring Meet will be Saturday, May 16. After opening weekend on May 16-17, racing at the historic Louisville racetrack will be staged Thursdays through Sundays with a special holiday Monday card on Memorial Day, May 25. Post time for the first race each day will be 1 p.m. (all times Eastern). Vice President of Racing Ben Huffman is crafting a condition book for the schedule of races, including a revised stakes schedule, and it is expected to be...

Katie Fussenegger has been appointed Vice President of the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Kentucky. She officially joins Kentucky Derby Museum Feb. 10. In her new role, Fussenegger will oversee daily operations, provide leadership oversight and work to increase revenue for several departments, including visitor services, retail and membership. Additionally, she will oversee the museum's overall budget, while maintaining and tracking financial records of multiple department budgets and will be involved in hiring, developing and appraising staff. "Katie comes with a very impressive track record and strong endorsements from trusted...