Churchill Downs News: The Latest from the Track

Long known as one of the most famous racetracks in the world – if not the most famous – Churchill Downs has been hosting the Kentucky Derby since 1875.

Since then, the race has become both a sporting and cultural institution, earning itself one of the most unique standings in the entertainment genre as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”.

This year, the 2013 Derby – the 139th in the race’s storied tradition – will be one of the first races of the season run at Churchill, set to go on Saturday, May 4.

While almost all the eyes of the horseracing community will be open for early May, Churchill itself actually sees its first action on Saturday, April 27 with the $175,000 Derby Trial (GIII).

It’ll be curious to see what kind of shape The Downs will be in the weekend before the Derby. The one mile oval (with a one mile chute) has always been highly regarded and, in its latest ratings, the Hoseplayers Association of North America ranked Churchill Downs No. 4 on its list of 68 racetracks in North America.

Churchill Downs is perhaps best known for its dirt surface on the main track. It’s a composite of three inches of sandy loam cushion, five inches of compacted sandy loam cushion, a 12-inch clay base and another 25 of sandy loam and natural soil.

How this will hold up in the weather? That remains to be seen. Many recall the 2012 Kentucky Derby and the pre-race thunderstorms that led to two significant developments – the cancelation of morning training for riders and, shortly thereafter, an early-morning (8:00 AM ET) “sloppy” designation for course conditions.

That said, the weather improved enough so that conditions were upgraded to “fast” by race time, the best conditions for a dirt track.

Historically speaking, wet and sloppy conditions haven’t been an issue at Churchill. The wettest Derby on record happened in 1918 – 2.31 inches of rain fell that day – with seven of the last 10 Derbys recorded as fast tracks (the other three came in as sloppy.)

As for other Churchill Downs news…

— A new on-track simulcast area has been developed and will be in operation for the 2013 Derby. Dubbed “The Parlay”, Churchill’s latest endeavor is a virtual media empire – a 14,000 square foot facility that boasts walls of 42 televisions with 70-inch high-definition screens. The area reportedly has a capacity of 600 and features a 24-foot bar, complete with an Elite Gold Room for VIP members.

— NBC Sports Group (both NBC and NBC Sports Network) announced a sort of partnership with Churchill Downs, in that the network will be airing the “Road to the Kentucky Derby”. Included are a series of stakes races, featuring races throughout March and April. NBC will also show half-hour specials focusing on the Triple Crown trail the last two Saturdays in March and the first two Saturdays in April.

About Tennessee Leduc

Born in Summersville Kentucky, Tennessee is an impassioned fan of horse racing, women, civilized debauchery, and... mint juleps. He writes, he reads, he listens, but above all he experiences the world he lives in.

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