Category: Kentucky Derby

As Kentucky Derby Becomes a Bigger Business, Locals Feel Left Behind

The New York Times – Business:
Locals say rising ticket prices and a late start time for the Oaks race on Friday are hurting residents and restaurants. “The only thing I see is greed,” one steakhouse owner said.
Kentucky Derby Operator Accused of Regulatory ‘Freeloading’

The New York Times – Business:
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority filed a complaint saying Churchill Downs Inc. is not paying its fair share to support inspections and testing.
The Best Hats at the 2025 Kentucky Derby

From traditional hats to fascinators and headdresses, the best looks at the 151st running of America’s most fashionable sporting event.
Veterinarian and 13 Horse Trainers Violated Drug Rules, U.S. Regulator Says

Thirty percent of the horses never raced again and seven died, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority said.
Mike Repole, Horse Racing’s Loudest Critic, Is Kentucky Derby Favorite

The brash owner Mike Repole will take a break from tweaking horse racing’s powers when his colt Fierceness runs in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
Horse Racing Deaths Raise Questions About Sport’s Future

The breakdown of 12 horses in the days surrounding the celebrated race a year ago has led to existential questions about the sport and its future.
Report Finds No Clear Reason for Horse Deaths at Churchill Downs

Investigators looking into 12 deaths couldn’t single out a cause, but called for safer tracks, better medical care and lighter workloads for horses.
Churchill Downs Extends the Suspension of Bob Baffert Through 2024

Baffert, a Hall of Fame trainer, was suspended after his horse Medina Spirit failed a drug test at the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs said he “continues to peddle a false narrative” about what happened.
Secretariat’s Legend Rolls on Like, Well, a Tremendous Machine

Fifty years after Secretariat clinched the Triple Crown with a runaway win in the Belmont Stakes, fans still long to connect with his story.
Two Complicated Princes of the Sport of Kings

The excitement of thoroughbred horse racing — and many of the sport’s most vexing problems — are exemplified by the careers of the trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher.
Churchill Downs to Cease Racing as It Investigates Deaths of Horses

The track, the home of the Kentucky Derby, is moving races to another location while officials look into why 12 thoroughbreds have died at Churchill Downs in recent weeks.
Churchill Downs Moves to Keep Unsound Horses Off the Track

After the deaths of a dozen thoroughbreds at the Louisville, Ky., track, officials are changing policies that may have incentivized trainers to race vulnerable horses.