Kentucky Derby 'Road to the Roses' game begins
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – (PRESS RELEASE) -- The Kentucky Derby "Road to the Roses" Fantasy Challenge, an online sports fantasy game that allows racing fans to manage a stable of Kentucky Derby contenders throughout the race's three-month prep season, will open for registration on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Located at roadtotheroses.com, the game's 2007 grand prize winner will receive a VIP trip for two to the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2008.
"Road to the Roses" players earn points based on how well their fantasy stable performs in a series of 33 Kentucky Derby prep races, beginning with the $100,000 Borderland Derby on Saturday, Feb. 17, and continuing through the May 5 Kentucky Derby itself. Players create their fantasy stables by selecting 10 horses from the complete list of Triple Crown nominees, as well as two trainers and two jockeys. Stables must select five "active" horses for each weekend of prep races and may add horses later in the season.
The player who earns the most points at the end of the game will receive a VIP trip for two to the 2008 Kentucky Derby, including airfare and accommodations, a private backstretch tour, and a trip to the paddock on Kentucky Derby Day. Other prizes include Kentucky Derby wagering vouchers worth $1,000 or $500, rare gold-leafed Kentucky Derby 133 mint julep glasses, and much more. A $300 Kentucky Derby wagering voucher will be given away weekly to the player who earns the most points each weekend. Twin Spires Club members are eligible for additional prizes.
One new feature of the game in 2007 is the "Pay to Play" option, in which participants may choose to pay $10 to make themselves eligible for additional cash prizes. This optional fee must be paid within 10 days of initial signup in order to maintain eligibility. At the conclusion of the contest, the top 10 "Pay to Play" finishers will be awarded cash prizes, with the amount determined by the total number of participants. "Pay to Play" players remain eligible for the game's grand prize and other prizes.
As in years past, "Road to the Roses" fantasy challenge players will be able to compare their weekly results against the performance of stables managed by horse racing experts and media celebrities in the "Meet the Pros" competition. Also returning in 2007 is the "Create Your Own League" option, allowing registered players to compete against family and friends in private user-created leagues for a more personalized experience.
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 Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2007. The track's 2007 Spring Meet is set for April 28 through July 8. Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders' Cup World Championships a record six times.
