Churchill launches 2009 Kentucky Derby web site

Churchill Downs has launched the official Web site for the 2009 Kentucky

Derby (G1), www.kentuckyderby.com, which will offer unparalleled coverage of the

horse racing season leading up to the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May

2, 2009. Employing advanced Web technology, the site serves as an all-inclusive

online resource for the entire Kentucky Derby experience, from in-depth

contender information to full-scale treatment of the lavish entertainment and

party atmosphere that surrounds the historic event.

"Kentuckyderby.com brings together all the different elements of the Kentucky

Derby experience into one user-friendly site," said Jeremy Borseth, senior

director of channel services and Internet operations for Churchill Downs

Incorporated. "It pays tribute to the time-honored traditions and pageantry of

the 'Run for the Roses,' while at the same time reflecting the latest online

technology to help fans stay informed. Whether you're a passionate racing fan, a

Derby party host, or a newcomer attracted to the Kentucky Derby scene, you'll

find everything you need at Kentuckyderby.com, including how to buy tickets,

where to go, and what to see in Louisville."

Among the new components of the official Kentucky Derby 135 Web site is an

expanded lifestyle and entertainment section, which includes Red Carpet and

Derby celebrity photo galleries, information on the official Kentucky Derby

Party program, and insider's peeks at Millionaires Row and the boisterous

infield.  Kentuckyderby.com will also serve as the online home for an

exciting array of Kentucky Derby 135 events and programs, which will be unveiled

in the weeks ahead.

A focal point of the 2009 Kentucky Derby Web site remains the "contenders"

pages, which include videos, photographs, detailed pedigree analyses, workout

information, and past performances. These pages are supplemented by an area

dedicated to Kentucky Derby prep races, which provides complete previews and

recaps of every major prep race on the Kentucky Derby trail, including video

replays, video analysis by Churchill Downs experts, past performance charts,

official results, and stakes recaps. The site also contains exclusive analysis

videos and interviews, as well as comprehensive historical archives of past

runnings of the Kentucky Derby.

A user-friendly navigation bar near the top of the Kentucky Derby site home

page provides quick links to Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks (G1) ticketing

information, a summary of Derby history and traditions, and a link to the

official online Kentucky Derby Store, located at www.kentuckyderby.com/store,

where fans may purchase officially licensed Kentucky Derby 135 apparel and

souvenirs.

One popular item returning in 2009 is a suite of advanced interactive online

tools that link visitors to Kentucky Derby content available through YouTube,

Facebook, and other popular social networking platforms. The site will offer

weekly video podcasts, also available through Apple's iTunes and YouTube, to

provide the latest information on all major Kentucky Derby prep races and

contenders. From the site's download section, fans may also enjoy free access to

wallpaper, ringtones, and a host of other Derby-themed applications.

John Asher, who serves as vice president of racing communications for

Churchill Downs, will be joined by Churchill Downs analyst Jill Byrne and expert

handicapper James Scully as racing analysts in place for the 2009 Kentucky Derby

Web site. Bloodstock Research Information Services, an industry-leading data

services company owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, is providing news

content and pedigree information. The site also features blogs by Justin Dew,

who will analyze the racing and wagering aspects of the Kentucky Derby, and

Caroline Smith, who will focus on the fashion and entertainment scene of

Kentucky Derby 135.

The official Web site for the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks,

www.kentuckyoaks.com, is expected to launch in March 2009.

Kentuckyderby.com is the official Web site of the Kentucky Derby and is owned

and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated. As one of the world's premier

sporting events and the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, the Kentucky

Derby traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in May. Approximately

150,000 people attend the Kentucky Derby in person, with more than 20 million

people tuning in via television and radio worldwide.