The magic of Kentucky at Kempton (From Wimbledon Guardian)

The magic of Kentucky at Kempton

9:42am Tuesday 17th February 2009

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Following the establishment of a ground breaking link between Churchill Downs and Kempton Park, for the first time ever European trained horses will be able to secure a guaranteed starting place in the Kentucky Derby.

The creation of the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes at Kempton Park Racecourse on 18th March, 2009 provides an opportunity for the winner of the race to join the line up for the 2009 Kentucky Derby, which was won so impressively last year by Big Brown.

The nine furlong race will be the most valuable race staged at Kempton Park on the all-weather course, with prize money of $115,000 (£80,000).

In addition to earning a guaranteed spot in the starting gate for the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, 2nd May, 2009, the KDCS winner will also receive a $100,000 bonus if the horse competes in the Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes is an enhancement of a Conditions race that was held in March of last year, a race which was won by Campanologist, who went on to win the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. Amy Starkey, Managing Director of Kempton Park Racecourse said:, “Kempton Park is delighted to be in partnership with Churchill Downs. The establishment of the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes represents a fantastic opportunity to increase the international profile of Kempton as well as promoting the Kentucky Derby to European based owners and trainers.

“This exciting initiative is the culmination of considerable enterprise and hard work by our Director of Racing, Brian Clifford, together with John Smee from Jockey Club Racecourses. Thanks to their efforts, we are celebrating the launch of a unique partnership, one which will enable Kempton Park to take the spotlight under the floodlights in the build up to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.”

John Smee, Group Racing Director for Jockey Club Racecourses added, “The introduction of the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes reflects the increasingly global nature of horseracing.

In such a climate, Jockey Club Racecourses is keen to explore opportunities to establish links with international Racecourses.

This new partnership between Kempton Park and Churchill Downs is an exciting development for all the parties concerned. It is the only chance for owners and trainers to secure a berth in the Kentucky Derby on this side of the Atlantic and provides a great showpiece for Kempton Park’s floodlit all weather track.“ After the £18.8 million redevelopment of the Racecourse and Grandstand, which reopened in March 2006, Kempton Park has now established itself as Europe’s Premier all-weather racecourse, with upwards of 80 fixtures scheduled to take place in 2009.

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