Tagged: Kentucky Derby

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.

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.

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. 

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 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.