The biggest week on the North American horse racing calendar is here, and every major racing media outlet plus many general news organizations will be directing coverage at Churchill Downs every day leading up to the 152nd Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 2.
In recent years, Louisville has gone from having the reputation as a “hidden gem” on the dining and entertainment scene to being duly recognized as one of the best cities in the U.S. for unique restaurants and bars. Of course, the spotlight shines brightest on Kentucky’s biggest city during Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve week.
Of all the visitors to Churchill Downs on May 2 for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, the one who could have the biggest impact on the day is Mother Nature.
Rain and a wet track can be a godsend to some starters and a curse to others, and these days it is becoming harder to compile evidence on who are the mudders in the field of 20.
In 1984, 17-year-old jockey Mike Smith was given a leg up on Loblolly Stable’s 3-year-old colt Pine Circle by future Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey.
