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LG&E And KU Energy Becomes First Green Energy Partner Of Churchill Downs

LG&E and KU Energy have partnered with Churchill Downs to become the first Green Energy partner of the Kentucky Derby.

LG&E and KU Energy, the holding company for Kentucky's two largest utilities–Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company–will be the presenting sponsor of Saturday's 10-race opening night program, which is now officially billed as “Opening Night Powered by LG&E” and kicks off the first “green” Kentucky Derby Week.

Through participation in LG&E and KU's Green Energy program, Churchill Downs Racetrack has agreed to purchase blocks of Green Energy from LG&E, equivalent to the total energy consumed by the track during live racing Kentucky Derby Week. In turn, the program purchases equivalent Renewable Energy Certificates on the track's behalf. The certificates are purchased from renewable energy generators of solar, wind or biomass in Kentucky or neighboring states, support putting that renewable energy on the regional grid and credit the track for the environmental, social and other benefits associated with that sustainable energy.

“With our desire to be a steward of environmental efforts in the community, we're delighted to formalize this exciting partnership with LG&E and KU to make this year the first official green Kentucky Derby Week,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Mike Anderson.

“We are proud to have the iconic Churchill Downs as a key customer and excited that, through this partnership, we will be helping them and the Kentucky Derby on their sustainability journey,” said John Crockett, president of LG&E and KU Energy.

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Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On Site At Churchill For Derby Week

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be present this year at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week and will be recognized with a named race on the undercard of Champions Day happening May 3. Following the running of the TAA race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag.

“Churchill Downs is proud to utilize Champions Day as a platform to recognize the heroes of thoroughbred racing. We look forward to promoting the work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as we celebrate champions in horseracing,” said Cathy Shircliff, Churchill Downs Incorporated Director of Equine Industry Relations.

“We appreciate the support from Churchill Downs to continue to feature the importance of accredited aftercare,” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director, Funding & Events. “We are looking forward to being present during such an exciting week of racing.”

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Churchill Downs To Offer Record 50 Stakes Worth $20.525 Million During Spring Meet

Led by the $3 million GI Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve Sat. May 6, a record 50 stakes races that total $20.525 million will be staged at Churchill Downs Racetrack during the 44-day Spring Meet which spans April 29-July 3.

The lineup features 28 stakes races that received significant boosts–including the GI Stephen Foster which is now worth $1 million–and one new event, the $175,000 Chorleywood Overnight S.

Derby Week kicks off the Spring Meet with 22 stakes that total a record $13.125 million over the six-day stretch that culminates with the highlight of the annual racing calendar–the 149th running of the GI Kentucky Derby. Nine of the 14 races on Kentucky Derby day are stakes that total $7.65 million. In addition to the Derby, the first Saturday in May will showcase the $1 million GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic; $750,000 GI Churchill Downs presented by Ford; $750,000 GI Derby City Distaff presented by Kendall-Jackson Winery; $500,000 GII Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile; $500,000 GII Pat Day Mile; $500,000 GII American Turf; $500,000 GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint; and $175,000 Knicks Go Overnight S.

One day earlier, Churchill Downs will host the $1.25 million GI Longines Kentucky Oaks. The seven stakes that day total $4.2 million: the Oaks; $750,000 GI La Troienne; $600,000 GII Alysheba presented by Sentient Jet; $500,000 GII Eight Belles; $500,000 GII Edgewood presented by Forcht Bank; $300,000 GIII Modesty; and $300,000 Unbridled Sidney S. presented by Sysco.

Stephen Foster Preview Day is Saturday, June 3 with six stakes that total $1.35 million: the $225,000 GIII Blame; $225,000 GIII Shawnee; $225,000 GIII Arlington; $225,000 GIII Regret; $225,000 Aristides S.; and $225,000 Audubon S.

The $1 million Stephen Foster, which has been elevated to Grade I status, is the centerpiece of closing weekend. The race anchors a six-race stakes card that totals $2.475 million on Saturday, July 1, and includes the $400,000 GII Fleur de Lis; $400,000 GII Wise Dan; $225,000 American Derby; $225,000 Tepin S.; and $225,000 Kelly's Landing S.

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Derby Week Fundraiser Returns for Second Stride

Second Stride, the Louisville-based organization which provides professional rehabilitation, retraining, and placement of retired Thoroughbreds, will hold its 11th annual Derby Week fundraiser Monday, May 2, at 6 p.m. after two years of being sidelined and/or limited by the pandemic. The event will be titled “Champions Night” and will be held at Molly Malone's in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood.

Sponsored by Churchill Downs and Skychai Racing, Champions Night will feature a handicapping session moderated by Byron King of BloodHorse. Panelists include Horse Racing Nation's Ed DeRosa, television talent Megan DeVine, and jockey agent Jake Romans. The traditional kick-off to Derby Week will also have live and silent auctions and raffles and will be emceed by WHAS radio host Dwight Witten with assistance from auctioneer Phil Ammon. The auction, which closes at 9 p.m. May 2, is already open online.

Champions Night is open to the public, with tickets not required. A suggested donation of $20 can be given at the door. For more information, please visit secondstride.org/champions-night-2022.

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