Kentucky Derby | Horse Racing Free Tips

Road To The 2021 Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks Is Lasix Free

Following the Kentucky Jockey Club (Grade 2G) at Churchill Downs, Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) and Breeders' Futurity (G1) winner Essential Quality remained atop the “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” leaderboard for 2020-2021 with 30 points but Saturday's winner Keepmeinmind added 10 to his total and moved into second position with 18 overall.

Champagne (G1) winner Jackie's Warrior is next on the list after the first six races with 12 points and is followed by American Pharoah winner Get Her Number (10) and Iroquois winner Sittin On Go (10).

The ninth annual series of select races will determine the preference list for the 20-horse Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) on Saturday, May 1, 2021, by awarding a sliding scale of points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The 2021 Kentucky Derby will mark the first year the classic race will be run without the permitted use of furosemide (often referred to by the brand name, Lasix). In a change this year, points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Derby races.

The total number of races in the primary “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series features 36 marquee races scheduled. The 20-race “Prep Season,” which features foundation-building races over a minimum of one mile between mid-September and mid-February, are worth 10-4-2-1 to the top four placings, respectively, except for the Nov. 6 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), which was worth twice as much (20-8-4-2).

Other “Prep Season” races include the Dec. 5 Remsen, Dec. 18 Springboard Mile, Dec. 19 Los Alamitos Futurity, Jan. 1 Jerome, Jan. 2 Sham, Jan. 16 Lecomte, Jan. 22 Smarty Jones, Jan. 30 Holy Bull, Jan. 30 Robert B. Lewis, Feb. 6 Withers, Feb. 6 Sam F. Davis, February's John Battaglia Memorial, February's El Camino Real Derby and Feb. 15 Southwest.

The 16-race “Championship Series” comprise springboard events that often bring the 3-year-old picture into sharper focus. Most first leg races offer 50-20-10-5 points to the Top 4 finishers: the Feb. 13 Risen Star, Feb. 27 Fountain of Youth, March 6 Gotham, March 6 Tampa Bay Derby, March 6 San Felipe, March 13 Rebel and March's Sunland Derby. The most meaningful races are worth 100-40-20-10: March's Jeff Ruby Steaks, March 20 Louisiana Derby, March 27 UAE Derby, March 27 Florida Derby, April 3 Wood Memorial, April's Blue Grass, April 3 Santa Anita Derby and April 10 Arkansas Derby. Additionally, the April 10 Lexington offers points on a scale of 20-8-4-2 to the first four placings.

With increased interest by Kentucky horsemen and Churchill Downs Incorporated's investment and redevelopment of Turfway Park to enhance winter/spring racing on the Kentucky circuit, the John Battaglia Memorial has been added as a “Prep Season” race and the Jeff Ruby Steaks has been boosted from 20-8-4-2 to 100-40-20-10.

In addition to the primary “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series, there are two separate series that each carve out one spot for a potential horse from Europe and Japan.

The fifth-year Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series again features four races: Saturday's Cattleya (10-4-2-1 and won by Lemon Drop), Dec. 16 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun (20-8-4-2), February's Hyacinth (30-12-6-3) and March's Fukuryu (40-16-8-4).

The fourth-year European Road to the Kentucky Derby again showcases seven races: theJuddmonte Royal Lodge (10-4-2-1 and won by New Mandate-IRE), Smurfit Beresford (10-4-2-1 and won by High Definition-IRE), Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (10-4-2-1 and won by Sealiway-FR),Vertem Futurity Trophy (10-4-2-1 and won by Mac Swiney-IRE), March's Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes (20-8-4-2), March's Patton Stakes (20-8-4-2) and April's Cardinal Condition Stakes (30-12-6-3).

Churchill Downs has used a point system to determine entrants for its famed Kentucky Derby since 2013. At least 20 horses have entered the “Run for the Roses” in 19 of the last 22 years and every year from 2004-19.

The 1 ¼-mile classic for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds is scheduled to be run at the historic Louisville racetrack for the 147^th consecutive year on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

A similar series remains in place to qualify for the Kentucky Derby's sister race, the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles on Friday, April 30, 2021. There will be 31 races for the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” series – 16 “Prep Season” races and 15 “Championship Series” races.

Like the Derby, points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Oaks races.

2020-21 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
36 Races

Kentucky Derby Prep Season (20 races)

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (Points)
Sept. 5	Iroquois	Churchill Downs	1 Mile	Sittin On Go (10)	Midnight Bourbon (4)	Super Stock (2)	Therideofalifetime (1)
Sept. 26	American Pharoah	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	Get Her Number (10)	Rombauer (4)	Speilberg (2)	Waspirant (1)
Oct. 3	Breeders' Futurity	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	Essential Quality (10)	Keepmeinmind (4)	Super Stock (2)	Upstriker (1)
Oct. 10	Champagne	Belmont Park	1 Mile	Jackie's Warrior (10)	Reinvestment Risk (4)	Midnight Bourbon (2)	Civil War (1)
Nov. 6	Breeders' Cup Juvenile	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	Essential Quality (20)	Hot Rod Charlie (8)	Keepmeinmind (4)	Jackie's Warrior (2)
Nov. 28	Kentucky Jockey Club	Churchill Downs	1 1/16 Miles	Keepmeinmind (10)	Smiley Sobotka (4)	Arabian Prince (2)	Swill (1)
Dec. 5	Remsen	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Dec. 18	Springboard Mile	Remington Park	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Dec. 19	Los Alamitos Futurity	Los Alamitos	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 1	Jerome	Aqueduct	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 2	Sham	Santa Anita	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 16	Lecomte	Fair Grounds	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 22	Smarty Jones	Oaklawn Park	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 30	Holy Bull	Gulfstream Park	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 30	Robert B. Lewis	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 6	Withers	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 6	Sam F. Davis	Tampa Bay Downs	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 2020	John Battaglia Memorial	Turfway Park	1 1/16 M (AW)	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 2020	El Camino Real Derby	Golden Gate	1 1/8 Miles (AW)	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 15	Southwest	Oaklawn Park	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)

Kentucky Derby Championship Series (16 races)

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (Points)
Feb. 13	Risen Star	Fair Grounds	1 1/8 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
Feb. 27	Fountain of Youth	Gulfstream Park	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 6	Gotham	Aqueduct	1 Mile	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 6	Tampa Bay Derby	Tampa Bay Downs	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 6	San Felipe	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 13	Rebel	Oaklawn Park	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 2021	Jeff Ruby Steaks	Turfway Park	1 1/8 Miles (AW)	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
March 20	Louisiana Derby	Fair Grounds	1 3/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
March 2021	Sunland Derby	Sunland Park	1 1/8 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 27	UAE Derby	Meydan Racecourse	1 3/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
March 27	Florida Derby	Gulfstream Park	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 3	Wood Memorial	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 2021	Blue Grass	Keeneland	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 3	Santa Anita Derby	Santa Anita	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 10	Arkansas Derby	Oaklawn Park	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 2021	Lexington	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	(20)	(8)	(4)	(2)

2020-21 EUROPEAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
7 Races

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (Points)
Sept. 26	Juddmonte Royal Lodge	Newmarket (GB)	1 Mile (T)	New Mandate (Ire) (10)	Ontario (Ire) (4)	Cobh (Ire) (2)	Gear Up (Ire) (1)
Sept. 26	Smurfit Beresford	Curragh (Ire)	1 Mile (T)	High Definition (Ire) (10)	Monaasib (GB) (4)	Snapraeterea (Ire) (2)	Sir Lucan (Ire) (1)
Oct. 4	Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère	Longchamp (Fr)	7 Furlongs (T)	Sealiway (Fr) (10)	Nando Parrado (GB) (4)	Laws Of Indices (Ire) (2)	Libertine (Ire) (1)
Oct. 24	Vertem Futurity Trophy	Doncaster (GB)	1 Mile (T)	Mac Swiney (Ire) (10)	One Ruler (Ire) (4)	Baradar (Ire) (2)	Cobh (Ire) (1)
March 2021	Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes	Kempton Park (GB)	1 Mile (AW)	(20)	(8)	(4)	(2)
March 2021	Patton (Listed)	Dundalk (Ire)	1 Mile (AW)	(20)	(8)	(4)	(2)
April 2021	Cardinal Condition Stakes	Chelmsford City (GB)	1 Mile (AW)	(30)	(12)	(6)	(3)

2020-21 JAPAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY SCHEDULE
4 Races

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st (Points)	2^nd (Points)	3^rd (Points)	4^th (Points)
Nov. 28	Cattleya	Tokyo Racecourse	1 Mile	Lemon Pop (10)	Takeru Pegasus (Jpn) (4)	Plus Ultra (Jpn) (2)	Shin Yomoginesu (Jpn) (1)
Dec. 16	Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun	Kawasaki Racecourse	1 Mile	(20)	(8)	(4)	(2)
Feb. 2021	Hyacinth	Tokyo Racecourse	1 Mile	(30)	(12)	(6)	(3)
March 2021	Fukuryu	Nakayama Racecourse	1 1/8 Miles	(40)	(16)	(8)	(4)

2020-21 ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY OAKS SCHEDULE
31 Races

Kentucky Oaks Prep Season (16 races)

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th
Sept. 3	Pocahontas	Churchill Downs	1 Mile	Girl Daddy (10)	Crazy Beautiful (4)	Alexandria (2)	Xtrema (1)
Sept. 26	Chandelier	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	Princess Noor (10)	Varda (4)	Miss Costa Rica (2)	Illumination (1)
Oct. 2	Alcibiades	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	Simply Ravishing (10)	Crazy Beautiful (4)	Travel Column (2)	Thoughtfully (1)
Oct. 10	Frizette	Belmont Park	1 Mile	Dayoutoftheoffice (10)	Vequist (4)	Cilla (2)	Joy's Rocket (1)
Nov. 6	BC Juvenile Fillies	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	Vequist (20)	Dayoutoftheoffice (8)	Girl Daddy (4)	Simply Ravishing (2)
Nov. 28	Golden Rod	Churchill Downs	1 1/16 Miles	Travel Column (10)	Clairiere (4)	Coach (2)	Simply Ravishing (1)
Dec. 5	Demoiselle	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Dec. 5	Starlet	Los Alamitos	1 1/16 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 3	Santa Ynez	Santa Anita	7 Furlongs	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 16	Silverbulletday	Fair Grounds	1 Mile 70 Yards	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 24	Busanda	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 30	Forward Gal	Gulfstream Park	7 Furlongs	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Jan. 30	Martha Washington	Oaklawn Park	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 6	Suncoast	Tampa Bay Downs	1 Mile 40 Yards	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 6	Las Virgenes	Santa Anita	1 Mile	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)
Feb. 2020	Cincinnati Trophy	Turfway Park	6 ½ F (AW)	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)

Kentucky Oaks Championship Series (15 races)

Date	Race	Racetrack	Distance	1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th
Feb. 13	Rachel Alexandra	Fair Grounds	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
Feb. 18	UAE Oaks	Meydan Racecourse	1 3/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
Feb. 27	Davona Dale	Gulfstream Park	1 Mile	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 6	Busher Invitational	Aqueduct	1 Mile	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 6	Honeybee	Oaklawn Park	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 7	Santa Ysabel	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 2020	Bourbonette Oaks	Turfway Park	1 Mile (AW)	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 20	Fair Grounds Oaks	Fair Grounds	1 1/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
March 2020	Sunland Park Oaks	Sunland Park	1 1/16 Miles	(50)	(20)	(10)	(5)
March 27	Gulfstream Park Oaks	Gulfstream Park	1 1/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 3	Santa Anita Oaks	Santa Anita	1 1/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 3	Gazelle	Aqueduct	1 1/8 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 2020	Ashland	Keeneland	1 1/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 3	Fantasy	Oaklawn Park	1 1/16 Miles	(100)	(40)	(20)	(10)
April 2020	Beaumont	Keeneland	7 Furlongs	(10)	(4)	(2)	(1)

Schedule subject to change. … (T) = Turf … (AW) = Synthetic … Race dates and distances to be announced by host track; date based on recent historical placement.

HOW TO GET INTO THE KENTUCKY DERBY STARTING GATE – The Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is a series of races that awards points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The top 18 point earners will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 147^th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I), which is rescheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021. One invitation will be extended to the top point earners in the Europe Road to the Kentucky Presented by Woodford Reserve and one invitation will be extended to the top point earners in the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. The Kentucky Derby field has been limited to 20 starters since 1975. At least 20 horses have entered the 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds in 19 of the last 22 years and every year from 2004-19.

Rank	Horse	Points	Owner(s)	Trainer	Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1.	Essential Quality	30	Godolphin LLC	Brad Cox	$1,280,000
2.	Keepmeinmind	18	Cypress Creek LLC & Arnold Bennewith	Robertino Diodoro	$379,040
3.	Jackie's Warrior	12	J. Kirk & Judy Robison	Steve Asmussen	$457,500
4.	Get Her Number	10	Gary Barber	Peter Miller	$186,000
5.	Sittin On Go	10	Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh & Jason Loustch)	Dale Romans	$139,800
6.	Hot Rod Charlie	8	Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing LLC & Strauss Bros Racing	Doug O'Neill	$340,000
7.	Midnight Bourbon	6	Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (Ron Winchell)	Steve Asmussen	$68,000
8.	Rombauer	4	John & Diane Fradkin	Michael McCarthy	$120,500
9.	Reinvestment Risk	4	Klaravich Stables Inc.	Chad Brown	$120,000
10.	Super Stock	4	Erv Woolsey & Keith Asmussen	Steve Asmussen	$59,000
11.	Smiley Sobotka	4	Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh)	Dale Romans	$38,400
12.	Spielberg	2	SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm LLC & Robert E. Masterson	Bob Baffert	$86,000
13.	Arabian Prince	2	West Point Thoroughbreds (Terry Finley et al) & William Sandbrook	Dallas Stewart	$24,063
14.	Therideofalifetime	1	Stephen L. Fidel	Ignacio Correas IV	$39,500
15.	Upstriker	1	William S. Sparks, Brereton C. Jones, & Robert V. LaPenta	Ron Moquett	$20,000
16.	Waspirant	1	Martin J. Wygod, Pam Wygod & Lessee	John Shirreffs	$18,000
17.	Civil War	1	Mark. T. Anderson	Tom Albertrani	$15,000
18.	Swill	1	Kueber Racing LLC (Rick Kueber) & Ten Strike Racing (Marshall Gramm)	Brad Cox	$9,600

EUROPEAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY – First staged in 2018, the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” is a stand-alone series that is separate from America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” sequence. Only one invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby will be extended with preference given to the horses with the most points in the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. No invitation will be extended beyond the Top 4 point earners but if a horse also qualifies through America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series, the invite will be extended to the next eligible horse. If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreakers are earnings in non-restricted stakes races through April 10, 2021 followed by lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. Since 1967, there have been 49 horses who previously raced outside North America and ran in the Kentucky Derby. Venezuela's Canonero II won the 1971 Derby, while Bold Arrangement (GB), who was campaigned in Great Britain and France, finished second to Ferdinand in the 1986 renewal.

Rank	Horse	Points	Owner(s)	Trainer	Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1.	Sealiway (Fr)	10	Harasdelagousserie/G.Pariente	Frederic Rossi	$235,281
2.	Mac Swiney (Ire)	10	Mrs. J. S. Bolger	James Bolger	$232,127
3.	New Mandate (Ire)	10	Marc Chan	Ralph Beckett	$90,436
4.	High Definition (Ire)	10	Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Mrs. A.M. O'Brien	Aidan O'Brien	$55,830
5.	Nando Parrado (GB)	4	M McCartan	Clive Cox	$164,769
6.	One Ruler (Ire)	4	Godolphin	Charlie Appleby	$101,005
7.	Ontario (Ire)	4	Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith	Aidan O'Brien	$49,261
8.	Monaasib (GB)	4	Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum	Kevin Prendergast	$17,680
9.	Cobh (Ire)	3	China Horse Club International Ltd.	Clive Cox	$52,500
10.	Laws of Indices (Ire)	2	Cr Holmes	Ken Condon	$95,500
11.	Baradar (Ire)	2	Amo Racing Limited	Roger Varian	$31,380
12.	Snapraeterea (Ire)	2	J.P. Farrell	Joseph O'Brien	$24,574
13.	Gear Up (Ire)	1	Teme Valley	Mark Johnston	$138,515
14.	Libertine (Ire)	1	J Romel	Fabrice Vermeulen	$25,155
15.	Sir Lucan (Ire)	1	Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs. John Magnier	Aidan O'Brien	$3,722

JAPAN ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY – First staged in 2017, the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” is a separate sequence of four races from America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. Only one invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby will be extended with preference given to the horses with the most points in the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series. If a horse also qualifies through America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series, an additional invite could be extended. If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. Three horses based in Japan have run in the Kentucky Derby: Ski Captain (14^th, 1995), Lani (9^th, 2016) and Master Fencer (JPN) (6^th, 2019).

Rank	Horse	Points	Owner(s)	Trainer	Lifetime Earnings
1.	Lemon Pop	10	Godolphin LLC	Hiroyasu Tanaka	*$223,748
2.	Takeru Pegasus (Jpn)	4	Yasuhiko Mori	Yukhiro Kato	*$137,992
3.	Plus Ultra (Jpn)	2	Mill Farm Co. Ltd.	Takahisa Tezuka	*$128,826
4.	Shin Yomoginesu (Jpn)	1	Shinji Okamoto	Keizo Ito	*$95,221

* Estimated earnings; awaiting final updated conversions

HOW TO GET INTO THE KENTUCKY OAKS STARTING GATE – The Road to the Kentucky Oaks is a series that awards points to the Top 4 finishers in each race. The Top 14 point earners nominated to the Longines Kentucky Oaks will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 147^th running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), which is scheduled for Friday, April 30, 2021. The 1 1/8-mile Oaks is the nation's premier race for 3-year-old fillies.

Rank	Horse	Points	Owner(s)	Trainer	Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1.	Vequist	24	Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable & Swilcan Stable LLC	“Butch” Reid Jr.	$1,227,500
2.	Dayoutoftheoffice	18	Timothy E. Hamm & Siena Farm LLC	Timothy Hamm	$532,500
3.	Girl Daddy	14	Albaugh Family Stables LLC (Dennis Albaugh & Jason Loustch)	Dale Romans	$299,040
4.	Simply Ravishing	13	Harold Lerner LLC, Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek) & NehocStables	Kenny McPeek	$374,600
5.	Travel Column	12	OXO Equine LLC (Larry Best)	Brad Cox	$154,040
6.	Princess Noor	10	Zedan Racing Stables Inc.	Bob Baffert	$330,000
7.	Crazy Beautiful	8	Phoenix Thoroughbred LTD	Kenny McPeek	$206,645
8.	Varda	4	Baoma Corporation	Bob Baffert	$40,000
9.	Clairiere	4	Stonestreet Stables LLC (Barbara Banke)	Steve Asmussen	$38,400
10.	Coach	2	Kueber Racing LLC (Rick Kueber)	Brad Cox	$77,640
11.	Cilla	2	P. Dale Ladner	Bentley Combs	$32,000
12.	Miss Costa Rica	2	Carroll Boys Racing, Sayjay Racing LLC, Jerry McClanahan & Richard Baltas	Richard Baltas	$24,000
13.	Alexandria	2	WinStar Farm LLC, Blazing Meadows Farm LLC & Michael Lewis	Timothy Hamm	$21,200
14.	Thoughtfully	1	Heider Family Stables LLC	Steve Asmussen	$120,000
15.	Joy's Rocket	1	Team Hanley & Parkland Thoroughbreds	Steve Asmussen	$76,400
16.	Illumination	1	George Bolton, Peter Leidel, Karin Leidel, Barry Lipman & Kerri Radcliffe	Bob Baffert	$42,000
17.	Xtrema	1	Big Chief Racing LLC, Rocker O Ranch LLC & J. Keith Desormeaux	Keith Desormeaux	$17,838

RTKD AND RTKO RULES
TIEBREAKERS –

America's Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is earnings in non-restricted stakes races. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lifetime earnings. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”).
European Road to the Kentucky Derby: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is earnings in non-restricted stakes races through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”). Any points earned in America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby” will be credited to the horse's point total in the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby.”
Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby: If two or more horses have the same number of points, the tiebreaker is lifetime earnings through April 10, 2021. In the case of remaining ties, the additional starter(s) and/or also-eligible horses shall be determined by lot (aka a “shake”). Any points earned in America's “Road to the Kentucky Derby” will be credited to the horse's point total in the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.”

FILLIES – If a filly wants to run in the Kentucky Derby she can, but she'll have to earn her way into the field by accumulating points against open company just like the rest of the colts and geldings. Additionally, any points earned by a filly in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve” series against open company will be credited to her point total in the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” series.

DEAD-HEATS – In the event of a dead-heat (tie) those horses will divide equally the points they would have received jointly had one beaten the other.

SPLIT DIVISIONS – In the event a race is split into divisions and each division awards its originally published purse money, points will be awarded as scheduled for each division. If the originally published purse is reduced for each division, points will be reduced proportionally as well.

LASIX – The 2021 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will mark the first year those races will be run without the permitted use of Furosemide (often referred to by the brand name, Lasix). Points will only be awarded to horses who compete on race day without Lasix in Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks races.

MEDICATION VIOLATIONS – If the connections of a horse have been notified by a regulatory body about a medication violation from participation in a Road to the Kentucky Derby or Road to the Kentucky Oaks race, and that violation would result in disqualification, any accrued points from the race will be revoked until the matter reaches a legal conclusion. Accrued points will be reinstated if the matter is legally overturned prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks.

ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY LEADERBOARD HISTORY – FINAL

2020 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tiz the Law (372), 2. Authentic (200), 3. Honor A. P. (140), 4. Ny Traffic (110), 5. King Guillermo (90), 6. Thousand Words (83), 7. Max Player (60), 8. Enforceable (43), 9. Major Fed (38), 10. Storm the Court (36), 11. Attachment Rate (35), 12. Sole Volante (30), 13. Finnick the Fierce (25), 14. Winning Impression (20), 15. South Bend (18), 16. Necker Island (14), 17. Mr. Big News (0, $129,500) and 18. Money Moves (0, $0, $67,400).

2019 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Tacitus (150), 2. Omaha Beach (137.5), 3. Vekoma (110), 4. Plus Que Parfait (104), 5. Roadster (100, $636,000), 6. By My Standards (100, $600,000), 7. Maximum Security (100, $582,800), 8. Game Winner (85), 9. Code of Honor (74), 10.Haikal (70), 11. Improbable (65), 12. War of Will (60), 13. Long Range Toddy (53.5), 14. Tax (52), 15. Cutting Humor (50, $462,467), 16. WinWin Win (50, $220,000), 17. Country House (50, $220,000), 18. Gray Magician (41), 19. Spinoff (40, $224,000), 20. Master Fencer (JPN) (Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Invite) and AE 21. Bodexpress (40, $188,000).

2018 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Magnum Moon (150), 2. Good Magic (134), 3. Audible (110, $803,520), 4. Noble Indy (110, $640,000), 5. Vino Rosso (107), 6. Bolt d'Oro (104), 7. Enticed (103), 8. Mendelssohn (100, $1,947,299), 9. Justify (100, $600,000), 10. Flameaway (70), 11. Solomini (54, $716,000), 12. Bravazo (54, $359,913), 13. My Boy Jack (52, $622,000), 14. Promises Fulfilled (52, $266,480), 15. Free Drop Billy (44), 16. Lone Sailor (42), 17. Hofburg (40), 18. Firenze Fire (39), 19. Combatant (32), 20. Instilled Regard (29) and AE 21. Blended Citizen (22).

2017 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Girvin (150), 2. Classic Empire (132), 3. Gormley (125), 4. Irap (113), 5. Irish War Cry (110), 6. Thunder Snow-IRE (100, $1,621,063), 7. Always Dreaming (100, $589,000), 8. Gunnevera (84), 9. Practical Joke (74), 10. J Boys Echo (63), 11. State of Honor (62), 12. Tapwrit (54), 13. Hence (50, $401,429), 14. Fast and Accurate (50, $320,712), 15. McCraken (40, $385,048), 16. Battle of Midway (40, $224,000), 17. Patch (40, $200,000), 18. Untrapped (34), 19. Lookin At Lee (32), 20. Sonneteer (30, $236,000), AE 21. Royal Mo (30, $213,000) and AE 22. Master Plan (20).

2016 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Gun Runner (151), 2. Nyquist (130), 3. Exaggerator (126), 4. Outwork (120), 5. Brody's Cause (114), 6. Creator (110), 7. Lani (100), 8. Mor Spirit (84), 9. Mohaymen (80), 10. Danzing Candy (60), 11. Destin (51), 12. Suddenbreakingnews (50, $637,000), 13. Oscar Nominated (50, 321,360), 14. Shagaf (50, $270,000), 15. Whitmore (44, $400,000), 16. Tom's Ready (44, $270,670), 17. My Man Sam (40, $200,000), 18. Majesto (40, $190,000, $239,500), 19. Trojan Nation (40, $190,000, $213,290), 20. Mo Tom (32, $268,326), AE 21. Laoban (32, $142,000) and AE 22. Cherry Wine (25, $145,000).

2015 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. International Star (171), 2. Dortmund (170), 3. Carpe Diem (164), 4. American Pharoah (160), 5. Frosted (113), 6. Mubtaahij-IRE (100, $1,400,000), 7. Materiality (100, $632,028), 8. El Kabeir (95), 9. Upstart (76), 10. Far Right (62), 11.Itsaknockout (60), 12. Firing Line (58), 13. Danzig Moon (45), 14. War Story (44), 15. Tencendur (41), 16. Stanford (40), 17. Mr. Z (34), 18.Ocho Ocho Ocho (30, $760,250), 19. Bolo (30, $214,980), 20. Keen Ice (22), AE 21. Frammento (20) and AE 22. Tale of Verve (0).

2014 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. California Chrome (150), 2. Vicar's in Trouble (120), 3. Dance With Fate (108), 4. Wicked Strong (102), 5. Samraat (100, $640,000), 6. Danza (100, $620,000), 7. Hoppertunity (95), 8. Intense Holiday (93), 9. Wildcat Red (90), 10. We Miss Artie (60), 11. Ride On Curlin (55), 12. Chitu (54), 13. Tapiture (52), 14. General a Rod (40, $240,000), 15. Medal Count (40, $226,500), 16. Candy Boy (30), 17. Uncle Sigh (24), 18. Vinceremos (20, $191,666), 19. Harry's Holiday (20, $152,622), 20. Commanding Curve (20, $104,000) and AE 21. Pablo Del Monte (20, $102,000).

2013 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Orb (150, $840,000), 2. Verrazano (150, $810,000), 3. Goldencents (129), 4. Java's War (122), 5. Overanalyze (110, $908,381), 6. Revolutionary (110, $720,000), 7. Lines of Battle (100), 8. Vyjack (70), 9. Will Take Charge (60), 10. Itsmyluckyday (50, $593,600), 11. Black Onyx (50, $317,130), 12. Palace Malice (50, $200,000), 13. Normandy Invasion (44, $258,000), 14. FracDaddy (44, $240,596), 15. Mylute (42), 16. Oxbow (36), 17. Falling Sky (30), 18. Charming Kitten (20), 19. Golden Soul (14), 20. Giant Finish (10) and AE 21. Fear the Kitten (6).

ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY OAKS LEADERBOARD HISTORY – FINAL

2020 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Swiss Skydiver (450), 2. Speech (160), 3. Shedaresthedevil (90), 4. Donna Veloce (62), 5. Gamine (50, $330,000), 6. Hopeful Growth (50, $135,000), 7. Tempers Rising (47), 8. Dream Marie (35) and 9. Bayerness (8).

2019 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Bellafina (132), 2. Champagne Anyone (113), 3. Street Band (105), 4. Lady Apple (100, $336,000), 5. Out for a Spin (100, $300,000), 6. Liora (71), 7. Restless Rider (62), 8. Serengeti Empress (60, $313,270), 9. Motion Emotion (60, $140,000), 10. Jaywalk (55), 11. Chocolate Kisses (51, $157,000), 12. Jeltrin (51, $128,720), 13. Positive Spirit (50), 14. Flor de la Mar (40, $80,000), AE 15. Dunbar Road (40, $49,500) and AE 16. Point of Honor (20).

2018 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Midnight Bisou (160), 2. Monomoy Girl (154), 3. Sassy Sienna (115), 4. My Miss Lilly (112), 5. Chocolate Martini (100, $240,000), 6. Coach Rocks (100, $145,700), 7. Rayya (90), 8. Wonder Gadot (84), 9. Eskimo Kisses (80), 10. Take Charge Paula (70), 11. Patrona Margarita (35), 12. Classy Act (30), 13. Heavenhasmynikki (11) and 14. Kelly's Humor (8).

2017 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Farrell (170), 2. Miss Sky Warrior (160), 3. Ever So Clever (106), 4. Sailor's Valentine (100, $307,014), 5. Paradise Woods (100, $240,000), 6. Salty (100, $150,350), 7. Abel Tasman (70), 8. Daddys Lil Darling (60), 9. Tequilita (50, $227,540), 10. Lockdown (50, $120,000), 11. Wicked Lick (49), 12. Vexatious (40, $80,000), 13. Jordan's Henny (40, $66,410), 14. Mopotism (16) and AE 15. Summer Luck (11).

2016 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Terra Promessa (150), 2. Lewis Bay (130), 3. Land Over Sea (128), 4. Weep No More (100, $340,000), 5. Go Maggie Go (100, $151,900), 6. Cathryn Sophia (80), 7. Mo d'Amour (70), 8. Venus Valentine (50, $132,375), 9. Mokat (50, $112,000), 10. Rachel's Valentina (48), 11. Royal Obsession (45), 12. Dream Dance (44), 13. Taxable (40, $80,000), 14. Paola Queen (40, $49,000) and 15.Dothraki Queen (20).

2015 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Condo Commando (161, $715,000), 2. I'm a Chatterbox (161, $430,714), 3. Stellar Wind (150), 4. Birdatthewire (130), 5. Lovely Maria (120), 6. Include Betty (100), 7. Oceanwave (60), 8. Angela Renee (57), 9. Sarah Sis (54), 10.Eskenformoney (50), 11. Puca (45), 12. Shook Up (40), 13. Forever Unbridled (34), 14. Money'soncharlotte (22) and AE 15. Peace and War (10).

2014 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Untapable (160), 2. Sugar Shock (120), 3. Fashion Plate (110), 4. My Miss Sophia (100), 5. Rosalind (78), 6. Got Lucky (64, $180,000), 7. Aurelia's Belle (64, $142,850), 8. Ria Antonia (55), 9. Kiss Moon (50), 10. Fiftyshadesofgold (40), 11. Unbridled Forever (30), 12. Thank You Marylou (20) and 13. Empress of Midway (15).

2013 FINAL LEADERBOARD – 1. Beholder (164, $1,500,000), 2. Rose to Gold (164, $717,889), 3. Unlimited Budget (160), 4. Dreaming of Julia (132), 5. Close Hatches (100), 6. Flashy Gray (60), 7. Princess of Sylmar (50, $170,000), 8. Midnight Lucky (50, $120,000), 9. Silsita(50, $57,600), 10. Seaneen Girl (34) and 11. Pure Fun (20).

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This Side Up: A Second Track to the Twin Spires

They keep telling us not to get ahead of ourselves, with all the promising news on vaccines. But however tough the winter still to come, we can surely now glimpse some kind of light at the end of the tunnel. And perhaps it’s not too ambitious even to start envisaging times and places when we might finally be able to pause, and look around, and savor anew those rituals of teeming color and vitality we now understand to be so integral to human fulfilment. Like, maybe–whisper it–the first Saturday in May?

Never mind whether that sacrosanct date should ever have been dragged into the Covid backwash. Granted a following wind, we hope to have the immemorial landmark back where it should be on the 2021 horizon. And, in contemplating the six-month odyssey ahead, we could not set a more logical course than from the Twin Spires themselves.

True, a reconnaissance on Thanksgiving weekend has in recent times tended not to yield the kind of dividends that first established the GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. through the 1920s. By 1930, a race that established the competence of a maturing 2-year-old to go two turns round Churchill was volunteering the GI Kentucky Derby winner for a third time in four years. In the Breeders’ Cup era, however, the prospect of a juvenile championship (and the associated stud baubles) has diverted much traffic. Albeit Saturday’s field does include three taking in both races, coming here as an alternative is typically the work either of a horse that needs time; or of a horseman who takes time.

In the old days, mind you, even the slower-maturing juvenile was given a foundation on the track. Reigh Count took seven attempts to break his maiden and, prematurely sold to John D. Hertz, ended up announcing his Derby candidacy in the 1927 running. He had already given a scare to his new barnmate, Anita Peabody, in a famous running of the Futurity at Belmont. His deference, in narrowly yielding, she later rewarded with the audiences that produced two of only three foals she delivered before her death. (They proceeded to make 200 starts between them.)

His Kentucky Derby success set up Reigh Count not only as the dominant American Thoroughbred of 1928, but for an audacious migration the following year, when he won the Coronation Cup at Epsom and finished second in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Rumoured to have turned down a seven-figure bid for a horse he bought for $12,500, Hertz remarked: “I think a fellow who would pay $1 million for a horse ought to have his head examined. And the fellow who turned it down must be absolutely unbalanced.” Plus ca change…

As it was, Hertz retired the horse to Stoner Creek–the farm he had established on land recommended by Arthur B. Hancock Sr.–where he sired Count Fleet.

Stoner Creek was where Gus Koch acquired the lore he would eventually devote to three decades in the service of Hancock’s grandson Seth Hancock at Claiborne. In fact, he was giving up a Sunday afternoon to nurse the 31-year-old Count Fleet through a bout of colic when a bunch of girls drove up from Lexington to see the Triple Crown winner–one of whom, Theresa, would provide him with 10 children who have meanwhile maintained their surname as a Bluegrass byword for diligence and integrity.

Times change, but horses don’t, and nor, accordingly, does the essence of horsemanship. But the habits and strategies of horsemen do evolve. Since 1931, only three Kentucky Derby winners have emerged from the Kentucky Jockey Club S.: Cannonade (1973-74) and Super Saver (2009-10) won both, while the throwback Real Quiet–who, just like Reigh Count, had taken seven attempts to win a maiden–was third in the 1997 running before coming of age on his return to Louisville.

The old school remains reliably represented today by Barclay Tagg, who spurned an automatic berth in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year to come here with Tiz The Law (Constitution). Things didn’t work out on the day, in a messy race on the slop, but then one of the principal purposes of a patient education is learning to cope with adversity. Sure enough, that proved to be Tiz The Law’s only defeat until the Derby was finally staged in September; and very possibly he might have won that, too, on its customary date.

The next generation has a clear leader now in Brad Cox, whose barn has become so powerful that he can take a twin-track approach to the race that defines his native city. With the Breeders’ Cup laurels already secured, here he introduces two maiden winners to stakes company.

Mind you, for a horse just getting started, Swill (Munnings) has been talked about for quite a while already: not least since he was nearly brought down at Saratoga in the summer, coasting past the rest in the gallop-out. He sheds the blinkers as he prepares for that second turn, where he can hopefully draw upon the stamina definitely loaded behind his third dam. But we already know he likes this surface: sharp in his maiden, his :59.8 breeze a couple of weeks ago was the fastest of 57 that morning.

One step at a time. Placing your horses in the right company is one of the critical attributes of a trainer, and Cox has yet to have a Derby starter. But whichever horse graduates from this race will have one fewer query if able to make it all the way through, and return here in May.

Essential Quality (Tapit), meanwhile, is himself ticking over at Churchill before moving down to New Orleans. The Fair Grounds, of course, is where Cox has laid much of the groundwork for the stardom he sealed with those four winners at the Breeders’ Cup. He will be seeking his fourth straight training title, and it would doubtless sit well with him to launch Essential Quality in the GII Risen Star S., or maybe in the GII Southwest S. up at Oaklawn–another track where he has excelled.

The people at Oaklawn did much to sustain morale for the entire industry as the pandemic nightmare took hold. Conceivably they may bring the whole dismal saga full circle. But wherever and whenever it can happen, what a swell party that will be. And who knows? In the meantime, the Swill party could start here and now.

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Essential Quality 10-1 Favorite In First 2021 Derby Future Wager Pool

Godolphin's undefeated $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile (GI) winner Essential Quality is the 10-1 individual favorite among 24 betting interests in Pool 1 of the 2021 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which kicks off a four-day run at Churchill Downs on Thanksgiving Day.

The pari-mutuel field of “All Other 3-Year-Old Colts and Geldings” is expected to be the overall first-pool favorite for the 23^rd consecutive year and veteran odds maker Mike Battaglia has installed it as the 6-5 favorite.

In addition to Essential Quality, other promising juveniles that are expected to take interest are CHC INC and WinStar Farm's recent 9 ½-length maiden winner Life Is Good, who cruised 6 ½ furlongs on debut in 1:15.40 Sunday for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, and Klaravich Stable's $125,000 Nyquist Stakes winner Highly Motivated, who is conditioned by top trainer Chad Brown. Both colts were made 15-1 on Battaglia's morning line odds.

Here's the complete Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1 field (with trainer and morning line odds): #1 Caddo River (Brad Cox, 30-1); #2 Dr. Schivel (Mark Glatt, 30-1); #3 Essential Quality (Cox, 10-1); #4 Fire At Will (Mike Maker, 30-1); #5 Get Her Number (Peter Miller, 20-1); #6 Highly Motivated (Brown, 15-1); #7 Hot Rod Charlie (Doug O'Neill, 20-1); #8 Jackie's Warrior (Steve Asmussen, 20-1); #9 Keepmeinmind (Robertino Diodoro, 20-1); #10 King Fury (Kenny McPeek, 50-1); #11 Life Is Good (Baffert, 15-1); #12 Midnight Bourbon (Asmussen, 30-1); #13 Pickin Time (Kelly Breen, 20-1); #14 Red Flag (John Shirreffs, 30-1); #15 Reinvestment Risk (Brown, 30-1); #16 Rombauer (Michael McCarthy, 30-1); #17 Savile Row (Baffert, 20-1); #18 Scarred (Asmussen, 30-1); #19 Sittin On Go (Dale Romans, 30-1); #20 Speaker's Corner (Bill Mott, 50-1) #21 Super Stock (Asmussen, 30-1); #22 Ten for Ten (Shug McGaughey III, 50-1); #23 All 3-Year-Old Fillies (50-1); and #24 All Other 3-Year-Old Colts and Geldings (6-5).

The pool, which features $2 Win and Exacta wagering, opens Thursday at noon and will close Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

The Kentucky Derby Future Wager will be offered concurrently with the sixth annual Kentucky Derby Sire Future Wager, which provides bettors with a unique opportunity to wager on select breeding stars and their entire crop of juveniles with the hope of winning next year's Kentucky Derby.

Offspring sired by Into Mischief and Tapit were made the co-individual favorites at 6-1 on the morning line by Battaglia. The overall favorite is the “All Other Sires” betting interest, which was made 9-2.

Here's the Kentucky Derby Sire Future Wager field (with morning line odds): #1 American Pharoah (20-1); #2 Bernardini (30-1); #3 Bodemeister (30-1); #4 Candy Ride (ARG) (30-1); #5 Constitution (20-1); #6 Curlin (15-1); #7 Flatter (30-1); #8 Frosted (30-1); #9 Ghostzapper (30-1); #10 Hard Spun (20-1); #11 Honor Code (20-1); #12 Into Mischief (6-1); #13 Liam's Map (30-1); #14 Medaglia D'Oro (20-1); #15 Munnings (30-1); #16 Not This Time (20-1); #17 Pioneerof the Nile (30-1); #18 Quality Road (30-1); #19 Street Sense (15-1); #20 Tapit (6-1); #21 Tiznow (15-1); #22 Uncle Mo (15-1); #23 Union Rags (50-1); and #24 “All Other Sires” (4-1).

This marks the eighth consecutive year that Churchill Downs has hosted Future Wager pools in November on closing weekend of its Fall Meet. In last year's wager, eventual Kentucky Derby winner Authentic closed at 50-1 odds and returned $103.60 for a $2 wager. His sire, Into Mischief, closed at 17-1 and returned $36.20.

The Kentucky Derby Future Wagers provide fans of Thoroughbred racing with opportunities to place bets on possible entrants in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) at odds that could be far greater and more attractive than those available on the day of the race. The 147^th running of Kentucky Derby, America's greatest race and the first leg of the Triple Crown, is set for Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Churchill Downs.

Bets can be placed at Churchill Downs Racetrack, TwinSpires.com and other online wagering outlets and satellite wagering centers across North America.

There are no refunds in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. Should Churchill Downs officials determine during the duration of this week's four-day pool that one of the wagering interests has experienced an injury, illness or other circumstance that would prevent the horse from participating in the Kentucky Derby, betting on the individual horse will be suspended immediately.

More information, Brisnet.com past performances and real-time odds on the Kentucky Derby Future Wager will be available before the pool opens Thursday online at https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wager/future-wager.

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Churchill President Kevin Flanery To Retire At Year’s End

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced WednesdayKe that after 11 years at the helm of the world's most legendary racetrack, T. Kevin Flanery has decided to retire as President of Churchill Downs Racetrack at the end of 2020.

Flanery's 15-year tenure at CDI began in December 2005 as vice president of national public affairs. He was named senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in March 2008 before being named the 13th President of Churchill Downs Racetrack and a Senior Vice President of CDI in July 2009.

As President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, Flanery led a number of significant capital investments that greatly improved the live racing experience including permanent track lighting and the Big Board. He also spearheaded major expansion projects including the Paddock Plaza, The Mansion, the Starting Gate Suites and Rooftop Lounge, the Colonnade, the new Infield Gate and, most recently in 2020, the completion of the equine medical center and Matt Winn's Steakhouse.

“Kevin has been a pivotal leader in the growth and evolution of Churchill Downs,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, “not only at the racetrack, but across the Company. His focus on bold capital investments and unmatched fan experiences has had a direct and enduring impact on the success of the Kentucky Derby and his leadership has navigated Churchill Downs Racetrack through many unexpected challenges, not the least of which has been the unforeseen circumstances of 2020. Having worked side by side with Kevin over the last 15 years, I offer sincere gratitude for his friendship and his leadership and we wish him all the best in his retirement. His has been an important and impactful chapter in the history of Churchill Downs Racetrack.”

“It has been an honor to work with a team that constantly strives to protect the legacy of the Kentucky Derby while creating experiences that resonate in our modern world. The ability of my Churchill Downs team to listen to our fans and our horsemen has informed every move we have made to enrich the Kentucky Derby for future generations,” said Flanery. “Having grown up in the area surrounding Churchill Downs Racetrack, I have a deep appreciation for what this place means to so many in our industry and our community. I will forever be grateful to the horsemen, the community and our guests who allowed me the opportunity to impact the rich and vibrant history of Churchill Downs and the unique culture of the neighborhood. I look forward to spending more time with my family and grandchildren and visiting colleagues and friends at Churchill Downs as a fan.”

Flanery came to Churchill Downs following a number of key positions in government and private business, including secretary of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and president of Hagan Properties.

CDI will immediately begin the search to fill the role of President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of CDI, will act as interim President of Churchill Downs Racetrack until a successor is named.

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