Classic Empire comes up roses in Arkansas Derby

The Dubai-owned Godolphin stable celebrated its first victory in the English Derby on Saturday when Masar achieved a 16-1 upset victory in the 239th edition of the race. Beaten into third in the 2000 Guineas last month by Saxon Warrior, William Buick’s Masar turned the tables on Aidan O’Brien

“For those guests who plan to join us for this year’s Derby, we promise you that we will make it a wonderful experience, and most importantly, we will make it as safe and comfortable as we possibly can,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery said in a news release. Churchill Downs had said in late June that general admission would be limited to the sprawling 26-acre infield. Usually held on the first Saturday in May as the first leg of U.S. thoroughbred horse racing’s Triple Crown, this year’s Kentucky Derby was preceded by the Belmont Stakes in June and will be followed by the Oct. 3 Preakness Stakes.