News and Press Releases

The 2nd annual Official Kentucky Derby Style Guide aspires to immerse you in an ethereal fashion narrative that intertwines reality and reverie as Derby dreams take flight against the backdrop of the illustrious Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby is about creating memories that last a lifetime, that resonate deeply and evoke a visceral reaction. The first act celebrates the spectacle of the Kentucky Derby through the fashionable lens of a distinguished guest.

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) has announced a partnership with chef, New York Times best-selling cookbook author and content creator Joshua Weissman to help fans create the ultimate at-home race day celebration for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. Drawing on his Southern roots and fun, approachable culinary style, Weissman curated an exciting race day menu of dishes that blend regional comfort food with bold flavors, perfect for celebrating ‘Kentucky Derby At-Home.’

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) today released the second annual Kentucky Derby Style Guide (“Style Guide”) ahead of the 151st running of The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports® on Saturday, May 3. Fashion Journalist and Today Show Style correspondent, Zanna Roberts Rassi returned as guest editor, leveraging her style instincts and on-the-ground observations from last year’s 150th Kentucky Derby to curate a variety of looks defining a new era of Derby fashion.

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) today announced a partnership renewal with Ford as the exclusive automotive partner of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, reinforcing a longstanding relationship between two iconic American brands. Under the renewed agreement, Ford will be granted exclusivity in the automotive category and an expanded footprint with interactive vehicle displays to promote fan interaction and immersive brand experiences to supplement the excitement of Derby Week and beyond.

The Kentucky Derby was nominated for Sports Event of the Year for the 150th running by Sports Business Journal along with five other national elite sporting events. Additionally, Churchill Downs Racetrack was nominated for Sports Facility of the Year for the 18th annual Sports Business Awards, recognizing excellence over the past year.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) CEO Bill Carstanjen released the following statement today in response to the passing of Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman, an active member of the CDI Board of Directors since 2012.

To commemorate the historic 2025 Virginia Derby, and in furtherance of its commitment to community partnership throughout Virginia, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack, today announced that it has made a $30,000 contribution to Goochland-based James River Horse Foundation to support its mission of humane care and sanctuary for retired thoroughbred race horses, as well as job training opportunities for individuals incarcerated at the Virginia State Farm Work Center in Goochland.

To commemorate the historic 2025 Virginia Derby, and in furtherance of its commitment to community partnership throughout Virginia, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), owner and operator of Colonial Downs Racetrack, today announced that it has made a $10,000 contribution to American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. – Hampton Roads Chapter to support its mission of support for veterans, active duty service members, and Gold Star families in Hampton Roads.

Today, Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) and hospitality partner Levy Restaurants (“Levy”) released the official menu for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby® presented by Woodford Reserve. Curated by Chef Robert Lopez, Senior Executive Chef for Levy and Head Chef at Churchill Downs, this year’s menu is infused with locally sourced ingredients and rich southern flavors, giving guests a variety of delicious options to enjoy for the Longines Kentucky Oaks® on Friday, May 2 and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3.