Kentucky Derby

Five Years After Eight Belles

Joseph Lord — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:18:00 +0000

This week marks the 5-year anniversary of the death of Eight Belles. The second-place finisher in the 2008 Kentucky Derby toppled at the finish line and was euthanized on the track. Kentucky Public Radio's Joseph Lord brings us this look at what's changed in the thoroughbred racing industry since the filly's death.

Stevens Returns to Kentucky Derby

Rick Howlett (KPR) — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:07:16 +0000

Jockey Gary Stevens is returning to the Kentucky Derby starting gate this year. After seven years of retirement, Stevens will be back in the irons aboard Derby starter Oxbow.
50-year-old Stevens says he began to feel the urge to return to the saddle about a year and a half ago, and became more serious about a comeback after starting a new training regimen. He says stepping away and working as an NBC racing analyst have given him a fresh perspective.

'Run for the Homeless' at the Gentry House Derby Party

Kate Lochte — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:48:24 +0000

Mike Wilson and Emily Kohl of the Gentry House in Murray stop by our studio on Sounds Good to speak with Kate Lochte about the first-annual community Derby Party: Run for the Homeless fundraiser on Saturday, May 4th at the Murray Banquet Center. The event starts at 2 p.m. and the race begins at 5:24 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Gentry House in Murray. The Gentry House is a homeless/emergency shelter that acts as a safe haven for families with children in Murray and Calloway County. Click here for more about the Gentry House.

Churchill Downs Changes Qualifications for Kentucky Derby

Devin Katayama — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:24:59 +0000
In an attempt to gain fans, Churchill Downs Incorporated is adopting a new points system for entry into the Kentucky Derby and will cut the number of qualifying stakes races considered for entry from 185 down to 36.
"Our primary driving motive is to create new fans for horse racing," said CDI chair and CEO Bob Evans in a press release.
The new system will make it easier to understand the route thoroughbreds take to win one of the 20 spots in the Kentucky Derby. A poll of more than 300 sports fans nationwide showed 83 percent did not understand how a thoroughbred qualified t

Committee To Address Temporary Event Structures

Rick Howlett (KPR) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:27:05 +0000

The first meeting of a new panel that will study Kentucky’s safety codes for large outdoor tents and other temporary structures will be held this week.

Afternoon Update 5-7

Chad Lampe — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:43:46 +0000

From NPR: Scientists say dinosaurs passed so much gas, they affected climate enough to cause their demise.
From the Four Rivers Region:
The case against a man charged with the fatal 1998 Murray State University dormitory fire, will move from Calloway to Marshall County.

Suspects Sought in Churchill Downs Homicide

Rick Howlett (KPR) — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:12:21 +0000

Louisville Metro Police say they have no suspects in their investigation into a Derby weekend homicide on the Churchill Downs backside.

the morning cram [you wouldn't believe it if I told you, but I can run like the wind blows edition]

Gary Pitts — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:34:10 +0000

"For no particular reason I just kept on going. I ran clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going. When I got to another ocean, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well just turn back, keep right on going."

I'll Have Another Wins Derby

Devin Katayama (KPR) — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:54:23 +0000

In a last minute move to the finish, I'll Have Another won the 138th Kentucky Derby.

Afternoon Round-Up 5/4/12

Rose Krzton-Presson — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:15:27 +0000

Today on NPR: Caretaker Of Kentucky Derby Track To Retire
Around the Commonwealth:
The Blue Ribbon Tax Commission picked three professors to act as consultants as the group considers changes to the state's tax code.