The 151st operation of Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday in the middle of a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, consumer confidence and prices that could result in an increase in construction costs.
Churchill Downs Part of a break from a capital improvement project of $ 900 million on its race track in Louisville, Kentucky, the most famous horse race site in the world.
CEO Bill Carstanjen blamed the prices for putting the construction on hold.
“We did not know what things were going to cost. Each time you build something, you must be very careful on the cost side, because you have to get a return to your capital,” Carstanjen told CNBC.
But with regard to the demand and enthusiasm of the fans, Carstanjen said that he was at the rate of corresponding to that of last year. International participation in the derby has never been higher, he said, the race should be broadcast in a record of 170 territories.
This year also marks a return for the famous horses coach Bob Baffert, following a three -year suspension of Churchill Downs Properties after his Medina Horse Spirit won the derby in 2021 but failed a drug screening test.
This year, the horses of Baffert are Rodriguez (12-1) and the juvenile champion, Citizen Bull.
It is a new chapter for the double coach of Triple Crown and for the CEO of Churchill Downs, who supervised the temporary banishment of Baffert.
“Bob has made his way in this event. He made his way in this race,” Carstanjen told CNBC. “It is welcomed again. It’s America. Everyone gets a second chance.”
