Registration Open for 'Road to the Roses' Kentucky Derby Fantasy Challenge

Feb 14, 2012 Darren Rogers

Churchill Downs’ popular “Road to the Roses” Kentucky Derby Fantasy Challenge is back for the 14^th consecutive year. Registration is now open at RoadToTheRoses.com to compete in the free online contest that allows horse racing fans to manage a stable of contenders during the 10-week buildup to the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) on Saturday, May 5.

“Road to the Roses” participants are challenged to build a fantasy stable of 15 horses nominated to the Triple Crown – up from 10 in previous years – plus two trainers and two jockeys. Points will be earned in a series of designated Kentucky Derby prep races, starting with Fair Grounds’ $300,000 Risen Star (GII) on Saturday, Feb. 25, and continuing through Kentucky Derby 138 on the first Saturday in May.

The grand prize winner will receive a VIP trip for two to the 139^th runnings of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in 2013 with an estimated retail value of $5,000. The prize package includes airfare and accommodations; a private backstretch tour on Kentucky Oaks Day; trip to the paddock on Kentucky Derby Day;  $500 betting voucher; $500 credit to KentuckyDerbyStore.com; limited edition gold-leafed Kentucky Derby mint julep glass; Kentucky Derby jacket; and official Kentucky Derby print.

Prizes will be awarded to the top 25 finishers, the leaders after Stage 1 (through March 19) and Stage 2 (through April 16) and weekly winners.

Each participant can create up to three fantasy stables. All horses in the stable will remain active and eligible to earn points throughout the duration of the game, but three “power” horses can be designated at any time to earn double points if they finish first, second or third in prep races. Players may change their designated “power” horses to maximize scoring opportunities as many times as they wish (except on scoring race days).

Also, players will be permitted to grow their stable by five later in the season. Three additional horses can be added to their roster starting March 19, plus two others on April 16. The additional horses can be added to their stables through April 28 – one week before Kentucky Derby 138.

A popular returning element is the ability to create your own league to compete against friends and co-workers. Theoretically, if a stable is far removed from first place in the overall standings, they could still be in the hunt for top honors and bragging rights within their own league. A private, league-only chat room has been added to the mix for trash-talking.

For more information, official rules and a complete list of prizes for the “Road to the Roses” Kentucky Derby Fantasy Challenge, visit the Web site RoadToTheRoses.com or the game’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/RoadToTheRoses.

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 138^th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2012, and its Spring Meet is scheduled for April 28-July 1. The track has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record eight times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at ChurchillDowns.com.

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