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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“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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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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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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“We couldn't be more excited to expand our Derby Week entertainment with this infield music experience on Thurby,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “As a day that has come to be celebrated as Kentucky's Day, we're confident this event will capture the interest of multiple generations and provide another way to make memories with friends and family leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats bring the ideal energy to kick off this new tradition with a sound that captures the spirit of Thurby.”

Gates open Thursday, May 5 at 11 a.m. ET, with the first race programmed for 12:45 p.m. ET. General admission tickets start at $29 and can be purchased here. The band will take the stage in the afternoon and entertain guests between races.

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“This year has been rough for everyone in the world,” said Geroux, who notched five wins on Kentucky Oaks Day. “Just being here to have the Derby, even if it was in September, with no spectators, was amazing. Because at the beginning of the year, when everyone was staying at home, you thought that was pretty much impossible… it turned out to be an amazing week.”

“It was an amazing day but, at the end of the day, I wasn't pleased knowing Mundaye Call got beat in the Eight Belles as the even-money favorite,” Geroux said.

In total, Geroux's mounts banked $1,843,419 in purse money during the supercharged Kentucky Derby Week of races. Geroux and Gaffalione held a three-win cushion over Ricardo Santana Jr. in the riding standings. September Meet's defending champion, Corey Lanerie, scored a trio of wins on Kentucky Derby week.

In the trainer standings, Brad Cox won six races with 13 starters and held a two-win margin over Mike Maker. Albaugh Family Stables, G. Watts Humphrey Jr. and Lothenbach Stables are tied in the owner's race with two wins each.

Thursday's nine-race card at Churchill Downs had a first post of 12:45 p.m.

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