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Services Set For Richardson

Funeral services for Donald Ray “Donnie” Richardson, the former senior vice president of racing for Churchill Downs Incorporated until his retirement in 2012, will take place Friday morning, Apr. 30, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1000 N. Beckley Station Road in Louisville, with burial to follow in Cavalry Cemetery. A visitation was to be held Thursday evening.

Richardson, who was 75 at the time of his passing, was born Jan. 27, 1946, and spent the majority of his career in the racing business. His father, Elmer, ran the program department at Churchill Downs, the defunct Miles Park in Louisville and Latonia (Turfway Park) for more than three decades.

Donnie Richardson began selling programs at Churchill Downs at the age of 14. In 1969, he joined the track's racing office and also worked as a patrol judge. After holding a variety of positions at Kentucky's racetracks, as well as at Hialeah in Miami and at Oaklawn Park, Richardson returned to Churchill to become the track's assistant racing secretary from 1973-1978 and was the racing secretary for the extended Spring Meet at Churchill in 1978.

Richardson branched out in 1979 to become a jockey's agent, working with the likes of Chris McCarron and Don Brumfield as well as Jim McKnight, Darrell Haire and Earlie Fires, among others. In 1990, Richardson became the stakes coordinator for Churchill Downs and later, as the senior vice president of racing, oversaw Churchill Downs' racing program and was responsible for policy development, strategy and horsemen's services for Churchill Downs Incorporated and its racing markets in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky and Louisiana.

“Donnie Richardson devoted his life to horse racing,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Mike Anderson. “He was a valuable Churchill Downs employee for 22 years and helped champion the growth of our stakes program, including the Kentucky Derby Week schedule of races we know today. Our hearts and prayers are with Donnie's numerous family and friends around the racetrack as they grieve during this difficult time.”

Richardson was preceded in death by his beloved wife Theresa Longazel Richardson and is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Richardson (Scott Rech); and Shelley Dunn (Jason); and two grandsons, Jonathan and Jack Dunn.

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Churchill Downs Issues Reminder Of Kentucky Derby Health And Safety Protocols For Spectators

In advance of the 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade 1) on Saturday, Churchill Downs Racetrack is reminding guests of the health and safety protocols in place to host America's greatest race. The Kentucky Derby, first staged in 1875, is the longest continually-held major sporting event in the United States.

Owing to physical distancing protocols and other safety measures in place, Churchill Downs is limiting the number of reserved seats to 40 to 50 percent capacity and up to 60 percent in certain private premium areas that allow social distancing. Additionally, Infield-Only general admission ticket sales are limited to approximately 25 to 30 percent of capacity in the spacious, outdoor 22-acre Infield.

Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Week Health and Safety Operations Plan was developed in close collaboration with public health experts and adheres to the industry-specific guidance for “Venues and Event Spaces,” “Restaurants and Bars” and “Retail Businesses.” Current CDC recommendations guided the formation of the plan. Advice and counsel from the Louisville Metro Health Department along with key elements of Kentucky's Healthy at Work guidance are incorporated throughout the document.

“We've received an exceptional level of guidance from medical experts and public health authorities, and this plan will allow the reduced number of spectators in attendance to celebrate Kentucky Derby 147 in a safe and responsible way,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Mike Anderson said.

All attendees should perform a health self-assessment prior to their arrival at Churchill Downs. Anyone with an elevated temperature or illness should refrain from attending.

Although the Kentucky mask mandate was lifted for outdoor events of less than 1,000, state mask requirements still apply for guests of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby due to attendance in excess of 1,000. Protective face coverings/masks are required for all guests unless seated while actively eating or drinking. Guests will be encouraged to socially distance themselves from others when possible.

In addition, Churchill Downs has implemented a Compliance Ambassador program to drive awareness and adoption of public safety measures. Signage is placed throughout the facility, including the Infield, to remind guests to wear masks and practice social distancing. Messaging also will be programmed on television monitors including the 171' x 90' Panasonic TV Screen known as the “Big Board.”

Compliance of Churchill Downs' public safety measures is a condition of admittance. Offenders will receive a warning; repeat offenders will be escorted from the property without a refund.

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Churchill Downs Partners With ‘Mattress Mack’ To Host Kentucky Derby Foster Family Initiative

Churchill Downs Racetrack announced today a new partnership with Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale that will welcome nearly 300 representatives from Kentucky's foster care sector as guests to the Kentucky Derby.

The first-ever Kentucky Derby Foster Family Initiative connects McIngvale's passion for the life-changing work made possible through the foster care system with Churchill Downs' Louisville nonprofit partners, Maryhurst and Boys & Girls Haven, who locally provide those social services.

McIngvale is a native of Texas and is well-known for using his high-stakes bets on sports as creative marketing promotions for his Houston-based mattress and furniture store, Gallery Furniture. His commitment to foster care work was inspired by his recently-adopted grandson, Brodie, in June 2019. His daughter Laura McIngvale Brown and her husband Phil Brown officially welcomed Brodie into their family after serving as foster parents.

“I have seen firsthand the importance of foster care and Brodie has been a true joy in my life,” McIngvale shared. “I'm thrilled to partner through Churchill Downs with these Louisville nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly to help children and families thrive. I couldn't be happier to help provide them the opportunity to enjoy this year's Kentucky Derby.”

Churchill Downs will be working with long-time charitable partners Maryhurst and Boys & Girls Haven to identify foster parents, alumni and social service workers and staff in the industry to host for the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby.

“We are always excited for the opportunity to use the unforgettable experience of the Kentucky Derby as a platform for good,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack president Mike Anderson. “It's incredibly rewarding when we can combine our charitable goals with a partner like Mattress Mack and give back to those in our community who, through their work or volunteerism, make our city and our world a better place.”

Maryhurst, Kentucky's oldest child-serving nonprofit organization, works to prevent abuse, restore hope and empower survivors of trauma and abuse. Maryhurst provides community-based counseling and wellbeing services, residential treatment and community and transitional living support.

“We are so grateful for our long standing partnership with Churchill Downs,” said Micah Jorrisch, vice president of external relations for Maryhurst. “This generous donation from Mattress Mack has presented a wonderful chance to recognize professionals and foster families who work tirelessly to ensure that every child in Kentucky has the opportunity to thrive.”

Boys & Girls Haven is a nonprofit transforming the lives of abandoned, abused and neglected children. Their programs include in-home foster care, residential foster care, transitional living, independence readiness and Haven family services.

“For over 70 years, we have provided a home and a future for our community's most vulnerable young people,” said Amanda Masterson, CEO of Boys and Girls Haven. “We are proud to be a part of the Kentucky Derby Foster Family Initiative; we are grateful for the support and ongoing partnership with Churchill Downs.”

The post Churchill Downs Partners With ‘Mattress Mack’ To Host Kentucky Derby Foster Family Initiative appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Churchill Boosts Purses By $3.1 Million Thanks To Derby City Gaming

Before the first race is run Saturday on Opening Night of the 38-day Spring Meet, Churchill Downs Racetrack has announced that purses will be raised an additional $3.1 million thanks to robust business from state-of-the-art historical racing machines at Derby City Gaming.

Total purses offered in the first condition book for horsemen, which covers 190 races over 19 dates through Thursday, May 27, have grown to $22,822,100 for a daily average of $1,201,163. That represents a 5.9% percent increase from the previously published $21,544,000.

Maiden special weight races are now worth $115,000 during Kentucky Derby Week and $100,000 post-Derby, which is up from the previously published $106,000 and $91,000, respectively. Kentucky Derby Week allowance races will range from $118,000 to $125,000 and $102,000 to $109,000 after Derby. They were $109,000 to $116,000 and $93,000 to $100,000, respectively.

Additionally, the purses for 25 stakes races were boosted. A trio of stakes received $50,000 increases: the $150,000 Audubon for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on turf on May 29; Grade 2, $300,000 Fleur de Lis for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on June 26; and Grade 2, $300,000 Wise Dan for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles on turf on June 26. Fourteen stakes originally worth $125,000 were boosted $25,000 to $150,000 and eight overnight stakes races received $10,000 increases.

The 40-race Spring Meet stakes schedule now totals $14.02 million.

The growth has been driven by handle on historical racing machines at Derby City Gaming, which is located at 4520 Poplar Level Road.

“Over the last 10 years, historical horse racing has allowed our equine industry to flourish, increasing purses and creating a more competitive racing circuit,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Mike Anderson. “It has led to new jobs, economic growth and tourism.

“Despite the challenges of the last year, we have a bright future ahead – one of growth, innovation, new jobs and development. Recently we opened our $8 million Equine Medical Center and Quarantine Facility. This summer, we're investing $10 million to install a new turf course to improve the overall racing product. In northern Kentucky, our sister track Turfway Park saw handle grow 32.9% after we installed a new Tapeta surface, and recently we broke ground on a $145 million state-of-the-art Thoroughbred and historical horse racing venue. All of this will strengthen and bring innovation to our equine industry and ensure Kentucky remains the horse capital of the world.”

Churchill Downs Stakes Schedule

Date	Running	Grade	Purse	Race	Conditions	Distance	Surface
Saturday, April 24	6^th	Listed	$150,000	William Walker	3yo	5 ½ F	Turf
Tuesday, April 27	3^rd		$130,000	Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance	4&up	1 ½ M	Dirt
Wednesday, April 28	27^th		$150,000	Kentucky Juvenile	2yo	5 F	Dirt
Thursday, April 29	11^th		$150,000	Unbridled Sidney	3&up, f&m	5 ½ F	Turf
Thursday, April 29	16^th		$130,000	Opening Verse Overnight Stakes	4&up	1 M	Turf
Friday, April 30	147^th	I	$1,250,000	Longines Kentucky Oaks	3yo f	1 1/8 M	Dirt
Friday, April 30	36^th	I	$500,000	La Troienne presented by TwinSpires.com	4&up, f&m	1 1/16 M	Dirt
Friday, April 30	18^th	II	$400,000	Alysheba presented by Sentient Jet	4&up	1 1/16 M	Dirt
Friday, April 30	66^th	II	$300,000	Eight Belles presented by Smithfield	3yo f	7 F	Dirt
Friday, April 30	37^th	II	$300,000	Edgewood presented by Newport Racing & Gaming	3yo f	1 1/16 M	Turf
Friday, April 30	27^th	II	$250,000	Twin Spires Turf Sprint presented by Sysco	3&up	5 ½ F	Turf
Saturday, May 1	147^th	I	$3,000,000	Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve	3yo	1 ¼ M	Dirt
Saturday, May 1	35^th	I	$1,000,000	Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic	4&up	1 1/8 M	Turf
Saturday, May 1	86^th	I	$500,000	Churchill Downs presented by Ford	4&up	7 F	Dirt
Saturday, May 1	35^th	I	$500,000	Derby City Distaff presented by Kendall-Jackson Winery	4&up, f&m	7 F	Dirt
Saturday, May 1	36^th	II	$500,000	Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile	4&up, f&m	1 M	Turf
Saturday, May 1	97^th	II	$500,000	Pat Day Mile presented by LG&E and KU	3yo	1 M	Dirt
Saturday, May 1	30^th	II	$500,000	American Turf presented by Derby City Gaming	3yo	1 1/16 M	Turf
Saturday, May 8	2^nd		$110,000	Mamzelle Overnight Stakes	3yo f	5 F	Turf
Saturday, May 15	84^th	III	$150,000	Louisville	4&up	1 ½ M	Turf
Saturday, May 22	18^th	III	$150,000	Winning Colors	4&up, f&m	6 F	Dirt
Saturday, May 22	8^th		$110,000	Keertana Overnight Stakes	4&up, f&m	1 ½ M	Turf
Saturday, May 29	24^th	III	$150,000	Matt Winn	3yo	1 1/16 M	Dirt
Saturday, May 29	52^nd	III	$150,000	Regret	3yo f	1 1/8 M	Turf
Saturday, May 29	33^rd	Listed	$150,000	Aristides	4&up	6 F	Dirt
Saturday, May 29	2^nd		$150,000	Blame	4&up	1 1/8 M	Dirt
Saturday, May 29	2^nd		$150,000	Shawnee	4&up, f&m	1 1/16 M	Dirt
Saturday, May 29	2^nd		$150,000	Audubon	3yo	1 1/8 M	Turf
Saturday, May 29	1^st		$110,000	Douglas Park Overnight Stakes	4&up	1 1/16 M	Turf
Saturday, June 5	5^th		$110,000	Mighty Beau Overnight Stakes	3&up	5 F	Turf
Saturday, June 12	45^th	III	$150,000	Old Forester Mint Julep	4&up, f&m	1 1/16 M	Turf
Saturday, June 19	11^th		$110,000	Roxelana Overnight Stakes	3&up, f&m	6 ½ F	Dirt
Friday, June 25	11^th		$110,000	Kelly's Landing Overnight Stakes	3&up	7 F	Dirt
Saturday, June 26	40^th	II	$600,000	Stephen Foster	4&up	1 1/8 M	Dirt
Saturday, June 26	46^th	II	$300,000	Fleur de Lis	4&up, f&m	1 1/8 M	Dirt
Saturday, June 26	32^nd	II	$300,000	Wise Dan	4&up	1 1/16 M	Turf
Saturday, June 26	120^th	III	$150,000	Bashford Manor	2yo	6 F	Dirt
Saturday, June 26	120^th	Listed	$150,000	Debutante	2yo f	6 F	Dirt
Saturday, June 26	2^nd		$150,000	War Chant	3yo	1 M	Turf
Saturday, June 26	2^nd		$150,000	Tepin	3yo f	1 M	Turf

The post Churchill Boosts Purses By $3.1 Million Thanks To Derby City Gaming appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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