Churchill Downs Launches Official 2008 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web Sites

Churchill Downs today launched the official Web site for the 2008 Kentucky Derby, www.kentuckyderby.com, and the official 2008 Kentucky Oaks Web site, www.kentuckyoaks.com. The redesigned sites feature clean, bold designs that take advantage of cutting-edge Web technology while continuing to offer unparalleled coverage of the Kentucky Derby, its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, and the prep seasons leading up to both historic events. The 134th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 3, 2008, while the 134th Kentucky Oaks will be held on May 2, 2008. The new Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites offer rich information archives on their respective events while providing in-depth analysis and information on the 2008 editions of each race. New features include an enhanced widescreen video option that provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy free prep race and workout replays in crystal-clear quality. The sites will also include exclusive analysis videos and interviews that will be available only on www.kentuckyderby.com and www.kentuckyoaks.com. As in years past, the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites will feature blogs written by leading handicappers that cover the prep seasons leading up to Kentucky Derby 134 and Kentucky Oaks 134, as well as daily news updates, RSS feeds, and detailed information on each Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contender. Downloadable video podcasts, updated weekly and available through both Apple’s iTunes and the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites, will provide updates on all major Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks prep races. The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites also include an expanded Derby Experience section highlighting the Kentucky Derby lifestyle, with advanced Web elements designed to capture the event’s excitement and pageantry. Among the Web innovations debuting in 2008 is "Derby Total Access,” a suite of interactive online tools linking visitors to Kentucky Derby content available through YouTube, Facebook, MySpace and other popular online resources. The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites also offer links to the online Derby Store, www.kentuckyderby.com/store, where fans can find officially licensed Kentucky Derby 134 and Kentucky Oaks 134 merchandise, including apparel and souvenirs. "Both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites will continue to serve as complete online resources for racing fans in 2008,” said Jeremy Borseth, senior director of channel services and Internet operations for Churchill Downs Incorporated. "With the incorporation of the latest in Web technology and online features, these sites provide a wide variety of in-depth and interactive information, presented in a user-friendly format that visitors of any sophistication can navigate and enjoy. When combined with the rich tradition, multimedia areas and historical features also available on the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks sites, these Web pages provide a comprehensive and enjoyable online experience for all of our racing fans.” The focal point of the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites remains the "contenders” pages, which include videos, photographs, detailed pedigree analyses, workout information, and past performances. These pages will be supplemented by the return of the "Road to the Kentucky Derby” and "Road to the Kentucky Oaks” prep sections, offering complete previews and reviews of every major prep race on the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks trails, including video replays, video analysis by Churchill Downs experts, past performance charts, official results, and stakes recaps. John Asher, who serves as vice president of racing communications for Churchill Downs, and expert handicapper Jill Byrne will headline a strong team of racing analysts and bloggers in place for the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites. Bloodstock Research Information Services, an industry-leading data services company acquired by Churchill Downs Incorporated in June 2007, will also provide content. Churchill Downs was aided in the design and construction of the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Web sites by Digett, an interactive media design firm based on Boerne, Texas. Kentuckyderby.com is the official Web site of the Kentucky Derby and is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated. As one of the world’s premier sporting events and the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in May. The 134th running of this celebrated event is scheduled for May 3, 2008, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Approximately 150,000 people attend the Kentucky Derby in person, with more than 20 million people tuning in via television and radio worldwide. Kentuckyoaks.com is the official Web site of the Kentucky Oaks and is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated. As one of the world’s top races for 3-year-old fillies, the Kentucky Oaks is traditionally renewed on the Friday prior to the first Saturday in May. Approximately 100,000 people attend the Kentucky Oaks in person, with several million tuning in via television worldwide. Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2008. The track’s 2008 Spring Meet is set for April 26 through July 6. Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record six times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.