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    Preakness Stakes 2022: Early Voting overcomes favorite Epicenter to win second leg of Triple Crown

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    Early Voting won the 2022 Preakness Stakes at the Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, overcoming scorching temperatures and favorite Epicenter.

    Trailing in the middle of the pack for most of the race, Early Voting pulled ahead through the final stretch – winning it by just 1 ¼ lengths ahead of Epicenter, the runner-up at the Kentucky Derby earlier this month. 

    Jose Ortiz, left, atop Early Voting, edges out Joel Rosario, second from right, atop Epicenter, and Brian Hernandez Jr., right, atop Creative Minister, to win during the 147th running of the Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course, Saturday, May 21. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

    Epicenter was the favorite heading into the nine-horse race at 3-2 but landed another second-place finish followed by Creative Minister.

    KENTUCKY DERBY 2022 RESULTS: RICH STRIKE PULLS OFF INCREDIBLE UPSET IN FIRST LEG OF TRIPLE CROWN

    Saturday’s win is trainer Chad Brown’s second at the Preakness. 

    “I was never worried,” Brown said. “Once we had a good target, I actually preferred that. We were fine to go to the lead, but I thought down the back side it was going to take a good horse to beat us. And a good horse did run up on us near the wire and it was about the only one that could run with us.”

    Jose Ortiz atop Early Voting wins the 147th running of the Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

    Rich Strike, who did not compete at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, won the first leg of the Triple Crown earlier this month after pulling off one of the biggest upsets in Kentucky Derby history. 

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    Similarly, Early Voting did not run in the Derby in order to give the horse more time to train and rest. 

    “That’s very hard to get an owner to pass on the Derby, and they did the right choice,” jockey Jose Ortiz said. “The horse, I don’t think he was seasoned enough to run in a 20-horse field and they proved that they were right today.”

    Jockey Jose Ortiz #5 reacts after riding Early Voting to win the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 21, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.  (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

    Temperatures reached the mid-90s on Saturday and only cooled down just a few degrees before the horses entered the starting gate but Early Voting and Oritz didn’t seem to break a sweat coming across the finish line. 

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    Epicenter trainer Steve Asmussen said after the race he was “disappointed.” 

    “He just had too much to overcome.”

    The final leg of the Triple Crown races will be the Belmont Stakes on June 11 at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

    Preakness Stakes 2022: What to know about second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown

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    The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown but this year any chance of a thoroughbred winning all three events has been nixed.

    Rich Strike’s handlers announced last week that the Kentucky Derby winner will not go forth with the Preakness Stakes, opting to give the colt some rest ahead of June’s Belmont Stakes.

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    Epicenter, the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, gallops during a morning workout ahead of the Preakness Stakes Horse Race at Pimlico Race Course, Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

    Rick Dawson, the owner of RED TR-Racing who owns the colt, released a statement, saying their plans were always contingent on what was going to happen with them at the Kentucky Derby. While the win made things more tempting to race for the Triple Crown, the team decided against it.

    “Our original plan for Rich Strike was contingent on the KY Derby, should we not run in the Derby we would point toward the Preakness, should we run in the Derby, subject to the race outcome & the condition of our horse, we would give him more recovery time & rest and run in the Belmont, or another race and stay on course to run with 5 or 6 weeks rest between races,” Dawson’s statement read.

    “Obviously, with our tremendous effort & win in the Derby it’s very, very tempting to alter course & run in the Preakness at Pimlico, which would be a great honor for all our group, however, after much discussion & consideration with my trainer, Eric Reed & a few others, we are going to stay with our plan of what’s best for Ritchie is what’s best for our group, and pass on running in the Preakness, and point toward the Belmont in approximately 5 weeks.”

    RICH STRIKE’S JOCKEY SONNY LEON RECEIVES SUSPENSION FOR CARELESS RIDING

    Rich Strike leads Epicenter and Zandon in the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, May 7, 2022, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

    The absence of Rich Strike, who was an 80-1 longshot to win the Kentucky Derby, means that Epicenter is back in the fold as the favorite to win the race.

    Epicenter comes into the Preakness with 6-5 odds to win. The Steve Asmussen-trained horse finished second in the Derby, and drew the No. 8 post for the Preakenss.

    Fenwick, a 50-1 shot per Horse Racing Nation, is hoping to ride the same wave as Rich Strike.

    “I think there’s three or four horses to outrun in here, personally, and I’m way behind them,” Fenwick’s trainer Kevin McKathan said earlier in the week. “Steve’s horse (Epicenter) is obviously the bullet going in. Tami Bobo’s horse, Simplification, runs hard every time and then Wayne’s filly, she’s special, so you have to outrun her. And the rest of them, they’re there and we’ve got to put up with them.”

    There were only nine horses ready to go for the Preakness.

    Preakness entrant Fenwick is cleaned up after working out at Pimlico Race Course, Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Baltimore. Fenwick has a 50-1 shot of winning the race. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

    Here’s what to know about the event.

    Who is racing and what are the odds?

    1). Simplification (John Velazquez) 6-1

    2). Creative Minister (Brian Hernandez Jr.) 10-1

    3). Fenwick (Florent Geroux) 50-1

    4). Secret Oath (Luis Saez) 9-2

    5). Early Voting (Jose Ortiz) 7-2

    6). Happy Jack (Tyler Gaffalione) 30-1

    7). Armagnac (Irad Ortiz Jr.) 12-1)

    8). Epicenter (Joel Rosario) 6-5

    9). Skippylongstocking (Junior Alvarado) 20-1

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    How to watch?

    Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland

    When: May 21, 2022

    Projected post time: 6:45 p.m. ET

    TV: NBC/NBCSports.com

    Rich Strike’s handlers praised for ‘refreshing’ decision to keep horse out of Preakness

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    The decision to keep Rich Strike out of the Preakness after the colt’s historic Kentucky Derby victory last week received praise on Thursday.

    Owner Richard Dawson, trainer Eric Reed and others involved with the Derby winner agreed to rest the horse instead of pursuing a Triple Crown and will keep the thoroughbred out of the second race, opting to wait until the Belmont Stakes next month.

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    Trainer Eric Reed holds the trophy after Rich Strike won the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2022, in Louisville. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

    Marty Irby, the executive director of Animal Wellness Action, released a statement praising Dawson.

    “We applaud the Rich Strike team for putting the welfare of the horse first and choosing not to run in the 147th Preakness Stakes,” Irby said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Their decision to ‘give him more recovery time and rest’ is refreshing to see, and we have no doubt that Rich Strike will go down in the history books as one of the most famous American racehorses of all time.

    “In addition, we were elated to learn the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission saw the blood test results of both Rich Strike, and the Kentucky Oaks winner came back clean, free from any illegal drugs, and that’s a tremendous step in the right direction. We hope to see a safe and drug free Preakness next week in Baltimore.”

    RICH STRIKE WILL SIT OUT PREAKNESS AFTER HISTORIC WIN AT KENTUCKY DERBY

    Jockey Sonny Leon reacts after Rich Strike wins the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2022. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

    For the fourth straight year there will not be a Triple Crown winner. Justified was the last winner in 2018. Dawson said their plans were always contingent on what was going to happen with them at the Kentucky Derby. While the win made things more tempting to race for the Triple Crown, the team decided against it.

    “Our original plan for Rich Strike was contingent on the KY Derby, should we not run in the Derby we would point toward the Preakness, should we run in the Derby, subject to the race outcome & the condition of our horse, we would give him more recovery time & rest and run in the Belmont, or another race and stay on course to run with 5 or 6 weeks rest between races,” Dawson’s statement read.

    “Obviously, with our tremendous effort & win in the Derby it’s very, very tempting to alter course & run in the Preakness at Pimlico, which would be a great honor for all our group, however, after much discussion & consideration with my trainer, Eric Reed & a few others, we are going to stay with our plan of what’s best for Ritchie is what’s best for our group, and pass on running in the Preakness, and point toward the Belmont in approximately 5 weeks.

    Rich Strike wins the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2022.  (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

    “We thank the wonderful Preakness & Pimlico folks that have reached out to us & very much appreciate the invite.”

    Rich Strike was an 80-1 long shot to win the Derby.

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    The Preakness is set for May 21. The Belmont will run on June 11.

    Rich Strike’s jockey Sonny Leon receives suspension for careless riding

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    Sonny Leon, the jockey who led Rich Strike to an improbable Kentucky Derby win as an 80-1 long shot, has been suspended for careless riding.

    Leon’s suspension will last just four days and can have him riding again as soon as this Friday (he began serving the suspension on Monday). The decision to sideline Leon stems from a late April race at an Ohio track when it was determined that the horse he was riding, One Glamorous Gal, intentionally interfered with another horse during the race.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Rich Strike (21), with Sonny Leon aboard, is led to the winner’s circle after winning the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

    Stewards at Ohio’s Thistledown Race Track described Leon’s late April actions as such: “deliberately and aggressively steered in towards the rail to block on-coming horses on the inside.” One Glamorous Gal finished third, but the place was disqualified because of the violation and the horse officially finished sixth.

    Leon’s suspension is his fifth since September. The five suspensions have resulted in 32 days of missed track time.

    Jockey Sonny Leon rides Rich Strike in the winner’s circle after winning the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Louisville, Ky.  (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

    ESPN TRIES TO CANCEL RICH STRIKE’S TRAINER OVER MONTHS-OLD TWEET ABOUT KAMALA HARRIS

    Per the Associated Press, Leon’s suspension – originally eight days but reduced to four because he did not appeal – would not prevent him from riding Rich Strike at the Preakness later this month.

    Rick Dawson, the horse’s owner, along with trainer Eric Reed, have not yet determined if they’ll enter Rich Strike. If so, Leon will be ready to ride. “Our job is to go where we need to be, but we don’t make those decisions,” Jeff Perrin, Leon’s agent told the AP.

    Jockey Sonny Leon celebrates in the winner’s circle after Rich Strike won the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Louisville, Ky.  (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

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    The Preakness runs May 21st with the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, running June 11th.

    ESPN tries to cancel Rich Strike’s trainer over months-old tweet about Kamala Harris

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    ESPN couldn’t make the Kentucky Derby about race, so they switched to politics.

    On Wednesday, during an Outside the Lines episode, ESPN host John Barr interviewed Eric Reed — owner of Mercury Equine Center, which houses reigning Kentucky Derby-winning horse Rich Strike —and asked Reed if he had ever tweeted anything remotely negative about Vice President Kamala Harris.

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    Rich Strike (21), with Sonny Leon aboard, crosses the finish line to win the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

    In typical ESPN fashion, the host had a tweet in question hiding in his back pocket after a considerable investigation over a matter that no one would care about if not for the hard-hitting journalism at ESPN.

    Barr’s tweet in question, posted back in January, poked fun at Kamala Harris by stating that her only qualification for the role was being “good on her knees.”

    The tweet came from an account that appeared to match a description of Reed, but without confirming whether it is the man himself.

    Rich Strike, ridden by jockey Sonny Leon, wins the 148th Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.  (Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Longines)

    The account’s bio reads: “Horse trainer and Reagan conservative. Fantasy Football fanatic, Owner of Mercury Equine Center.”

    Winning the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby with one of the most incredible underdog odds ever, Rich Strike sparked an overnight sensation.

    Reed denied Barr’s accusation and circled back to discussing the historic win by Rich Strike.

    “Haven’t been told about it. I don’t know what’s going on out there. I’m more concerned with Richie and what’s going on with us,” Reed said, “and this great horse, and how much he’s helping everybody. So, there’s haters out there, and that’s about how I’m gonna leave something like that.”

    Trainer Eric Reed holds the trophy after Rich Strike won the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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    The horse’s victory also marked Reed’s first-ever Derby win.

    Bob Baffert denies Kentucky Derby cheating allegations, blames spread of ‘false narrative’

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    Legendary trainer Bob Baffert denied knowingly cheating for last year’s Kentucky Derby win and revealed he’s still fighting to restore Medina Spirit’s victory.

    Baffert received a 90-day suspension over Medina Spirit’s failed post-race drug test, and the discipline was upheld ahead of this year’s Kentucky Derby. The horse tested positive for betamethasone, an anti-inflammatory medication. 

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    Jockey Mike Smith talks with trainer Bob Baffert after winning the Grade 2 Alysheba at Churchill Downs May 3, 2019, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File)

    The drug must clear a horse’s system at least 14 days before a race. While it supposedly has lesser potential to influence performance, any level of detection on race day is a violation. The horse’s win was stripped and given to Mandaloun.

    Baffert was denied entry to any races at Churchill Downs through mid-2023 but told ESPN a day before this year’s race he’s still fighting the rulings. 

    “Who would’ve thought an ointment — an ointment — took down the Kentucky Derby winner,” he told the outlet. “That’s just not right. And that’s something that we’re going to, you know, we’re gonna fight vigorously to save that horse’s Kentucky Derby, because he … deserved the win.”

    Baffert said it was “tough” to see his name taken down from the stables at Churchill Downs.

    After the horse’s death in December, he said he was trying to fight for the horse’s legacy.

    KENTUCKY DERBY 2022: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FIRST LEG OF HORSE RACING’S TRIPLE CROWN

    “I think the main thing is to save the legacy of Medina Spirit. That’s what I’m fighting for. And I want to fight for the sport. The legacy of the sport. The sport is a great sport. It’s on the up and up. I think it’s cleaner now than it ever has been,” Baffert said.

    “I just think that people are getting the wrong information, and the word needs to get out there.”

    Trainer Bob Baffert walks out to the winner’s circle after the Brooklyn Invitational Stakes horse race at Belmont Park June 9, 2018, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

    Baffert has vehemently denied knowingly cheating in Medina Spirit’s win. He said the ointment given to the horse had “zero impact” on his performance. 

    “They’re still running with a false narrative. And it takes a while to change that, especially, you know, the biased reporting against me. … I’m still dealing with that,” Baffert said. “But, in time — like I said — when we get to a neutral, fair … we just need someone with common sense, fairness to listen to this — and we have the facts, tests. We have everything. It’s all there”

    Two of Baffert’s former horses will be running in the Derby — Messier and Taiba. Tim Yakteen is their trainer. He’s has had no contact with Baffert.

    Animal Wellness Action Executive Director Marty Irby praised the track in a statement.

    “We applaud Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for taking positive steps to help bring integrity back to the ‘fastest two minutes in sports,’” Irby said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “The absence of Lasix and other drugs, coupled with infamous trainer Bob Baffert’s suspension following a failed drug test with Medina Spirit last year, and Churchill’s support of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, puts the ‘Run for the Roses’ in a much better light than we’ve seen in recent years.

    Horse trainer Bob Baffert leaves federal court July 12, 2021, in Brooklyn. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

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    “If American horse racing and the Kentucky Derby are to maintain credibility as a legitimate sport and signature event, these types of reforms must continue, and bad actors like Baffert must be held accountable at every turn. We hope the 148th Kentucky Derby is the safest and soundest we’ve ever seen.”

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

    Kentucky Derby 2022: What to know about first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown

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    The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown and it will take place Saturday evening at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

    The year’s derby will be one of the more interesting ones in recent memory since legendary trainer Bob Baffert will not be allowed at the track as he’s serving a 90-day suspension. The ban was given to him by Kentucky racing officials after last year’s winner Medina Spirit failed a post-race drug test.

    Not only will Baffert miss this year’s and next year’s race, he will be out of the entire Triple Crown series.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Horse trainer Bob Baffert leaves federal court, July 12, 2021, in Brooklyn. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

    Baffert trained 34 horses for the Derby since his first appearance in 1996. He’s put together six victories, three second-place and three third-place finishes. It’s only the sixth time he won’t have a horse in the field.

    However, two of Baffert’s formerly owned horses are set to compete.

    Tim Yakteen, a former assistant under Baffert who’s run his own stable for more than two decades, is overseeing Messier and Taiba. Yakteen has no immediate ties to Baffert and the other horse owners agreed to the transfer of Baffert’s horses to others. Baffert isn’t allowed to have contact with Yakteen.

    Read below for the Kentucky Derby odds and field for the race a day before things get going.

    KENTUCKY DERBY LEADS OFF TRIPLE CROWN WITHOUT BOB BAFFERT

    –

    Who is racing and what are the odds?

    1). Mo Donegal (Irad Ortiz Jr.), 10-1

    2). Happy Jack (Rafael Bejarano), 30-1

    3). Epicenter (Joel Rosario), 7-2

    4). Summer Is Tomorrow (Mickael Barzalona), 30-1

    5). Smile Happy (Corey Lanerie), 20-1

    6). Messier (John Velazquez), 8-1

    Messier stands in his stall in the barn of his trainer, Tim Yakteen, at Santa Anita Park on April 25, 2022, in Arcadia, California. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

    7). Crown Pride (Christophe Lemaire), 20-1

    8). Charge It (Luis Saez), 20-1

    9). Tiz The Bomb (Brian Hernandez Jr.), 30-1

    10). Zandon (Flavien Prat), 3-1

    11). Pioneer of Medina (Joe Bravo), 30-1

    12). Taiba (Mike Smith), 12-1

    13). Simplification (Jose Ortiz), 20-1

    14). Barber Road (Rey Gutierrez), 30-1

    15). White Abarrio (Tyler Gaffalione), 10-1

    16). Cyberknife (Florent Geroux), 20-1

    17). Classic Causeway (Julien Leparoux), 30-1

    18). Tawny Port (Ricardo Santana Jr.), 30-1

    19). Zozos (Manny Franco), 20-1

    20). Ethreal Road (Luis Contreras) 30-1

    21). Rich Strike (Sonny Leon), 30-1

    22). Rattle N Roll (James Graham), 30-1

    KENTUCKY DERBY TRAVEL GUIDE FOR A LOUISVILLE GETAWAY

    Who are the favorites?

    John Velazquez rides Medina Spirit across the finish line to win the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, May 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

    Epicenter, whose jockey is Joel Rosario, is a 7-2 favorite to win the race. Steven M. Asmussen is the trainer for the colt. Asmussen is one of the all-time winners in North America but has yet to win the Derby. Messier won the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby in March, the Risen Star S. presented by Lamarque Ford in February, and the Gun Runner States in December.

    Messier, whose jockey is John R. Velazquez, is one of Baffert’s old horses. Messier finished first in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes in February. Velazquez won the Derby in 2011, 2017 and 2020. Messier is an 8-1 shot to win the Derby. Velazquez rode Medina Spirit to victory last year before the title was stripped.

    Zandon, whose jockey is Flavien Prat, is entering the Derby as a 3-1 shot. The colt picked up a win last month at the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. His trainer Chad Brown only has a win in the Preakness in 2017 when it comes to the Triple Crown. Prat won the Derby in 2019 while riding Bill Mott’s Country House.

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    How to watch?

    Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

    When: May 7, 2022

    Projected Post time: 6:57 p.m. ET

    TV: NBC/NBCSports.com

    Purse: $3 million

    Kentucky Derby travel guide for a Louisville getaway

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    The 148th Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 7. 

    Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, there’s much to see and do in this captivating city at the crossroads of the South and the Midwest. 

    If you’re heading to town for Derby Day, the spring Kentucky Derby Festival or eyeing a trip to River City in the near future, there are a few things to check out while in town.

    GARDENING 101: 7 EASY FLOWERS TO PLANT THIS SPRING, PLUS THE TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

    And one note for travelers during Derby season: It’s not just race day that has all the excitement. The month-long celebration leading up to the Kentucky Derby (the Kentucky Derby Festival) has an entire lineup of amazing events like the Pegasus Parade, Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show and the Great Steamboat Race.

    Be sure to call venues or check the website for availability if you’ll be in town for the big day.

    The 148th Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 7. Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, there’s much to see and do in this captivating city at the crossroads of the South and the Midwest.  (Louisville Tourism)

    Restaurants

    For a smaller city, Louisville is brimming with many types of restaurants from buzzy Cuban haunts to classic barbecue joints.

    Against The Grain Brewery & Smokehouse

    For great grub at Slugger Field, head to this upbeat eatery with plenty of TVs and stellar BBQ. Craft beer fans will love the sizable brew list. Whatever you do, don’t miss the mac and beer cheese.

    J. Graham’s Café or the Lobby Bar at The Brown Hotel

    Don’t skip town without ordering one of the city’s famed Hot Brown sandwiches. One spot to order one is at The Brown Hotel. A Derby City staple invented at this hotel in 1926, this sandwich consists of roasted turkey breast, toast points, Mornay sauce, Pecorino-Romano cheese, bacon and tomato. 

    Wagner’s Pharmacy

    Located across the street from Churchill Downs, this beloved greasy spoon has been doling out breakfast and lunch since 1922. P.S. You may very well run into a horse trainer or jockey during your time here.

    ‘GOLDEN GIRLS’ FAN CONVENTION DEBUTS IN CHICAGO: ‘BEST FANS IN THE WORLD’

    La Bodeguita 

    This swanky Cuban restaurant in the buzzing NuLu neighborhood will teleport you to Havana with heaping platters of hits like tostones, arroz con pollo (chicken and yellow rice) and salmon marinated in guava. Sister restaurant Guacamole just recently opened down the street.

    Hip Hop Sweet Shop

    Got a sweet tooth? This bakery has delectable cookies, hot chocolates and milkshakes. Be sure to try the bangin’ banana pudding and “foxxy” brownies in Oreo, plain or turtle flavors. 

    Spirits

    Kentucky is known for its bourbon heritage. Here are three picks for where to raise a glass. If you really love your bourbon, check out the Urban Bourbon Trail, where each restaurant on the trail carries at least 60 varieties of bourbons. You check in at least six locations to win a prize.


    Angel’s Envy 

    Enjoy a distillery tour in the center of Louisville’s Bourbon District at this beloved distiller. Don’t miss the gift shop to take home some spirits and presents for the folks back at home. 

     

    Angel’s Envy  (Louisville Tourism)


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    North of Bourbon

    Opened in 2021 in Louisville’s historic Germantown neighborhood, this bourbon bar is a hat tip to the link between New Orleans and Louisville. If you want to chase your drink with some stellar fare, grab a bourbon-barrel shaped booth and feast on Louisiana and Mississippi cuisine.  

    Black Jockeys Lounge

    Grab dinner or drinks at this spot that pays homage to the Black jockeys who have dominated the Kentucky Derby. It’s located on historic South 4th Street, so walk off those wings and “first call” bleu cheese coleslaw with a postprandial stroll. 

    Wild Swann

    “For the thirsty and the curious” this establishment is tucked into The Grady Hotel, one of Louisville’s recently repurposed buildings from 1883. In its former life, the building was occupied by J.B. Wilder – the owner of an apothecary and bourbon distillery located in the building’s basement, where diners and drinkers can now indulge in delectable cocktails and Southern fare. 

    The Mocktail Project 

    If you’re not much of a drinker but still want to partake in the festivities around town, check out this local initiative for alcohol-free fun.

    WOMAN VISITS DISNEY WORLD EVERY MONTH, DONATES PLASMA TO COVER COSTS: ‘I CAN HELP SOMEBODY’

    Culture and Attractions

    Kentucky Derby Museum

    Come for the races, stay for the history and tradition. Tour this unique venue brimming with mementos from the most famous of horse races. You can also pair your ticket with a tour of Churchill Downs. 

    The Kentucky Derby Museum (Louisville Tourism)

    Old Louisville Walking Tour

    Talented tour guides will walk you through Old Louisville with its wonderfully preserved homes and more than a few friendly ghosts. Fun fact: the neighborhood is home to the largest contiguous collection of Victorian-era mansions in the country and history buffs are in for a veritable treat as you learn about the region’s storied past.

    Hermitage Farm 

    Located about a half-hour away from downtown Louisville in Goshen, Kentucky, this working thoroughbred farm has horse tours, a locally-sourced and seasonally-focused restaurant (Barn8) and bourbon tastings with retired horses at Barn6.

    TRF (Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation) at Chestnut Hall

    Head to East Louisville for a tour around the historic farmstead, where you’ll see many gorgeous horses. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown Louisville, but you’ll feel eons away from city life. 

    Louisville Mega Cavern 

    If you’re an adrenaline junkie, try underground zip lining at this 100-acre former man-made mine turned tourist attraction beneath a portion of the Louisville Zoo. The world’s only fully underground zip line course is a 2.5-hour expedition that you won’t soon forget, taking you through a portion of the cavern’s 17 miles of underground passageways via six zip lines and two challenge bridges.

    Where to stay

    Hotel Distil

    This Autograph Collection hotel is walking distance to Big Four Bridge, a six-span former railroad truss turned bicycle and pedestrian bridge that crosses the Ohio River, connecting Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana, and an adjacent waterfront park.There’s also Slugger Field, the Muhammad Ali Center and much more. Located on Whiskey Row, the hotel pays homage to the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 with a free bourbon cocktail for guests at 19:33 military time every evening, and also offers great dining and drinking on-site.

    The Brown Hotel

    This luxury property first opened in 1923 and has been hosting Derby Day attendees since. The gold-and-black Muhammad Ali Suite complete with a four-poster king bed and marble Jacuzzi tub is the perfect splurge for a special occasion.

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    The Galt House Hotel

    The city’s only riverfront hotel property is the official host hotel of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. Mosey up to the bar at Jockey Silks for a celebratory drink to start your stay and then relax in rooms with river or city views.

    The Holy Goat

    Post up in an 1843 church reimagined as four individual spaces. There’s also an outdoor courtyard for you to catch your breath between events. You can book each suite individually or combined to house up to 16.

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    Kentucky Derby leads off Triple Crown without Bob Baffert

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    The Kentucky Derby leads off the first Triple Crown season in decades without the chance of Bob Baffert officially winning one or more of the three races.

    Baffert’s absence while suspended shadows over the race, particularly because two horses he trained for a significant period of time are among the top contenders. Former assistant Tim Yakteen would get the credit if Taiba or Messier wins after taking over training duties.

    “It’s a talking point, but it’s not a distraction other than that,” retired jockey Jerry Bailey said. “To me, the only thing that’s going to be different is the record books.”

    Taiba could become the first horse since 1883 to win the Derby with two or fewer previous starts. Baffert-trained Justify won it on the way to sweeping the Triple Crown in 2018 after racing just three times before the first Saturday in May.

    “Times have changed in that regard,” NBC Sports analyst Randy Moss said. “Horses run much less often now leading into the Kentucky Derby in general, so it was just a matter of time.”

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    FILE – Jockey Mike Smith talks with trainer Bob Baffert after winning the Grade 2 Alysheba at Churchill Downs, Friday, May 3, 2019, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File)

    This is Bailey’s 34th Derby and Moss’ 41st, with many of them on the NBC Sports set and around the Churchill Downs barns and track together for more than a decade. They tend to agree more often than not, with the notable exception of 2014 when they disagreed about the ride jockey Victor Espinoza gave California Chrome in losing the Belmont with the chance to end the sport’s lengthy Triple Crown drought.

    Asked if there was a potential Triple Crown winner in this crop of 3-year-olds, Moss said it was impossible to say and pointed to plenty of near-misses over the years. Bailey thinks lightly raced Taiba could be the one.

    “If he were able to do this and win the Kentucky Derby, he still only has three starts this year,” said Bailey, who won the Derby twice. “With others maybe having peaked or close to being peaked to try and get to the Kentucky Derby and win it, he might be one that is just on the ascension.”

    Among the 10 horses who entered the Derby with as little racing experience as Taiba over the past century-plus, none have come close to winning this race.

    “The average margin of defeat’s been 25 lengths,” Moss said. “But the difference is none of those horses were given any chance at all to win. And this horse is completely different. This horse is in with an outstanding chance to win.”

    Taiba faces a different challenge in a crowded, 20-horse field than his first two races with much more room to maneuver. Bailey said the challenge is for Mike Smith to try to replicate the trips Taiba got his first two times out of the starting gate to keep the colt comfortable.

    “He hasn’t run against large fields, and he’s had very, very clean trips, no traffic,” Bailey said. “For Mike Smith, his biggest job is to get him out of the starting gate, which the horse does have some early speed and put him in a position where there’s not that many new things happening to him early in the race.”

    A victory by Taiba would make Smith, 56, the oldest jockey to win the Derby. In his way are a record five jockeys from France and a few trainers not named Baffert looking to capture the first jewel of the Triple Crown for the first time.

    Steve Asmussen, who has the most wins of any trainer in North America, has the expected favorite in Epicenter. Chad Brown’s Zandon is another serious challenger who is training well and could give the champion trainer his first Derby victory.

    Crown Pride would be the first Japan-based horse to win any Triple Crown race. He won the UAE Derby in March in Dubai.

    The post position draw is Monday in Louisville.