Churchill Downs to Honor 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra with 'First Lady of Oaks' Designation at Oaks 136

Apr 29, 2010 Darren Rogers

Continuing one of the newest traditions of the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs will honor Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra as the 2010 First Lady of Oaks.

The First Lady of Oaks designation was introduced in 2009 with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® founder, Nancy G. Brinker.  The official Oaks Day ambassador selection is to honor a special female who has used her professional and personal experiences to celebrate women and the causes that women support.

'We won't soon forget Rachel Alexandra's thrilling performance in 2009 and the excitement she continues to generate all around the world,' said Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Kentucky Oaks' 2009 First Lady of the Oaks.  'Rachel Alexandra exemplifies the spirit and strength of all women fighting this disease, and I'm thrilled she will be wearing the First Lady of the Oaks Crown for 2010.'

'It is an honor to learn that Rachel Alexandra has been selected as this year's First Lady of Oaks, especially given her performance at Churchill Downs in Kentucky Oaks 135 last year,' said Jess Jackson, Rachel Alexander's owner. 'Our filly is a determined athlete who never quits. I think those qualities represent what the Kentucky Oaks has come to represent and will help promote the special causes that the Oaks event supports.'

Chambord® First Lady of Fashion Contest

Chambord® will sponsor the Chambord First Lady of Fashion Contest to be held on Kentucky Oaks Day.  The contest is for all ladies who want to show off their pink race wear and the winner will receive a VIP trip to New York Fashion Week in the fall.

'Chambord's ‘Pink Your Drink' program throughout the year revolves around raising funds and awareness for breast cancer and has raised $50,000 since October, so it was natural to tie into this very fashionable occasion for such a great cause,' said Josh Hayes, Chambord Brand Manager. 'Through the title sponsorship of the First Lady of Fashion contest, Chambord will continue its support of breast cancer charities by making a donation to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength -- a $10 donation will be made for the first 250 contestants to enter the Chambord First Lady of Fashion contest.'

The contest will begin following Race 5 (approximately 12:45 p.m.) on the Pink Carpet at Gate 10 for the first 250 ladies. The finalists will be showcased and the winner will be announced live on the Bravo TV telecast.

Live coverage of the Kentucky Oaks race and activities will be broadcast on the Bravo Network on Friday, April 30 from 5-6 p.m. EDT.

About Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will host the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 1 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, April 30. The track will conduct its 2010 Spring Meet from Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, July 4. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders' Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at tickets.churchilldowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

About Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur

Chambord is an infusion of the world's finest raspberries, blackberries and the exotic flavors of black raspberries, black currant, Madagascar vanilla and cognac.  According to legend, Chambord was inspired by a luxurious raspberry liqueur produced for King Louis XIV during his visit to Chateau Chambord in the 17th century.  Today, Chambord continues to inspire cocktail and culinary creations around the world.