CDI appoints Hale to corporate/government relations post

Churchill Downs Inc. announced Thursday that D. Brett Hale has been named

senior vice president of corporate and government relations. Hale will assume

his role as of January 4, 2010, and will report to Robert L. Evans, president

and chief executive officer of CDI.

Hale comes to CDI from the American Gaming Association in Washington, D.C.,

where he spent the last eight years, most recently as its vice president of

government affairs.

Hale has extensive legislative experience at the federal level, having

previously worked as the chief of staff for Kentucky Congressman Ed Whitfield

and as legislative assistant for both Washington Senator Slade Gorton and

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell.

"Brett's career experience and strong ties to Kentucky are a great

combination," Evans said. "He will make a valued contribution to advancing our

business strategy and performance at both the state and federal level."

"I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work for such an iconic Kentucky

institution as Churchill Downs," Hale said. "As a racing fan and Kentucky

native, I'm excited to be returning home while still being able to use my

Capitol Hill experience to represent racing and the business interests of CDI."

Hale is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where he received a

Bachelor of Arts degree in history and government.