Churchill Downs Incorporated Launches Official 2004 Kentucky Derby Web Site.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Churchill Downs Incorporated ("CDI" or "Company") this week launched the official 2004 Kentucky Derby Web site, http://www.kentuckyderby.com/ . The site offers the most comprehensive coverage of the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports," including exclusive articles, news updates, interactive components and a new addition -- archived videos of the top contenders' Derby prep races that race fans can view free of charge.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000209/CHW004 )

"We've created an informative, entertaining and compelling Web site surrounding Churchill Downs' marquee event, the Kentucky Derby," said Steve Fugitte, vice president of racing information and new media for the Churchill Downs Simulcast Network ("CDSN"). "This site is really the only destination Kentucky Derby fans will need to enjoy the Derby trail and the exciting build- up to the 'Run for the Roses.' Complete coverage of the contenders, along with free contests, the latest handicapping information, archived videos, Web cams offering views of the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack and video clips of celebrities' picks will be featured on the site. It truly has something for everyone."

Kentuckyderby.com offers handicappers of all skill levels a wealth of information, including the "Top Ten" selections from Las Vegas handicapping expert Roxy Roxborough as well as favorite picks from CDSN handicappers such as John Asher, Jill Byrne, Fugitte and Lane Gold.

Additional information is presented in four major sections designed for racing fans of every age and sophistication. The "coverage" portion features snapshots of event contenders, Derby news, daily updates from around the racetrack -- including on-site videos of morning workouts and trainer interviews -- and information on the popular Kentucky Derby Future Wager. The "history" segment gives viewers a taste of Derby lore with its informative Derby timeline, collection of charts and statistics from all 129 Derby races, information on the Derby winners' connections, and sections on African Americans and women in the Derby.

The "experience" section provides a true feel for the first Saturday in May with an extensive photo gallery and information on the traditions that make the Derby a real slice of Americana, including the Garland of Roses, Mint Juleps, Derby hats, the Twin Spires, the infield, Millionaire's Row and much more. Back this year as well are two popular online features -- Web cams that give viewers a live peek inside Churchill Downs and the colorful Derby Day festivities and streaming video of celebrities' Derby picks.

The site's fourth section is the online home of the "Derby Store," where fans can find officially licensed, Kentucky Derby 130 apparel and souvenirs for purchase online.

Last year, the site registered more than 118 million hits, including more than 30 million on Derby Day alone from the several hundred thousand unique visitors who logged on to the site. Overall traffic and usage of the site has grown significantly since its inaugural launch in 1999.

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 take place on the first Saturday in May. The 130th running of this celebrated event is scheduled for May 1, 2004, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Approximately 150,000 people attend the Derby in person, with more than 20 million people tuning in via television and radio worldwide.

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 and Kentucky host 113 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 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/ .

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000209/CHW004

AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, [e-mail]

CONTACT: Mike Ogburn of Churchill Downs Incorporated, [phone], or cell, [phone], or [e-mail]

Web site: http://www.kentuckyderby.com/ http://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/