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Horses Will Now Qualify for Kentucky Derby Through Points System

It's called the "Road to the Kentucky Derby", and starting next year it will be used to determine the field for the world's most famous horse race.

The Courier-Journal reports Churchill Downs will determine the 20-horse field for the Derby through a points system. Beginning this fall, two-year-old horses will earn points based on their placement in designated races.

The points system will essentially organize the horse racing season into a regular season and playoffs, which racing officials hope will build fan interest along the way.

The newspaper report says under the new system, Churchill staff will select races that will count toward the Derby. The plan, which will be officially announced later today, calls for 36 races to be included in the points system, as opposed to the 185 races throughout the world that count toward Derby selection under the previous agreement.

WKU Public Radio will have further details on this story as it develops throughout the day. You can find those updates here at our website, and during our regular newscasts.

Kevin is the News Director at WKU Public Radio. He has been with the station since 1999, and was previously the Assistant News Director, and also served as local host of Morning Edition.