The flagship property of Churchill Downs Incorporated was the first racetrack to receive accreditation in 2009, the alliance’s inaugural year. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

The legendary Louisville, Kentucky, track hosts the 144th running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on May 5. Other highlights of the Spring Meet include the $1 million Longines Kentucky Oaks on May 4 and the $500,000 Stephen Foster Handicap for top older horses on June 16.

Churchill Downs’ reaccreditation is the culmination of a lengthy process that began with the track completing an extensive written application and continued as the track hosted several meetings with alliance officials. An on-site review included inspections of all facets of the racing operations and interviews with track executives, racetrack personnel, jockeys, owners, trainers, veterinarians, stewards, and regulators.

Jim Cain (security consultant), former chief of enforcement for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission with 40 years of law enforcement experience; Jennifer Durenberger, DVM, (veterinary and regulatory consultant) chief examining veterinarian at the New York Racing Association; Steve Koch, NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance executive director; and Cathy O’Meara (racing operations consultant), coordinator of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program, made up the inspection team