Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) ("CDI") and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association ("NTRA") announced today that Churchill Downs racetrack has received full accreditation from the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance.  The announcement was made at a joint press conference held at Churchill Downs.

"Churchill Downs is deeply committed to human and equine safety, and our goal is to provide the safest possible experience for everyone involved in competition at our racetracks," said Bob Evans, president and chief executive officer of CDI.  "As evidence of this commitment, the policies and initiatives we are enacting go beyond even what the NTRA requires for certification, and we are pleased to lead the industry in our efforts.  We hope other racetracks, owners and breeders will continue to raise the bar on safety in our sport."

Churchill Downs is the first racetrack to be accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance.  The announcement comes in advance of the 2009 Churchill Downs Spring Meet, which begins on Saturday, April 25, and Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby 135, which will take place on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, respectively.

Churchill Downs Incorporated ("Churchill Downs"), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates world-renowned horse racing venues throughout the United States. Churchill Downs’ four racetracks in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky and Louisiana host many of North America’s most prestigious races, including the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Arlington Million, Princess Rooney Handicap and Louisiana Derby. Churchill Downs racetracks have hosted seven Breeders’ Cup World Championships.  Churchill Downs also owns off-track betting facilities and has interests in various advance-deposit wagering, television production, telecommunications and racing services companies, including a 50-percent interest in the national cable and satellite network HorseRacing TV™, that support the Company’s network of simulcasting and racing operations. Churchill Downs trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.