Derby Museum To Honor D. Wayne Lukas With Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award

Edited Press Release

The Kentucky Derby Museum has named Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas as the inaugural recipient of the Kentucky Derby Museum's Lifetime Achievement Award. With Lukas in attendance at the Derby 150 Birthday Tribute Dinner, scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 11 at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Lukas has achieved remarkable success, including four GI Kentucky Derby victories. His unparalleled dedication to the sport and influence on countless individuals in the racing community make him a deserving recipient of the Museum's first award.

In response to the announcement, Lukas shared his appreciation, saying, “I am deeply honored to receive the Kentucky Derby Museum Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with incredible horses and talented individuals. Looking back, I get the greatest satisfaction from seeing the young people, who have been with me through thick and thin, come through our program and achieve their own great successes. The Kentucky Derby Museum has been instrumental in documenting and sharing the joy of racing with the world, and I extend my sincere thanks to the Museum for this prestigious honor.”

Entrance to the Kentucky Derby Museum | Kentucky Derby Museum

Patrick Armstrong, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum expressed his gratitude for Lukas' significant contributions, stating, “D. Wayne Lukas is a true icon in horse racing, and his legacy is woven into the fabric of the Kentucky Derby. We are honored to recognize his unparalleled achievements and lasting impact with the first-ever Kentucky Derby Museum Lifetime Achievement Award. His support for the Museum has been invaluable, and we are thrilled to celebrate his remarkable career.”

Attendees will also be the first to watch the premiere of a brand-new Derby 150 film, “Down The Stretch,” which will play in conjunction with the Museum's feature, “The Greatest Race”, through 2024.

Click here for more information.

 

The post Derby Museum To Honor D. Wayne Lukas With Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Churchill Downs Announces 2023 Kentucky Derby Partnerships

The lineup of partners and licensees for the 149th Kentucky Derby, with new partnerships and renewals including Brown-Forman brands: Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Finlandia, Tequila Herradura; BMW of North America, White Claw, FanDuel, vineyard vines, AT&T, Third Time Entertainment, Ford's Garage, Romero Britto, and Paramount Network's Yellowstone, was announced Thursday by Churchill Downs Racetrack.

“The Kentucky Derby is where global trends meet traditions in authentic, inspiring and impactful ways,” said Casey Ramage, Churchill Downs Racetrack's Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships. “From spirits to fashion and virtual entertainment to automotive, we're thrilled to embrace the variety our partnerships bring Kentucky Derby fans for an unbeatably enjoyable experience, no matter where they find themselves on Derby Day–at the track or at home.”

The post Churchill Downs Announces 2023 Kentucky Derby Partnerships appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Pink Lloyd Goes Out Victorious, Wins Kennedy Road In Final Start

Already a Canadian icon, Pink Lloyd showed why in his final start, taking the Grade 2 Kennedy Road in a driving finish at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario. Midpack early, the 9-year-old gelding surged to the lead in the race's final sixteenth to cap off his illustrious career with his 26th stakes victory.

In a field of eight, Pink Lloyd and jockey Rafael Hernandez were fifth early in the G2 stakes, with Clayton and Richiesinthehouse 1-2 through a first quarter in :22.75 and a half-mile in :44.72. Around the far turn, Clayton had a length and a half lead, as Hernandez and Pink Lloyd had to go three-wide to find racing room as they entered the stretch.

Down the Woodbine straight, Pink Lloyd was driving down the center of the track, catching Richiesinthehouse and then passing Clayton in the race's waning yards. The legend was first under the wire, his last hurrah a victorious one.

The final time for the six furlongs was 1:08.84.

Pink Lloyd paid $9.40, $5.80, and $3.20. Richiesinthehouse paid $6.80 and $4.80. Clayton paid $4.60

Bred in Ontario by John Carey, Pink Lloyd is by Old Forester out of the Great Gladiator mare Gladiator Queen. He is owned by Entourage Stables and trained by Robert Tiller. Consigned by John Carey, the gelding was purchased by Frank Di Giulio, Jr., agent, for $28,446. With his win in the G2 Kennedy Road, a race he has won twice before, Pink Lloyd has three wins in five starts in 2021, for a lifetime record of 29 wins in 37 starts.

The post Pink Lloyd Goes Out Victorious, Wins Kennedy Road In Final Start appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

‘An Absolutely Fantastic Ride’: On Eve Of Final Start, Robert Tiller Reflects On Pink Lloyd’s Career

Pink Lloyd, one of Canada's most decorated champions, will make the final start of his illustrious career in Saturday's Grade 2 $175,000 Kennedy Road Stakes at Woodbine in Toronto, Ont.

Campaigned by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Robert Tiller, 9-year-old Pink Lloyd is set to chase his 26th career stakes victory in the Kennedy Road, a six-furlong main track test for 3-year-olds and upward, a race that he won in 2017 and 2019.

“We made a decision this week to retire him after this race,” said Tiller of the seven-time Sovereign Award-winning gelding, who was named Canada's Horse of the Year in 2017. “It will be a bit of a sad situation because all good things come to an end, but it's been an absolutely fantastic ride. To me, he's the greatest sprinter we've ever had at Woodbine. It's been a wonderful ride, with some sadness, but on the other hand it will be a big relief for me, certainly, because it's not easy training a horse like this where everyone expects him to win all the time.”

Owned by Entourage Stable and bred by John Carey, the son of Old Forester launched his career in 2016 with straight three straight victories.

It was only the beginning for Pink Lloyd, a $30,000 purchase at the 2013 Canadian Premier Yearling Sale.

His trophy haul includes four consecutive (2017-2020) champion male sprinter trophies and a pair of champion older male titles in 2017 and 2019.

Pink Lloyd, who went 8-for-8 in 2017, won four consecutive editions of the Vigil Stakes and Jacques Cartier Stakes, along with three triumphs in both the Shepperton and Kenora.

The chestnut arrives at his final start off a win in the Ontario Jockey Club Stakes on November 7 at Woodbine. He brings a record of 28-3-2 from 37 starts, accompanied by over $2.3 million (CDN) in purse earnings, into the Kennedy Road.

“We're so proud of him,” said Tiller. “On one hand, it will be over, and I'll be very sad to see him get on the van and go, but I don't think anyone should shed too many tears because what he's done has been fantastic. We want to give him what he deserves.”

The fan favorite has built up an impressive following over his years on the racetrack.

That popularity will live on when he starts his post-racing life with LongRun, one of the continent's most respected horse retirement and adoption organizations.

He'll join over 50 retired thoroughbred horses at LongRun's farm in Erin, Ont., a little less than an hour's drive north of Woodbine.

“It's just an awesome privilege for LongRun to be chosen to give Pink Lloyd his happy retirement home,” said Vicki Pappas, a founding member and longtime chairperson of LongRun.

Michelle Gibson, Pink Lloyd's groom, will be a frequent visitor to the picturesque property.

“I have mixed emotions,” said Gibson, recipient of the Jockey Club of Canada's 2020 Outstanding Groom Award. “I'm elated that he is retiring but at the same time, I'm going to miss that face greeting me every morning. He deserves a happy life now. I would love to be there the first time he gets turned out in a huge paddock, just being a horse. Even though he will be gone from my stalls, he will never be gone from life. He is my heart horse.”

Regular rider Rafael Hernandez, a lifetime winner of over 2,800 races, continues to marvel at the veteran campaigner's ability to show up every time the gate opens.

He's hoping to end Pink Lloyd's racing career on a high note.

“When you ride him, you don't feel yourself going fast because he spends so much time in the air,” Hernandez recently told Woodbine. “He has a big, big stride. He's unbelievable… he's push button. When you're in a race car and you push the nose and say, 'Bye-bye,' that's him. When you turn for home and push the button, it's, 'Bye-bye, come and get me.' Every time I talk about him in an interview after the race, I tell them I am just a passenger. You need the horse to win the race. You can't say that you won the race. You need a good driver. With this horse, I am happy to be the driver.”

His connections are grateful to have been along for the thrill ride.

“He'll be a tourist attraction at LongRun now,” offered Tiller. “Vicki and her crew, they're going to love him, and he's going to be great for people to come out and see. I plan on being out there myself and having a few chats with him.”

They'll no doubt have plenty to talk about.

First post for Saturday's 11-race card is 12:55 p.m. The Kennedy Road goes as race eight. Fans can watch and wager on all the action with HPIbet.com and the Dark Horse Bets app.

To learn more about LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement click on the link.

$175,000 KENNEDY ROAD STAKES

Post – Horse – Jockey – Trainer
1 – Lenny K – Justin Stein – Kevin Attard
2 – Red River Rebel – Luis Contreras – Kevin Attard
3 – Tap It to Win – Kazushi Kimura – Mark Casse
4 – Clayton – Antonio Gallardo – Kevin Attard
5 – Pink Lloyd – Rafael Hernandez – Robert Tiller
6 – Richiesinthehouse – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Francine Villeneuve
7 – Smokin' Jay – Shaun Bridgmohan – Kelsey Danner
8 – Souper Stonehenge – Patrick Husbands – Mark Casse
9 – Malibu Secret – Ademar Santos – Ross Armata, Jr.

The post ‘An Absolutely Fantastic Ride’: On Eve Of Final Start, Robert Tiller Reflects On Pink Lloyd’s Career appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights