Kentucky

The 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, Mystik Dan, has improved since last season as he prepares for a strong edition of the Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) June 28 at Churchill Downs.

The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation announced amendments to its veterinary examination rules June 25, to take effect July 1, two days before the opening of Ellis Park's summer meeting.

Maria Borell's application for a license to train Thoroughbred horses in Kentucky nine years after she left the state in the wake of a scandal was unsuccessful. She withdrew the application after a June 17 hearing.

Don Combs, who trained Dust Commander to win the 1970 Kentucky Derby, died May 25 at Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, a Sayre Christian Village executive confirmed to BloodHorse May 29. He was 86.

Graded stakes-winning trainer Larry Demeritte, who inspired many in battling cancer while training 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) starter West Saratoga, died May 19 in Louisville, Ky., according to the Louisville Courier-Journal. He was 75.

Blane Servis, assistant to trainer Brad Cox, allowed America’s Best Racing inside his journey on the path to recovery and behind the scenes with Final Gambit before and during the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.

Greg Wolf & Sara Elbadwi look back at the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.

With 17.7 million viewers (6:33-7:24 p.m. ET), the 2025 Kentucky Derby will rank as NBC's most-watched Saturday program since the NFL Wild Card Playoffs in January 2024 (excluding Paris Olympics).

Sovereignty wins the 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 3, 2025.

With 17.7 million viewers (6:33-7:24 p.m. ET), the 2025 Kentucky Derby will rank as NBC's most-watched Saturday program since the NFL Wild Card Playoffs in January 2024 (excluding Paris Olympics).