Living next door to the Derby: Keeping the balance of track's growth and community
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — Jason Riddle's home is located on Burton Avenue in Louisville. From his front porch, Churchill Downs peeks through the houses across the street.
'When there isn't anything going on, it's peaceful; it's quiet,' said Riddle. 'We can still hear Churchill Downs doing their work over there, which is fine. It doesn't bother us.'
Kentucky designer puts her own spin on men's derby fashion
How are jersey silks made for Kentucky Derby jockeys?
Living next door to the Derby: Keeping the balance of track's growth and community
But during Derby Week, the sound of wind chimes turns into the tune for the 'Call to Post,' and cheers from the 150,000 fans that travel to the Twin Spires.
'I love it because I can hear everything going on over there,' Riddle explained.
Riddle's family has owned real estate near the racetrack his entire life, but he has never seen the Run for the Roses in person. On Derby Day, he has a different duty. He crams nearly 100 cars onto his property, his father's, and the rental next door.
Riddle said he charges an affordable rate, so many spectators prefer to park there. It's also only a short walk from the Paddock Gate. Also not far from Riddle's home is a parking lot owned by Churchill Downs, but the racetrack's impact on the neighborhood runs even deeper.
'Some people don't like Churchill Downs,' said Riddle. 'Some people like Churchill Downs. Some people love it.'
Louisville Metro Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell hears the concerns of District 15, including the trash, traffic, and property protection.
Read more of the latest Kentucky Derby news
'Churchill Downs can continue adding on, but there's a certain limit when too much is too much, and when does this not become a functional space,' said Councilwoman Chappell.
She wants to assure her constituents that right now, Churchill Downs is focused on improving the infrastructure it already owns instead of acquiring more space. Earlier this year, racetrack officials announced a nearly $1 billion investment for its largest renovation ever, hoping to create more unforgettable experiences for fans from all over.
'When you're here, you're also going through our neighborhoods, and you're probably saying these aren't the best neighborhoods, even though they're filled with the best people,' said Chappell. 'So, how can we make sure that we're uplifting those communities? That's really important for us.'
In lieu of taxes, Chappell said, Churchill Downs pays about $1.3 million a year to Jefferson County Public Schools. She said the track is looking to expand its Internal Revenue Bond, and Louisville wants to negotiate the terms to include more funding for city streets, first responders, and other local resources.
'Is it probably proportional to what they should be giving? No, but I don't want to be remiss that they do help the community in a lot of ways,' said Chappell.
To give back, Churchill Downs offers the community tickets to 502's Day and hosts educational programs as well as other outreach efforts. Still, Chappell said her office wants to strengthen its relationship with the track.
Kentucky designer puts her own spin on men's derby fashion
How are jersey silks made for Kentucky Derby jockeys?
Living next door to the Derby: Keeping the balance of track's growth and community
'Both in terms of investments and also in terms of showing up and making sure that people feel safe and secure in their homes now and forever,' she continued.
It's said that many of the days we'll remember are made at home. A relatable phrase for Riddle.
'I've been here my whole life. I've got memories here,' said Riddle. 'I don't want it torn down, but at the same time, you know, enough is enough.'
For the right price, Riddle said he would sell and consider using some of the money to finally see the iconic race from the stands. Until then, he plans to stay on his side of Central Avenue, parking cars and watching from afar.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
4 hours ago
- New York Post
Aaron Rodgers fuels marriage rumors with sneaky ring appearance in Steelers contract photo
Is Aaron Rodgers embarking on his new chapter with the Steelers as a married man? Rumors about the MVP-winning quarterback's relationship status are swirling once again after Rodgers, 41, was seen wearing a black band on his left ring finger Saturday in a photo shared by the Steelers after he agreed to a one-year, $13.65 million contract worth $10 million guaranteed. Rodgers, who ended his free agency waiting game with Pittsburgh on Thursday, sparked marriage buzz earlier this spring when he sported a similar accessory at Kentucky Derby festivities in May. Advertisement 5 Rumors about Aaron Rodgers' relationship status percolated in June 2025 after he wore a ring on his left ring finger in a Steelers contract photo. Bill Kostroun for New York Post Those in his inner circle, including pal and former Packers teammate A.J. Hawk, had 'no update' on the matter at the time. Advertisement 'Shocking, you know, no update from this situation, not gonna lie,' Hawk said on 'The Pat McAfee Show' last month. The ring appearance came months after Rodgers revealed in December 2024 that he is in a relationship with a woman named Brittani. 5 Aaron Rodgers officially joined the Steelers in June 2025 after a two-year stint with the Jets. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post 5 He threw for 28 touchdowns during the Jets' 5-12 campaign in 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Advertisement Before that, he was engaged to actress Shailene Woodley. They ended their relationship in 2022. Rodgers also dated former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick for two years, with a rep for Patrick confirming to Page Six in July 2020 that they are 'no longer together.' Patrick, 43, recently alleged on 'The Sage Steele Show' that their 'emotionally abusive' relationship 'wore me down to nothing.' 5 Aaron Rodgers has been in numerous high-profile relationships over the years. He dated Danica Patrick from 2018-20. Getty Images Advertisement Reps for Rodgers did not immediately respond to Page Six's request for comment in the wake of Patrick's claims. The four-time league MVP is starting a new era in Pittsburgh after a two-year stint with the Jets. Rodgers missed most of his first Jets season in 2023 due to an Achilles injury, but played in all 17 games last season. 5 Aaron Rodgers had long been targeted by the Steelers this offseason. Bill Kostroun for New York Post He threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during the 5-12 campaign. Rodgers delayed his free agency decision while tending to personal matters, sharing in May that someone he is close to is battling cancer. The Steelers had long targeted Rodgers this offseason after last year's quarterbacks, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, moved on in free agency. Advertisement Fields landed with the Jets on a two-year deal while Wilson joined the Giants on a one-year pact. Pittsburgh finished the season at 10-7 and reached the playoffs before being ousted in the wild-card round by the Ravens. Rodgers and the Steelers will open the season against the Jets at the quarterback's former MetLife Stadium home on Sept. 7.
New York Times
16 hours ago
- New York Times
Sovereignty beats Journalism to win Belmont Stakes: Live reaction and analysis
Sovereignty wins two legs of this year's Triple Crown after winning the Kentucky Derby Associated Press Sovereignty has won today's 157th running of the Belmont Stakes, the third race in this year's Triple Crown. Sovereignty won two legs of this year's Triple Crown after winning the Kentucky Derby in May. Sovereignty beat Journalism, which won the Preakness Stakes, to the line for the win. The winning margin was three lengths. Baeza finished third. The race took place at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for the second straight year as Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., is undergoing construction. GO FURTHER Sovereignty surges down the stretch to win the Belmont Stakes Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Teresa Genaro The rain has also dampened the traditional "run for the tables" to snag a picnic table in Saratoga's capacious and ordinarily beautiful backyard. People line up for hours outside the gates before they open and then dash to their favorite spots to claim a table. On most big days, all the tables are gone within a few minutes of the gates opening. This morning, an hour after the gates opened at 9 a.m. ET, there were still tables available. So when turf races are moved to the dirt (they are seldom canceled entirely), you have horses that run only or primarily or best on grass, and their trainers have to desire to run them on a sloppy dirt course. Often, the distance of the race is also changed, because of the different circumferences of the various courses. Those scratches then lead to very small fields, which makes for terrible betting and low prices. As of now, Race 9, the Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur is still on the turf, as is Race 12, the Grade 1, $1 million Manhattan. Race 6, the Grade 2, $300,000 Wonder Again and race 10, the Grade 3, $300,000 Pennine Ridge are off the turf. The rain has been torrential since early this morning, and its effect on today's racing card is already profound. Four races, including two stakes have already been taken off the turf, and as of 11 a.m. ET, 38 horses have been scratched. Why does this matter? What's a little rain, anyway? Rain softens the grass courses, which can prove dangerous for horses and which can also destroy the courses when the loose soil is kicked up by the horses' hooves. Some horses also just don't like running on soft ground. The weather is definitely the story. It's been pouring, everything is muddy, the grass races are off the turf. The Athletic The NBA Finals are underway, as is Stanley Cup Final, all while the MLB season is gradually rolling along. There's no better place to follow all the action than The Athletic , with our award-winning journalism covering all of the above and more. You can subscribe to The Athletic on an exclusive offer here. Imagn Images While this race is historically held at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., for the second consecutive year due to construction, the race is being held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The event will return to Belmont Park in 2026. As a result, the race will not feature the typical 12-furlong or 1 1/2-mile length. Instead, the race will be 10 furlongs or 1 1/4 miles. Imagn Images Early coverage of the Belmont Stakes will be broadcast on FS1 from 10:30 a.m. ET until 2:30 p.m. ET. The remainder of the coverage can be found on Fox. You can also stream coverage on the Fox Sports App or Fubo. Imagn Images The post time for the Belmont Stakes is set for 7:04 p.m. ET. That is 4:04 p.m. PT and 6:04 p.m. CT. Welcome to The Athletic's live coverage of the 2025 Belmont Stakes! While this race is historically held at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., for the second consecutive year due to construction, the race is being held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The event will return to Belmont Park in 2026. Regardless, it should be an engaging day of racing on the track and of course, the winner of the Stakes will take home a purse of $2 million. Follow along throughout the day for the latest odds, analysis and reaction.
New York Times
17 hours ago
- New York Times
Horses, jockeys in the 2025 Belmont Stakes
Sovereignty wins two legs of this year's Triple Crown after winning the Kentucky Derby Associated Press Sovereignty has won today's 157th running of the Belmont Stakes, the third race in this year's Triple Crown. Sovereignty won two legs of this year's Triple Crown after winning the Kentucky Derby in May. Sovereignty beat Journalism, which won the Preakness Stakes, to the line for the win. The winning margin was three lengths. Baeza finished third. The race took place at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for the second straight year as Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., is undergoing construction. GO FURTHER Sovereignty surges down the stretch to win the Belmont Stakes Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Here are the horses, jockeys and trainers for tonight's Belmont Stakes. The following list is in order by post position: Hill Road - Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. - Trainer: Chad Brown Sovereignty - Jockey: Junior Alvarado - Trainer: Bill Mott Rodriguez - Jockey: Mike Smith - Trainer: Bob Baffert Uncaged - Jockey: Luis Saez - Trainer: Todd Pletcher Crudo - Jockey: John Velazquez - Trainer: Todd Pletcher Baeza - Jockey: Flavien Prat - Trainer: John Shirreffs Journalism - Jockey: Umberto Rispoli - Trainer: Michael McCarthy Heart of Honor - Jockey: Saffie Osborne - Trainer: Jamie Osborne The Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur will be run Sunday as the 12th race, and the Grade 1, $1 million Manhattan will be the 13th. The Sunday card was originally scheduled to have 11 races. As a result of these changes, the New York Racing Association has refunded all wagers involving those races and canceled all the horizontal wagering (pick 4, pick 5, pick 6) after the sixth race today, a loss of millions of dollars. Imagn Images Journalism, which won the Preakness Stakes and finished second in the Kentucky Derby, was listed as the early favorite to win the Belmont Stakes after the post-position draw was held Monday evening. Journalism, which tops the field with 8-5 Morning Line odds to win the race, drew the No. 7 slot in the eight-horse field. Kentucky Derby-winner Sovereignty is just behind Journalism with 2-1 odds and will start from the No. 2 position. Check out the official odds below. GO FURTHER Preakness winner Journalism is early favorite to win Belmont Stakes Imagn Images It's the third and final leg of horse racing's Triple Crown. This year's 'Run for the Carnations' has a $2 million purse. The race was held at Belmont Park for most of the last century. But Saratoga Race Course is hosting this year's installment — the 157th — after its first try in 2024. There is a rejuvenated energy at this new venue, with last year's attendance capped at 50,000. Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner, skipped the Preakness but is back for the Belmont. The horse is slated at 2-1 odds. Journalism, the Preakness champ, is the clubhouse favorite at 8-5. Teresa Genaro The rain has also dampened the traditional "run for the tables" to snag a picnic table in Saratoga's capacious and ordinarily beautiful backyard. People line up for hours outside the gates before they open and then dash to their favorite spots to claim a table. On most big days, all the tables are gone within a few minutes of the gates opening. This morning, an hour after the gates opened at 9 a.m. ET, there were still tables available. So when turf races are moved to the dirt (they are seldom canceled entirely), you have horses that run only or primarily or best on grass, and their trainers have to desire to run them on a sloppy dirt course. Often, the distance of the race is also changed, because of the different circumferences of the various courses. Those scratches then lead to very small fields, which makes for terrible betting and low prices. As of now, Race 9, the Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur is still on the turf, as is Race 12, the Grade 1, $1 million Manhattan. Race 6, the Grade 2, $300,000 Wonder Again and race 10, the Grade 3, $300,000 Pennine Ridge are off the turf. The rain has been torrential since early this morning, and its effect on today's racing card is already profound. Four races, including two stakes have already been taken off the turf, and as of 11 a.m. ET, 38 horses have been scratched. Why does this matter? What's a little rain, anyway? Rain softens the grass courses, which can prove dangerous for horses and which can also destroy the courses when the loose soil is kicked up by the horses' hooves. Some horses also just don't like running on soft ground. The weather is definitely the story. It's been pouring, everything is muddy, the grass races are off the turf. The Athletic The NBA Finals are underway, as is Stanley Cup Final, all while the MLB season is gradually rolling along. There's no better place to follow all the action than The Athletic , with our award-winning journalism covering all of the above and more. You can subscribe to The Athletic on an exclusive offer here. Imagn Images While this race is historically held at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., for the second consecutive year due to construction, the race is being held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The event will return to Belmont Park in 2026. As a result, the race will not feature the typical 12-furlong or 1 1/2-mile length. Instead, the race will be 10 furlongs or 1 1/4 miles. Imagn Images Early coverage of the Belmont Stakes will be broadcast on FS1 from 10:30 a.m. ET until 2:30 p.m. ET. The remainder of the coverage can be found on Fox. You can also stream coverage on the Fox Sports App or Fubo. Imagn Images The post time for the Belmont Stakes is set for 7:04 p.m. ET. That is 4:04 p.m. PT and 6:04 p.m. CT. Welcome to The Athletic's live coverage of the 2025 Belmont Stakes! While this race is historically held at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., for the second consecutive year due to construction, the race is being held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The event will return to Belmont Park in 2026. Regardless, it should be an engaging day of racing on the track and of course, the winner of the Stakes will take home a purse of $2 million. Follow along throughout the day for the latest odds, analysis and reaction.
