Churchill Downs Incorporated Launches Official 2002 Kentucky Derby Web Site.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Churchill Downs Incorporated  ("CDI") this week relaunched the official 2002 Kentucky Derby Web site, www.kentuckyderby.com. The revamped site provides complete coverage of North America's greatest horse race, the Kentucky Derby, and its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, and includes several interactive features sure to engage racing fans.

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Kentuckyderby.com features specialized sections devoted to the latest news and information on current Derby and Oaks contenders; the history, traditions and celebrations surrounding these time-honored events; an online store offering Kentucky Derby 128 merchandise; and special contests and wagers linked to the "Run for the Roses."

Race fans looking for an early edge in their Derby and Oaks handicapping will find regular updates on race contenders and their connections as well as "Top 20" picks from a team of Churchill Downs Simulcast Network ("CDSN") handicappers, including John Asher and Steve Fugitte. The site offers current odds for the popular Kentucky Derby Future Wager and a weekly Derby-related online poll. Fans can also register to play the "Road to the Roses" Fantasy Challenge, a rotisserie-style fantasy game, and check current game standings through the Web site. Registration for the 2002 Fantasy Challenge begins Feb. 11.

"Kentuckyderby.com provides a wealth of data and statistics on the Kentucky Derby and Oaks and offers one-stop-shopping for both casual fans and serious handicappers looking for inside information on race contenders and their respective campaigns," said Karl F. Schmitt Jr., CDI's senior vice president of communications. "The site encourages fan participation through interactive polls and contests, and it features user-friendly navigation tools with convenient links to the entire network of CDI racetracks. This year, we've also incorporated new graphic design elements and animation to enhance the site's visual appeal."

The Derby's significance as a national sporting event and social occasion is well documented through kentuckyderby.com. Charts and race records from past Derbys, an historical timeline, and information on the contributions African Americans and women have made to "the greatest two minutes in sports" are included in the section devoted to "Derby History." Traditions associated with Kentucky's signature event are explained through the section titled "Derby Experience," where Web users can find the stories behind Derby hats and infield shenanigans; a recipe for the Derby's official drink, the mint julep; and the music and lyrics to "My Old Kentucky Home," which is sung during the Derby post parade.

Additionally, the Web site will capture every angle of Oaks and Derby Day festivities. Extensive photo galleries and live Webcams stationed around Churchill Downs will showcase all of the days' sights -- from the colorful silks in the paddock, to the elegantly outfitted movie stars lining Millionaires' Row. Famous faces will share their top picks for the days' big races through a new section of the Web site, offering down-streamed audio and video of celebrities at the track

"Kentuckyderby.com does a fantastic job of recreating the Derby experience," said Schmitt. "From the historical perspectives, to live, streamed video and up-to-the-minute wagering information, the Web site will truly give you a sense of what it is like to be at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May."

The Web site is also the online home of The Derby Store and enables race fans to purchase a variety of officially licensed Kentucky Derby 128 merchandise, including apparel for adults and children, Oaks and Derby artwork, glassware, gifts and novelties.

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 VISA Triple Crown Challenge, the Kentucky Derby traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in May. The 128th running of this celebrated event will be May 4, 2002, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Approximately 150,000 people attend the Derby in person, with more than 20 million people tuning in on television and radio worldwide.

Churchill Downs Incorporated ("CDI"), 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 and Kentucky host 112 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 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 http://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/.

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Contact: Julie Koenig Loignon of Churchill Downs Incorporated, office, [phone], or mobile, [phone], or [e-mail]

Website: http://www.kentuckyderby.com/ http://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/