Churchill Downs Inc. threatened to cancel the Louisiana Derby if the Louisiana State Racing Commission does not rescind recent changes to its medication rules.

In a letter to the commission's executive director, Stephen Landry, on Thursday, CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen said that because of the uncertainty created by the rule changes, "there is a strong likelihood that we will not hold the Risen Star, Lecomte, or the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, to name but a few key races."

During the Bears end-of-season press conference, president and CEO Kevin Warren said that finalizing the location for the team’s next home is one of the most pressing steps for the Bears to take in the short term as they continue to work on their long term plans. But there’s more to it than just picking a spot.

Here’s what Warren said about the future of the next Bears stadium and where things stand.

"Anytime you have 326 acres, you can do more," Warren said, referring to the plot of land the Bears already own in Arlington Heights.

However, the Bears have run into tax snags in the area.

Jockey Thomas Pompell rode his 3,000th career winner Thursday night when Tappin Fora Dance won the fifth race at Delta Downs.

The lowest takeout wager in 2024 will be at Hawthorne Race Course.

The singular home of horse racing in Chicagoland will offer an 8 percent takeout place pick all when its Thoroughbred meeting begins March 23. The bet will have a $1 minimum and no carryover provision.

The purse for the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) has been boosted to $5 million, a great leap from $3 million since 2019. ...

In addition, Churchill Downs announced Wednesday (Jan. 10) a 50-race stakes schedule worth a total of $25.6 million for is spring meet from Apil 27-June 30. Last year’s schedule was $20.5 million.

Churchill Downs said the increase is due to the company’s investment into historical horse racing, which boosts funding for live racing.