Churchill Downs | Horse Racing Free Tips

Churchill’s Paddock to be Expanded by 2024 Derby

Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) will launch a $185- to $200-million redesign of the paddock that will be in place for the 150th GI Kentucky Derby in 2024. The “Paddock Project,” a massive expansion and redevelopment, is the final phase of CDI's three-year capital investment plan.

The transformation will increase the current 5,000 square feet of guest space to 12,000 square feet, update the capacity inside the paddock from 1,000 to 2,400 people, and add various club spaces and seating, including 3,612 new premium reserved seats and 3,250 new standing room-only tickets. In addition, the current paddock configuration blocks views of the twin spires from the entrance gate, while the new design will give better visibility.

“This is one of the most significant construction projects in the history of Churchill Downs Racetrack because it significantly impacts what we consider to be the heart of the property,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “We took great care to ensure this is designed in a way that would transform Churchill Downs while enhancing our ability to deliver on what our fans hope for and expect from us for generations to come.”

Construction will begin after Churchill's spring meet and will accommodate future live racing dates. The massive transformation of the paddock follows the $44.5-million Homestretch Club project that is set to debut this year during Derby Week and the $89.2-million Turn 1 Experience that will open next year.

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Derby Hopeful Crown Pride Works

Teruya Yoshida's Crown Pride (Jpn) (Reach the Crown {Jpn}) worked a bullet half-mile in :46.40 at Churchill Downs Wednesday morning in advance of the May 7 Kentucky Derby. With regular morning partner Masa Matsuda aboard, Crown Pride cut out fractions of :11.60, :23.20 and :46.40, galloping out in 1:00.20 and 1:14.80 while working in company with the 4-year-old Southern Passage. Crown Pride left Japan Mar. 17 to travel to Dubai where he won the G2 UAE Derby before arriving in Louisville Mar. 30. Wednesday's work was his fourth since his arrival in Kentucky. Before the work, Crown Pride warmed up in the mile chute while the track was undergoing a harrow break and following the work had a leisurely trip back to the quarantine barn.

“That is a typical Japanese training regimen,” said Japan-based representative for the Kentucky Derby Kate Hunter. “Masa was very pleased with the work. He said Crown Pride moves well over the surface with no extra effort.”

Crown Pride's previous works here were six furlongs in 1:18.60 Apr. 16, a half-mile in :49.80 Apr. 19 and a half-mile in :49.20 Apr. 24. He is scheduled to work again Sunday.

Trainer Koichi Shintani is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Sunday night and will be in attendance at the post position draw Monday afternoon. Jockey Christophe Lemaire is scheduled to arrive in Louisville on Monday.

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KHRC Approves Transparency Regs

With zero debate or discussion preceding unanimous votes on two separate agenda items, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) on Tuesday adopted rewritten rules aimed at increasing transparency.

The major changes include lifting prohibitions on the public disclosure of alleged violations, new guidelines that establish a 60-day time frame for holding hearings, and the opening of those hearings to anyone who wants to observe them.

Tweaks to the equine drug-testing process are also in the pipeline. They include a requirement for owners and trainers to select an approved lab for split-sample testing within five days of being provided with the list of accredited facilities, and for the KHRC to send off the sample within seven days instead of “as expeditiously as possible.”

The KHRC on Apr. 26 approved the set of proposed changes that had been hammered out and unanimously recommended during a meeting of its rules committee one week earlier.

Rules changes at the commission level in Kentucky typically take about seven months to implement because the measures have to go through the state's separate administrative certification process.

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Speakers Announced for TOBA Seminar

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association is hosting an Ownership Seminar on Wednesday, May 4, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Attendees will learn insights on different aspects of Thoroughbred ownership from industry professionals and enjoy a day of racing at Churchill Downs during the week of the Kentucky Derby. Topics include, but are not limited to, Thoroughbred veterinary care, aftercare, purchasing & managing of racehorses, equine insurance, and handicapping basics. Some of the speakers include trainer Kenny McPeek, Erin Halliwell of Thoroughbred Charities of America, and Dr. Russell Freeland, DVM, DACVS-LA from Hagyard.

The TOBA Ownership Seminar is aimed towards all levels of education – from prospective to new owners, to knowledgeable owners or industry professionals and enthusiasts looking to continue their education. The seminar is open to the general public, with a special discount for TOBA members. Meals, materials, access to racing in the afternoon, and a TOBA gift bag are included with registration. Registration is available online until Sunday, May 1 at toba.memberclicks.net/seminars-clinics.

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