Training window reserved for Derby, Oaks horses

As more Kentucky Derby and Oaks hopefuls continue to arrive at Churchill Downs in Louisville, track officials have announced that the training time reserved exclusively for those horses will become effective next Saturday, April 23.

The period typically starts at around 8:30 a.m., after the track is freshly harrowed, and lasts about 20 minutes. Trainers are requested to use the yellow (Derby) and pink (Oaks) saddle towels that make their horses more easily identifiable to the public.

◗ Owners Ahmed and Justin Zayat will join trainer Bob Baffert in helping the Kentucky Derby Museum unveil its new American Pharoah exhibit on Sunday, May 1. There is no live racing that day.

The American Pharoah exhibit is the main attraction of the daylong Fan Fest, a celebration of Derby history staged by the museum. Admission is $15.

◗ Churchill has announced that the popular country trio Lady Antebellum will sing the national anthem live on the NBC Sports broadcast prior to the May 7 Derby. Lady Antebellum has won seven Grammy Awards and will be the eighth nationally renowned act to sing the national anthem at the Derby since Churchill began using such performers in 2009.

◗ The $18 million renovation of the Turf Club and other premier seating areas at Churchill is nearing completion and will be officially revealed to the media a few days prior to the meet opening.