LOUISVILLE, KY. – As the owners of the Kentucky Derby contenders picked at a buffet, sipped on cocktails and placed bets from their seats in the shadow of the winners' circle, the people responsible for the enhanced hospitality were nowhere to be found.
The owners of last year's Derby winner, California Chrome — Perry and Denise Martin and Steve and Carolyn Coburn — were upset with Churchill Downs after their experience here in 2014, so much so that the Martins decided to skip the Preakness.
Perry Martin's mother, Catherine, was in a wheelchair, and the group had trouble getting her from their suite in the clubhouse to the winner's circle after the race. (She died in September at age 84.) After the race, Steve Coburn said on live television that Churchill could take a lesson from Pimlico Race Course's hospitality.
Churchill Downs worked to correct the problems by building 20 boxes behind the winner's circle that feature a roof, couches, betting machines and other amenities. Each owner receives 18 free tickets for the suites, up from six last year, with an option to buy more. Each box is marked by a poster of the owners' silks and has a staff of waiters. (Owners of the Kentucky Oaks contenders receive the same treatment.)
In another new effort, the race organizers provided cars and drivers to each owner for Derby week. Hosts, who train for months ahead of time, are assigned to each team.
"We've found that the most vocal owners are the first-timers, like California Chrome's connections, because it can be overwhelming," said John Asher, vice president of racing communications for Churchill Downs. "We're working hard to be receptive to what they have to say. It wasn't horrible before, but there were definitely some spots we needed to work on."
Etc.
• Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who attended the University of Louisville, was at Churchill Downs and charged with delivering the "riders up" command to jockeys.
• International Star was scratched from the race early Saturday, leaving 18 horses to run. Owner Ken Ramsey said a problem was discovered in the colt's left front foot, likely an abscess. The veterinarian who checked out International Star didn't like the way he jogged inside the barn and once the blacksmith removed the colt's shoe, a warm spot on the inside of the foot was found, Ramsey said. "It's a devastating blow to come this far," Ramsey said in a statement. "I thought I had a decent shot at winning the race."
