MainGate, Churchill Downs Launch New KentuckyDerbyStore.com

Jan 21, 2011 MainGate Inc.

MainGate Inc., the premier event retail and online merchandising company in the country, and Churchill Downs, home of the world’s most legendary racetrack and the Kentucky Derby, announce a three-year partnership for MainGate to be an official licensee, handle official off-site retail locations and to launch the new Kentucky Derby e-commerce website, KentuckyDerbyStore.com.

“We are absolutely thrilled to enter into this partnership with Churchill Downs,” said David Moroknek, President and CEO of MainGate. “We will provide a quality merchandise line, a turn-key e-commerce solution and outstanding off-site retail locations for the Kentucky Derby that will allow them to accomplish their goals in growing this area of business. We look forward to upholding their prestigious brand image to their patrons through excellent customer service, marketing and online business management.”

MainGate launched KentuckDerbyStore.com on Jan. 1, and are continuing to expand the official merchandise line. As part of our partnership, MainGate will open multiple off-site retail locations in hotels throughout Louisville the week leading up to the Kentucky Derby.

“We chose MainGate because we believe they will deliver on-trend products, smart marketing and distribution and the excellent customer service that our fans expect,” said Casey Cook, Vice President of Brand Development & Marketing of Churchill Downs.

This agreement with Churchill Downs and its licensing agency IMG allows Churchill Downs to offer a wide range of merchandise to Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks fans through a dynamic e-commerce website. The website will offer a large selection of apparel, headwear, artwork, party supplies, and collectible items.

ABOUT MAINGATE INC.

Since its founding in 1963, MainGate’s primary activity has been the coordination of event merchandise sales for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). While that partnership has grown and remains a core part of the company’s business, MainGate has become a multifaceted merchandising and marketing company that serves numerous business partners. For more information regarding MainGate, please visit www.MainGateInc.com.

MainGate is the exclusive merchandiser of the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans, NHRA, IndyCar Series, Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Danica Patrick Racing, Kenny Bernstein Racing, John Force Racing, and the Indy Racing League. In addition, MainGate operates the online merchandise business for the St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, United State Golf Association, LPGA, R-Word Store, 500 Festival and Nicklaus Companies.

MainGate also has partnerships with numerous NBA and NHL teams and holds licenses for the NCAA, WNBA, Harley-Davidson®, National Lacrosse League, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2011. The track’s 2011 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 30-July 4.  Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record seven times and the event will return to the track for its next renewal on Nov. 4-5. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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