Ashworth's The Game Subsidiary Named Official Event Merchandiser for Churchill Downs Incorporated under Exclusive Agreement With LPI.

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Ashworth, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASHW), a leading designer of golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear, today announced that its subsidiary The Game has signed an exclusive merchandise vendor agreement with Licensing Partners International LLC ("LPI") to support its licensing partnership with Churchill Downs Incorporated ("CDI").

The agreement, effective immediately, makes The Game the exclusive event merchandiser for Churchill Downs and its most famous racing events, the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks. The agreement gives The Game rights to market official Kentucky Derby and Oaks-licensed products, including apparel, headwear and glassware, as well as products bearing the familiar logo of Churchill Downs racetrack.

Among other retail venues, The Game merchandise will be available at the Churchill Downs gift shop and online at www.kentuckyderby.com.

"We are pleased to be working with The Game and LPI on a range of merchandising programs that will support the unique image of our historic and industry-leading company," commented Tobey Roush, Director of Sales and Licensing. "LPI and The Game will help us promote our Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Churchill Downs branded merchandise nationwide and enhance sales throughout the year. The Game is the right merchandise vendor to support our efforts to grow our merchandising program through its agreement with LPI."

"We have the utmost respect for The Game and what they bring to the table," said Wesley Haynes, president of LPI. "They have evolved into one of the leading merchandisers in the business, and we know they will be a great partner as we grow the Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks brands."

"We are excited to be associated with one of the greatest sporting venues in the country by working with LPI and Churchill Downs Incorporated," commented Chris Martin, Vice President, The Game. "When we attended this year's Kentucky Derby, we were electrified by the size and spirit of America's longest continuously held sporting event, as well as fans' affinity for the Derby and merchandise commemorating their experience. We look forward to a mutually rewarding relationship as the exclusive event merchandiser for Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Oaks and Derby."

Churchill Downs Incorporated, headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates world-renowned horse racing venues throughout the United States. The Company's racetracks in California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Louisiana host 121 graded-stakes events and many of North America's most prestigious races, including the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Hollywood Gold Cup and Arlington Million. CDI racetracks have hosted nine Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships -- more than any other North American racing company. CDI also owns off-track betting facilities and has interests in various television production, telecommunications and racing services companies that support CDI's network of simulcasting and racing operations. CDI trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

Licensing Partners International LLC (LPI) specializes in the development and management of trademark licensing programs for some of the world's premier sports, recreation and corporate brands. Current LPI clients include the PGA TOUR, the World Golf Hall of Fame, the Indy Racing League (IRL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL) among others. LPI has offices in Florida, Toronto, Atlanta and the New York metropolitan area. LPI's sister company, The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), is the world's leading collegiate licensing agency, currently representing more than 200 colleges, universities, bowl games, athletic conferences, The Heisman Trophy and the NCAA. To find out more about LPI, call 1-904-224-5100, or visit online at www.licensingpartnersintl.com.

Ashworth, Inc. is a designer of men's and women's golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear distributed domestically and internationally in golf pro shops, resorts, upscale department and specialty stores and to corporate customers. Ashworth products include three main brand extensions. Ashworth Collection(TM) is a range of upscale sportswear designed to be worn on and off course. Ashworth Authentics(TM) showcases popular items from the Ashworth line. Ashworth Weather Systems(R) utilizes technology to create a balance between fashion and function in a variety of climatic conditions. Callaway Golf is a trademark of Callaway Golf Company. Ashworth, Inc., 2765 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, CA 92008 is an Official Licensee of Callaway Golf Company.

In July 2004, Ashworth, Inc. acquired Gekko Brands, LLC ("Gekko"), a leading designer, producer and distributor of headwear and apparel under The Game(R) and Kudzu(R) brands. This strategic acquisition provides opportunity for additional growth in three new, quality channels of distribution for the Ashworth(R) and Callaway Golf apparel brands as well as further growth from The Game(R) and Kudzu(R) brands' sales into the Company's three current distribution channels. The Game(R) brand products are marketed primarily under licenses to over 1,000 colleges and universities, as well as to the PGA TOUR, resorts, entertainment complexes and sporting goods dealers that serve the high school and college markets. The Game(R) brand is one of the leading headwear brands in the College/Bookstore distribution channel. The Kudzu(R) brand products are sold into the NASCAR/racing markets and through outdoor sports distribution channels, including fishing and hunting.

To learn more, please visit our Web site at www.ashworthinc.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements related to the Company's market position, finances, operating results, marketing plans and strategies. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include the timely development and acceptance of new products, as well as strategic alliances, the integration of the Company's acquisition of Gekko Brands, LLC, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the success of the Company's strategic agreements with other companies and other risks described in Ashworth, Inc.'s SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2004, and Forms 10-Q filed thereafter.