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Churchill Downs Spring Stakes Schedule Worth $20.5 Million; 28 Stakes Purses Boosted For 2023

Led by the $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade 1) on Saturday, 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 (pending Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund final approval).

The record-breaking lineup features 28 stakes races that received significant boosts – including the Grade 1 Stephen Foster for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles which is now worth $1 million – and one new event, the $175,000 Chorleywood Overnight Stakes for 4-year-olds and up at 1 3/8 miles on turf on June 17.

Derby Week (April 29-May 6) kicks off the nine-week 149th 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 Kentucky Derby (G1) for 3-year-olds at 1 ¼ miles.

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 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (G1); $750,000 Churchill Downs presented by Ford (G1); $750,000 Derby City Distaff presented by Kendall-Jackson Winery (G1); $500,000 Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2); $500,000 Pat Day Mile (G2); $500,000 American Turf (G2); $500,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2); and $175,000 Knicks Go Overnight Stakes.

The Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic, which precedes the Derby, is the most lucrative of 22 stakes races scheduled to be run over the Matt Winn Turf Course.

One day earlier, Churchill Downs will host the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) at 1 1/8 miles – the nation's most lucrative race for 3-year-old fillies. The seven stakes that day total $4.2 million: the Oaks; $750,000 La Troienne (G1); $600,000 Alysheba presented by Sentient Jet (G2); $500,000 Eight Belles (G2); $500,000 Edgewood presented by Forcht Bank (G2); $300,000 Modesty (G3); and $300,000 Unbridled Sidney presented by Sysco (Listed).

Derby Week stakes action that precedes Oaks and Derby days includes the $175,000 Roxelana Overnight Stakes on Opening Night, Saturday, April 29; $225,000 Mamzelle (Listed) and $175,000 Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes on Champions Day, Wednesday, May 3; $300,000 Opening Verse (Listed); $200,000 Kentucky Juvenile and $175,000 St. Matthews Overnight Stakes on Thurby, May 4.

Stephen Foster Preview Day is Saturday, June 3 with six stakes that total $1.35 million: the $225,000 Blame (G3); $225,000 Shawnee (G3); $225,000 Arlington (G3); $225,000 Regret (G3); $225,000 Aristides (Listed); and $225,000 Audubon (Listed).

The $1 million Stephen Foster, which has been elevated to Grade I status as it annually attracts some of the nation's top older horses, is the centerpiece of an action-packed closing weekend. The 1 1/8-mile race anchors a six-race stakes bonanza that totals $2.475 million on Saturday, July 1, and includes the $400,000 Fleur de Lis (G2); $400,000 Wise Dan (G2); $225,000 American Derby (Listed); $225,000 Tepin; and $225,000 Kelly's Landing (Listed).

The first condition book of scheduled races features $120,000 maiden races while allowance races range from $127,000 to $148,000. There also will be a $300 bonus awarded to trainers whose starters finish fourth through last in all non-stakes races.

Spring Meet stall applications are due Friday, March 3. Following its annual closure for wintertime renovations, the Churchill Downs stable area will reopen Tuesday, March 21. The first day of training on the main dirt track will be Friday, March 24.

2023 CHURCHILL DOWNS SPRING MEET STAKES SCHEDULE

Date	Running	Grade	Purse	Race	Conditions	Distance	Surface
Saturday, April 29	13^th		$175,000	Roxelana Overnight Stakes	4&up, f&m	6 F	Dirt
Wednesday, May 3	4^th	Listed	$225,000	Mamzelle	3yo f	5 ½ F	Turf
Wednesday, May 3	5^th		$175,000	Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes	4&up	1 ½ M	Dirt
Thursday, May 4	18^th	Listed	$300,000	Opening Verse	4&up	1 M	Turf
Thursday, May 4	29^th		$200,000	Kentucky Juvenile	2yo	5 F	Dirt
Thursday, May 4	2^nd		$175,000	St. Matthews Overnight Stakes	4&up	6 F	Dirt
Friday, May 5	149^th	I	$1,250,000	Longines Kentucky Oaks	3yo f	1 1/8 M	Dirt
Friday, May 5	38^th	I	$750,000	La Troienne	4&up, f&m	1 1/16 M	Dirt
Friday, May 5	20^th	II	$600,000	Alysheba presented by Sentient Jet	4&up	1 1/16 M	Dirt
Friday, May 5	68^th	II	$500,000	Eight Belles	3yo f	7 F	Dirt
Friday, May 5	39^th	II	$500,000	Edgewood presented by Forcht Bank	3yo f	1 1/16 M	Turf
Friday, May 5	66^th	III	$300,000	Modesty	4&up, f&m	1 1/8 M	Turf
Friday, May 5	13^th	Listed	$300,000	Unbridled Sidney presented by Sysco	3&up, f&m	5 ½ F	Turf
Saturday, May 6	149^th	I	$3,000,000	Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve	3yo	1 ¼ M	Dirt
Saturday, May 6	37^th	I	$1,000,000	Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic	4&up	1 1/8 M	Turf
Saturday, May 6	88^th	I	$750,000	Churchill Downs presented by Ford	4&up	7 F	Dirt
Saturday, May 6	37^th	I	$750,000	Derby City Distaff presented by Kendall-Jackson Winery	4&up, f&m	7 F	Dirt
Saturday, May 6	38^th	II	$500,000	Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile	4&up, f&m	1 M	Turf
Saturday, May 6	99^th	II	$500,000	Pat Day Mile	3yo	1 M	Dirt
Saturday, May 6	32^nd	II	$500,000	American Turf	3yo	1 1/16 M	Turf
Saturday, May 6	29^th	II	$500,000	Twin Spires Turf Sprint	3&up	5 ½ F	Turf
Saturday, May 6	2^nd		$175,000	Knicks Go Overnight Stakes	4&up	1 M	Dirt
Saturday, May 13	8^th	Listed	$225,000	William Walker	3yo	5 ½ F	Turf
Saturday, May 20	86^th	III	$225,000	Louisville	4&up	1 ½ M	Turf
Saturday, May 27	10^th	Listed	$225,000	Keertana	4&up, f&m	1 ½ M	Turf
Monday, May 29	20^th	III	$225,000	Winning Colors	4&up, f&m	6 F	Dirt
Saturday, June 3	4^th	III	$225,000	Blame	4&up	1 1/8 M	Dirt
Saturday, June 3	4^th	III	$225,000	Shawnee	4&up, f&m	1 1/16 M	Dirt
Saturday, June 3	87^th	III	$225,000	Arlington	4&up	1 1/16 M	Turf
Saturday, June 3	54^th	III	$225,000	Regret	3yo f	1 1/8 M	Turf
Saturday, June 3	35^th	Listed	$225,000	Aristides	4&up	6 F	Dirt
Saturday, June 3	4^th	Listed	$225,000	Audubon	3yo	1 1/8 M	Turf
Sunday, June 4	47^th	III	$225,000	Old Forester Mint Julep	4&up, f&m	1 1/16 M	Turf
Saturday, June 10	7^th	Listed	$225,000	Mighty Beau	3&up	5 F	Turf
Sunday, June 11	26^th	III	$400,000	Matt Winn	3yo	1 1/16 M	Dirt
Sunday, June 11	2^nd		$175,000	Leslie's Lady Overnight Stakes	3yo f	7 F	Dirt
Saturday, June 17	2^nd		$175,000	Monomoy Girl Overnight Stakes	3yo f	1 1/16 M	Dirt
Saturday, June 17	1^st		$175,000	Chorleywood Overnight Stakes	4&up	1 3/8 M	Turf
Saturday, June 24	33^rd	III	$225,000	Chicago	4&up, f&m	7 F	Dirt
Saturday, July 1	42^nd	I	$1,000,000	Stephen Foster	4&up	1 1/8 M	Dirt
Saturday, July 1	48^th	II	$400,000	Fleur de Lis	4&up, f&m	1 1/8 M	Dirt
Saturday, July 1	34^th	II	$400,000	Wise Dan	4&up	1 1/16 M	Turf
Saturday, July 1	108^th	Listed	$225,000	American Derby	3yo	1 1/16 M	Turf
Saturday, July 1	4^th		$225,000	Tepin	3yo f	1 M	Turf
Saturday, July 1	13^th	Listed	$225,000	Kelly's Landing	3&up	6 ½ F	Dirt
Sunday, July 2	2^nd		$175,000	Anchorage Overnight Stakes	4&up, f&m	1 M	Turf
Sunday, July 2	2^nd		$175,000	Maxfield Overnight Stakes	3yo	7 F	Dirt
Monday, July 3	68^th	Listed	$275,000	Hanshin presented by JRA	4&up	1 M	Dirt
Monday, July 3	122^nd	Listed	$225,000	Bashford Manor	2yo	6 F	Dirt
Monday, July 3	122^nd	Listed	$225,000	Debutante	2yo f	6 F	Dirt

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‘More Time Needed’: Sam Houston Delays Simulcasting Return Due To ‘Legal Complexities’ Of HISA

Though Sam Houston announced earlier this week that simulcast wagering would resume on Friday, following recent developments in the ongoing HISA court cases, that decision has since been delayed.

In a letter dated Feb. 1 to all occupational and business licensees of the Texas Racing Commission, commission executive director Amy Cook wrote that the federal law creating the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority “has no effect on the state of Texas.” That position was taken after an order on Jan. 31 from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that it would not vacate its November opinion finding the law “facially unconstitutional.”

HISA and the Federal Trade Commission had asked the Fifth Circuit to reconsider that November opinion in light of an amendment passed by Congress in late December intended to address the constitutional questions affirmed by the appellate court in a lawsuit filed by the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and numerous affiliates.

Sam Houston released the following statement on Friday:

Sam Houston Race Park previously announced that interstate simulcast wagering would resume at all locations today, Feb. 3, 2023. Since that announcement, we have determined that more time is needed to fully evaluate the many legal complexities surrounding recent court decisions and the HISA amendment enacted by Congress at the end of last year.

While we are eager to export our signal across the country, our commitment to maintaining federal and state compliance remains our top priority. We will export our signal across state lines when we are confident that it can be done in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Until then, we will only broadcast our signal throughout Texas and to approved international locations but will not simulcast to any other lcoations in the United States. During this time, racing at Sam Houston Race Park will continue to be governed by the Texas Racing Act. We appreciate the continued support of the Texas Racing Commission and Texas racing industry in working through the many complicated matters surrounding this issue.

We will keep all our valued simulcast partners and stakeholders apprised of any developments regarding this matter.

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National Steeplechase Association Races Added To Old Dominion Hounds Point-To-Point

National Steeplechase Association horsemen will have the opportunity to compete for purse money with the addition of three sanctioned races worth $65,000 on the April 8 card in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains.

Located at Ben Venue Farm in Washington, Va., the Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point is one of seven spring point-to-points in the state between March 4 and April 30. The three NSA races at Old Dominion include a pair of $25,000 maiden hurdle races at two miles, one of which is restricted to fillies and mares, and a $15,000 open timber race at 3 miles. Entries for the NSA-sanctioned races will close with the NSA office on Monday, April 3. All other entries, for the non-sanctioned races, will be processed through the Central Entry Office.

With the exception of a flat race for Virginia-bred or sired runners, which carries a $2,000 purse from the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, the point-to-point races are not run for prize money. Instead they offer horses the chance to prep or train for future starts, or simply be able to continue to compete. Similarly, they allow amateur, novice, and young riders an opportunity to gain valuable experience and hone their skills.

The idea of including sanctioned races on the card was brought to the attention of National Steeplechase Association President Al Griffin, a Virginian who is co-chairman of the Virginia and International Gold Cup Races. Dr. Griffin was concerned about an open date and looked to fill the gap on the NSA calendar (there are no other meets scheduled for April 8). Leadership at Old Dominion was quick to jump on the bandwagon and agreed to host the event, while the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) provided purse support.

“Horsemen have been vocal in asking for more opportunities, particularly in the maiden filly and mare division,” Dr. Griffin said. “We had the open date so it was natural to reach out to the Old Dominion Point-to-Point and partner with them. The VEA once again stepped up and provided the purse structure. The sanctioned hurdle and timber races will be a popular addition to the already popular card, which is a win-win for everyone.”

For the more information about the Old Dominion Hounds, click here: http://www.theolddominionhounds.com/odh-point-to-point.html

The race conditions for the three sanctioned races are as follows:

(Filly & Mare Maiden Hurdle)

Purse $25,000. Hurdle. For Maiden Fillies and Mares, Four Years Old and Upward. Four-year-olds, 145 lbs.; older, 153 lbs. Entry fee $250; $250 additional if not scratched on time Wednesday; $250 additional to start; with $100 additional to be paid to the Old Dominion Hounds Point to Point.

Two Miles over National Fences

(Maiden Hurdle)

Purse $25,000. Hurdle. For Maidens, Four Years Old and Upward. Four-year-olds, 146 lbs.; older, 154 lbs. Entry fee $250; $250 additional if not scratched on time Wednesday; $250 additional to start; with $100 additional to be paid to the Old Dominion Hounds Point to Point.

Two Miles over National Fences

THE LEEDS DON

(Open Timber)

Purse $15,000. Timber. For Five Years Old and Upward. Five-year-olds, 165 lbs.; older, 170 lbs. Non-winners of a timber stakes, allowed 5 lbs.; of a race over timber, 10 lbs. Entry fee $150; $150 additional if not scratched on time Wednesday; $150 additional to start; with $100 additional to be paid to the Old Dominion Hounds Point to Point.

Three Miles over Timber

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Texas Commission Says HISA Has ‘No Effect’ On Its Rules; Sam Houston To Resume Simulcasting

Texas Thoroughbred racetracks may resume exporting their simulcast signals this week, based on a decision by the Texas Racing Commission stating that simulcast requests “will only be considered in a manner consistent with Texas law. All horseraces in Texas will continue to be conducted in accordance with the Texas Racing Act and the Texas Rules of Racing.”

Last year the Texas Racing Commission said it could not comply with HISA regulations because of state law assigning regulatory authority to the agency. As a result, the commission said tracks would not be able to export their simulcast signal, since the federal law defined “covered tracks” as those which conducted interstate simulcasting.

HISA issued a statement through spokesperson Mandy Minger suggesting the late December amendment to the legislation effectively changed the law and that the current version of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act has not been struck down in court.

“The Fifth Circuit's decision concerns only the prior version of HISA, before Congress amended it to remedy the constitutional concern the Fifth Circuit identified,” the statement read. “No court has expressed any constitutional concern about, let alone enjoined, the current version of HISA now in effect. We look forward to working with the Texas Racing Commission and Texas racetracks should they resume operations falling within HISA's jurisdiction.”

Resumption of simulcasting puts Texas within HISA's jurisdiction under the federal law, but the statement did not indicate how the Authority would enforce that law.

Published reports indicated that Sam Houston would resume export of its simulcast signal on its next day of racing, Feb. 3. Without simulcasting, handle has been down approximately 90 percent since the meet opened, according to published reports.

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