The biggest week in North American horse racing is straight ahead, and an international media spotlight will shine on Churchill Downs as it hosts the 150th anniversary running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve.
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. And of course, the spotlight shines brightest on Kentucky’s biggest city during Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve week.
The feature race on the eve of the Kentucky Derby is the distaff counterpart to the classic race happening the next day. Similarly modeled on Epsom’s Oaks, the Kentucky Oaks has evolved from a regional contest into a beloved Grade 1 stakes almost as heavily anticipated as the Derby itself. Yet a glance at bookshelves yields a plethora of books on the run for the roses and none on the run for the lilies … until now.
The Churchill Downs backside comes to life a few weeks before the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. While horses are stabled there nine months out of the year, some extra special ones call the backside their home in the weeks leading up to the Derby.
The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is an event for the stars – both equine and human. Making it to the race is a dream of horse owners from all walks of life. This year, Kentucky Derby contender Dornoch is owned in part by former Major League Baseball World Series champion Jayson Werth.
