Kentucky Derby News

January 5, 2012

Veteran Trainer, Former Jockey Mitch Shirota Dies at 78

Veteran trainer and retired jockey Mitch Shirota, whose training career spanned more than three decades and included stakes triumphs in the Grade I Top Flight at Aqueduct and a memorable Kentucky Derby Day stakes win at Churchill Downs, died early Wednesday,...

December 23, 2011

Memorial Service for Julian 'Buck' Wheat Set for Dec. 28 at Churchill Downs

A memorial service for Julian Logan “Buck” Wheat, the longtime director of Horsemen’s Relations and the unofficial “Mayor of the Backside” at Churchill Downs, will be held at the home of the Kentucky Derby on Wednesday, Dec....

December 21, 2011

Julian 'Buck' Wheat, Churchill Downs' 'Mayor of the Backside', Dies at 78

Julian Logan “Buck” Wheat, Churchill Downs’ Director of Horsemen’s Relations long known as the “Mayor of the Backside” at the home of the Kentucky Derby, died Wednesday afternoon of complications from injuries suffered...

December 17, 2011

Churchill Downs to Permit Also-Eligible Entrants for Derby, Oaks Beginning in 2012

Churchill Downs will permit four also-eligible entrants to the $2 million guaranteed Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I), America’s greatest race, and the $1 million guaranteed Kentucky Oaks (GI), the nation’s premier race for...

November 28, 2011

Churchill Downs Closes Memorable Fall Meet Highlighted by Breeders' Cup, Clark 'Cap; But Field Sizes Decline

Churchill Downs concluded the 122nd Fall Meet in its 137-year history on Sunday, Nov 27 during which rainy weather failed to dim the highlights of a memorable 21-day racing session highlighted by a record eighth visit by the Breeders’ Cup World...

November 27, 2011

On Fire Baby Rolls In Golden Rod, Caps Churchill Fall Stakes Sweep

Anita Cauley’s homebred On Fire Baby became only the seventh filly to sweep Churchill Downs’ fall stakes for 2-year-old fillies when she broke fastest from the gate and never looked back en route to a 6 1/4-length victory over Goldrush Girl...

November 27, 2011

Gemologist Sparkles for WinStar, Pletcher in Kentucky Jockey Club

The only time five-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Kenny Troutt’s WinStar Farm won the Kentucky Jockey Club with Super Saver, they won the Kentucky Derby the following spring. They hope to duplicate that feat again May...

November 27, 2011

Asmussen, Still Battling for 'Leading Trainer', Reflects On Successful Meet

Steve Asmussen has won the last five training titles at Churchill Downs and will wrap up another successful meet at the home of the Kentucky Derby when its fall racing session concludes on Sunday. Entering the final day of the 21-day Fall Meet, Asmussen...

November 26, 2011

Wise Dan Dominates Clark; Earns Redemption for Fink, Lopresti for 2010 DQ

Mort Fink’s homebred Wise Dan achieved Grade I glory when he kicked clear of Mission Impazible in the final furlong to easily win the 137th running of the $572,500 Clark Handicap presented by Norton Healthcare by 3 ¾ lengths on Friday at...

November 26, 2011

Wise Dan Well On Morning After Victory in Grade I Clark Handicap

WISE DAN IN PERFECT SHAPE MORNING AFTER CLARK ‘CAP VICTORY – Mort Fink’s Wise Dan had an easy morning after his impressive 3 ¾-length victory in the 137th running of Churchill Downs’ $572,500 Clark Handicap Presented by...

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