Churchill Downs Connects Kentucky-Based Soldiers with Family Members via Live Video Conference on Kentucky Derby Day; Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson Joins Families in Sending Derby Greetings to Troops.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The home of the Kentucky Derby will bring a little bit of home to five servicemen and women currently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom when the historic racetrack connects Kentucky-based soldiers with their family members during a live video conference from the Churchill Downs winners' circle on Kentucky Derby Day, May 6.

The live video conference will take place immediately after Race 6 (approximately 2:20 p.m. EDT) and will be displayed on the two large video screens that sit atop Churchill Downs' infield tote boards. Race fans attending the Grade I Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands will be able to watch as family members send their personal greetings to 1st Sgt. Ivory Hallmon and PFC Bryan Dewey of Radcliff, LCpl Jessica Olson of Ft. Mitchell, Cpl Daniel Foye of Lawrenceburg, and LCpl Joshua Barker of Danville. Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson and Churchill Downs President Steve Sexton will join the families in sending Kentucky Derby greetings to the troops on behalf of Churchill Downs and the entire Louisville community.

"The Kentucky Derby is a time for celebration, when family and friends from across the country come to Louisville to enjoy the 'Greatest Two Minutes in Sports' and spend time together as part of this one-of-a-kind sports tradition," said Sexton. "We know there are thousands of Kentucky soldiers far from home who would enjoy being at Churchill Downs with their loved ones this weekend watching the Run for the Roses. While we can't bring them home for a day, we can bring the Twin Spires and the magic of Kentucky Derby Day to them through this fantastic opportunity provided by the Freedom Calls Network. I know I speak on behalf of the entire Churchill Downs team in expressing our sincere gratitude to our soldiers and their families for their service."

"We're proud that the Derby can serve as a global uniter, connecting military families who are thousands of miles apart and letting them share in Louisville's celebration," said Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson. "We sincerely appreciate the sacrifices made by these brave men and women - and by their families here at home. And we welcome them to share in Louisville's day in the spotlight."

The live video conference is made possible by the Freedom Calls Foundation, a nonprofit entity that is establishing a state-of-the-art communications network to enable troops stationed overseas to communicate free of charge from their base camps with their families at home by Internet telephone, instant messaging and video conferencing. The technology has allowed soldiers to participate in milestone family events such as graduations, births, birthdays and weddings via video conference over the Freedom Calls Network.

Family members participating in the live video conference will also escort the famed garland of roses that will be draped over the winner of Kentucky Derby 132 to the Derby Winner's Circle just before the Derby contenders enter the track for the post parade. Family members will then watch the Derby race from the Winner's Circle and be present during the official Winner's Circle presentation ceremony after the race.

Kentucky military family members participating in the special Derby day festivities include:

--Amber Hallmon (wife of 1st Sgt. Ivory Hallmon)

--Anthony Dewey (father of PFC Bryan Dewey)

--Lisa and Cody Godsey (relatives of LCpl Jessica Olson)

--David and Janet Foye (parents of Cpl Daniel Foye)

--Nick Barker (father of LCpl Joshua Barker)

Information about the Freedom Call Foundation can be found on the Internet at www.freedomcalls.org.

Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 132nd running of the Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2006. The track's 2006 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 29-July 16. Churchill Downs has served as host to the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships a record five times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.