The legendary Churchill Downs, renowned for hosting the Kentucky Derby, has partnered with prominent British racing entities, Jockey Club Racecourses and Ascot Racecourse, to establish exceptional new prospects for top-tier racehorses globally.
Unveiled just prior to the 150th Kentucky Derby, this collaborative effort will grant horses participating during Derby week the opportunity to secure travel bonuses and automatic berths in esteemed races at England’s Epsom Downs and Ascot Racecourses.
“This is a transformative development for horse owners and trainers, offering them a chance to compete in some of our most prestigious races during Kentucky Derby Week, followed by the possibility of racing on some of Europe’s most celebrated tracks,” remarked Gary Palmisano Jr., Executive Director of Racing at Churchill Downs. “We already witness elite turf horses from the US participating in Kentucky Derby undercard races, and this initiative will incentivize European owners and trainers to bring their finest to partake in the Kentucky Derby Week experience.”
On the day of the Kentucky Derby itself, two races will serve as “Win and You’re In” qualifying events for Royal Ascot in June. The victor of the Old Forester Turf Classic (G1) will be awarded a position in either the Queen Anne (G1) or the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (G1), while the champion of the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) will earn a spot in the King’s Stand (G1).
Aspiring three-year-old turf champions aiming for the coveted American “turf double” – the Grade II Belmont Derby and Grade II Edgewood Stakes – will embark on a journey across the Atlantic to Epsom Downs. This captivating new venture opens the door for the victors of these esteemed Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks undercard events to vie for glory in the globally celebrated Epsom Derby (GI) and Epsom Oaks (GI), with entry costs and travel expenditures fully supported.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Churchill Downs and the Jockey Club to make this extraordinary prospect a reality,” expressed Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Relations at Keeneland. “In the previous year, we were privileged to welcome the Churchill contingent at Royal Ascot, exhibiting the Kentucky Derby trophy in anticipation of the 150th anniversary of the most thrilling two minutes in sports.”
This joint effort signifies a pivotal stride in the globalization of equestrian sport, nurturing relationships and laying the groundwork for increased transatlantic rivalries in the future.