LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2007) – A colorful, contemporary oil on canvas by up-and-coming artist Trish Biddle has been unveiled as the official art of the 2008 “Art of the Kentucky Derby” series that celebrates next year’s 134th renewals of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks.

Churchill Downs and JettStream Productions, which is now in its seventh year as the official licensee of the “Art of the Kentucky Derby” series, joined the artist on Friday, Nov. 9, at the historic track to formally unveil Biddle’s work that will appear on posters, prints, tickets, racing programs and officially licensed products for the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.

The warm and whimsical works created by Biddle capture elegance, sophistication and even a touch of romance in their depiction of a retro-vintage couple in their polished Kentucky Derby best, watching a race from the sweeping first turn of Churchill Downs on a picturesque first Saturday in May. The oils on canvas bring out striking blues, greens and bronzes, and the works lend themselves to the unforgettable excitement of a day at the races by capturing every critical element of the Kentucky Derby and Oaks experience -- Thoroughbreds in full flight, the historic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs, and a woman with a mint julep in hand and an unfurling red rose on her classic Kentucky Derby hat.

Based in Westlake, Texas, Biddle was recently named the 2008 featured artist at the Cottonwood Art Festival in Texas, a highly prestigious national art event. She has over 40 works published internationally and is collected around the world. She studied at the Dallas Institute of Art before beginning her career as an illustrator and textile designer. Her artwork has been sold at Bed Bath and Beyond and Target stores in the United States, and T.J. Maxx commissioned her to design several accessories for their stores.

Other artists and illustrators of national and world renown whose work has been procured by JettStream Productions for the “Art of the Kentucky Derby” series include Misha Lenn in 2007; Dennis Ziemienski (Derby 2006) and Erica Nordean (Oaks 2006); Bart Forbes (2005); Francis Livingston (2004); Laura Smith (2003); Gary Kelley (2002); and legendary singer Tony Bennett (2001). Prior to JettStream's involvement in the series, “official” Kentucky Derby artists included Leroy Neimann, Peter Max, Boguslaw Lustyk and Peter Williams.

“Art of the Kentucky Derby” series prints, posters and other officially licensed merchandise are available for purchase and are ideal for holiday giving. The “Art of the Kentucky Derby” merchandise is available on the Internet at the Kentucky Derby Store at www.kentuckyderby.com or at www.derbyartgifts.com, the series’ official Web site. Officially licensed “Art of the Kentucky Derby” series merchandise is available in The Churchill Store at Churchill Downs through the end of the track's Fall Meet on Nov. 24 and at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Those items will also be available for purchase at retailers throughout the region during the holiday shopping season. Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2008. The track’s 2007 Fall Meet is underway and continues through Nov. 24. Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record six times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

JettStream is a Louisville, KY-based publisher and licensee for Churchill Downs' "Art Of The Kentucky Derby" program. In defining the scope of the Churchill collection, President and CEO Clare Jett says "Each year, we commission a nationally recognized artist to create his or her vision of the greatest horse race in America - The Kentucky Derby."
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