First World War #4 (L) with Frankie Dettori riding won the $400,000 Penn Mile at Penn National Racecourse on Friday May 31, 2024. Photo By Kathy Hair/EQUI-PHOTO
Churchill Downs Update
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Qatar Racing and Hunter Valley Farm’s three-time winner and recent Penn Mile (GIII) hero First World War returns to Churchill Downs against a wide-open group of eight 3-year-olds that entered Saturday’s 109th running of the $250,000 American Derby (Listed).
The American Derby at 1 1/16 miles on turf is part of a stakes six pack on Saturday’s Stephen Foster Day program. First post is 12:45 p.m. with the American Derby going as Race 9 at 4:58 p.m.
Trained by Brendan Walsh, First World War defeated Aspenite by a scant nose three weeks ago in the Penn Mile under world-class jockey Frankie Dettori. Earlier this season, the son of War Front switched from dirt to turf in the Kitten’s Joy (GIII) at Gulfstream where he successfully defeated seven foes by a half-length. Dettori will return to ride First World War in the American Derby and the duo will break from post No. 7.
Turf racing Saturday at Churchill Downs is scheduled to be contested in Lane 1 on the Matt Winn Turf Course.
Fans can watch and wager on all the action from Churchill Downs on www.twinspires.com, the official wagering provider of Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Kentucky Derby.
Saturday is the penultimate day of the 2024 Spring Meet. Fans can purchase tickets on www.churchilldowns.com. Admission gates will open at 11:30 a.m.
In addition to the stellar racing action, the winning connections of this year’s Kentucky Derby (Mystik Dan) and Kentucky Oaks (Thorpedo Anna) will be presented with their engraved trophies during a winner’s circle ceremony between races. Also, the trophies will be on display beforehand for guests to take photos.
