Churchill Downs has launched the official Web site for the 2009 Kentucky
Derby (G1), www.kentuckyderby.com, which will offer unparalleled coverage of the
horse racing season leading up to the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on May
2, 2009. Employing advanced Web technology, the site serves as an all-inclusive
online resource for the entire Kentucky Derby experience, from in-depth
contender information to full-scale treatment of the lavish entertainment and
party atmosphere that surrounds the historic event.
“Kentuckyderby.com brings together all the different elements of the Kentucky
Derby experience into one user-friendly site,” said Jeremy Borseth, senior
director of channel services and Internet operations for Churchill Downs
Incorporated. “It pays tribute to the time-honored traditions and pageantry of
the ‘Run for the Roses,’ while at the same time reflecting the latest online
technology to help fans stay informed. Whether you’re a passionate racing fan, a
Derby party host, or a newcomer attracted to the Kentucky Derby scene, you’ll
find everything you need at Kentuckyderby.com, including how to buy tickets,
where to go, and what to see in Louisville.”
Among the new components of the official Kentucky Derby 135 Web site is an
expanded lifestyle and entertainment section, which includes Red Carpet and
Derby celebrity photo galleries, information on the official Kentucky Derby
Party program, and insider’s peeks at Millionaires Row and the boisterous
infield. Kentuckyderby.com will also serve as the online home for an
exciting array of Kentucky Derby 135 events and programs, which will be unveiled
in the weeks ahead.
A focal point of the 2009 Kentucky Derby Web site remains the “contenders”
pages, which include videos, photographs, detailed pedigree analyses, workout
information, and past performances. These pages are supplemented by an area
dedicated to Kentucky Derby prep races, which provides complete previews and
recaps of every major prep race on the Kentucky Derby trail, including video
replays, video analysis by Churchill Downs experts, past performance charts,
official results, and stakes recaps. The site also contains exclusive analysis
videos and interviews, as well as comprehensive historical archives of past
runnings of the Kentucky Derby.
A user-friendly navigation bar near the top of the Kentucky Derby site home
page provides quick links to Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks (G1) ticketing
information, a summary of Derby history and traditions, and a link to the
official online Kentucky Derby Store, located at www.kentuckyderby.com/store,
where fans may purchase officially licensed Kentucky Derby 135 apparel and
souvenirs.
One popular item returning in 2009 is a suite of advanced interactive online
tools that link visitors to Kentucky Derby content available through YouTube,
Facebook, and other popular social networking platforms. The site will offer
weekly video podcasts, also available through Apple’s iTunes and YouTube, to
provide the latest information on all major Kentucky Derby prep races and
contenders. From the site’s download section, fans may also enjoy free access to
wallpaper, ringtones, and a host of other Derby-themed applications.
John Asher, who serves as vice president of racing communications for
Churchill Downs, will be joined by Churchill Downs analyst Jill Byrne and expert
handicapper James Scully as racing analysts in place for the 2009 Kentucky Derby
Web site. Bloodstock Research Information Services, an industry-leading data
services company owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, is providing news
content and pedigree information. The site also features blogs by Justin Dew,
who will analyze the racing and wagering aspects of the Kentucky Derby, and
Caroline Smith, who will focus on the fashion and entertainment scene of
Kentucky Derby 135.
The official Web site for the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks,
www.kentuckyoaks.com, is expected to launch in March 2009.
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. Approximately
150,000 people attend the Kentucky Derby in person, with more than 20 million
people tuning in via television and radio worldwide.