The purse for the 150th running of the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve May 4 at Churchill Downs fittingly has been raised to $5 million.
An ultra-competitive field has turned out to contest Friday’s $1.5 million Grade 1 Longines Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. The historic 150th running of the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-old fillies is packed with viable win threats, and a serious case can be made for at least half of the entrants to visit the winner’s circle.
With all the spring buzz in Thoroughbred racing focused on the Triple Crown, it can be easy to overlook that the new season at Belmont at the Big A is here. The 2024 Belmont at the Big A spring-summer meet opens May 2 and continues through closing day on Sunday, July 7. The meet will be among the season’s most important race meets for both horsemen and horseplayers.
Churchill Downs players will be treated to massive pools and a variety of wagering opportunities on Kentucky Derby week beginning April 27 – opening night of the 44-day spring meet. Betting options will be plentiful, especially on Kentucky Derby Day which will feature 14 races including seven stakes. The betting menu will include five Pick 5s, five Pick 4s, and a mandatory payout in the 20-cent Derby City 6 jackpot.
