Budweiser Select Renews Rights as Exclusive Beer Sponsor of The Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs

ST. LOUIS, MO (Thursday, April 22, 2010) – Kentucky Derby 136 will see the nation’s premier horse race build upon its two-year partnership with Budweiser Select, as the low-calorie American light lager, announced today it has renewed its sponsorship with Churchill Downs Incorporated to remain the official beer sponsor of Churchill Downs®, the Kentucky Derby® and Kentucky Oaks® through 2011. Per the agreement, Budweiser Select will continue to have logo rights for advertising and promotions, and co-branded promotional merchandise. Budweiser Select will also retain tactical exclusive signage placements on the infield jumbotrons during the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.

Budweiser Select also remains the presenting sponsor for the Friday “Dress to Impress” Happy Hours at Churchill Downs. Presented on select Fridays from 4-7 p.m. local time during the Spring and Fall meets, “Dress to Impress” Happy Hours have become one of the hottest weekend spots in Louisville. In addition, Budweiser Select will become a presenting sponsor of six popular nighttime racing events dubbed, “Downs After Dark”, on the final four Fridays of the Spring Meet and on Oct. 31 and Nov. 19 during the Fall. Drawing an eclectic adult crowd that includes new fans, veteran horseplayers and beer drinkers, the evening festivities are anticipated to bring thousands of people to Churchill Downs in 2010.

“The Kentucky Derby has proven a good fit for Budweiser Select, allowing us to connect with contemporary adult beer drinkers who enjoy a great-tasting light beer during a beautiful day at the track or a fun-filled night in Louisville,” said Greg Billmeyer, vice president Trademark Brands, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. “The Derby remains one of the country’s premiere sporting events and it gives us marketing and promotional opportunities at the local, regional and national levels.”

“Churchill Downs is especially thrilled to extend its partnership with Budweiser Select because Anheuser-Busch has been such a tremendous corporate partner,” said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We’re excited to build upon this great relationship and continue the growth and development of festive and exciting sports and entertainment events like the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks, Friday Happy Hours and Downs After Dark.”

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world’s largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine’s Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009. Anheuser Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world’s largest recyclers of aluminum cans. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

Churchill Downs Incorporated, (“CDI”), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates four world renowned Thoroughbred racing facilities: Arlington Park in Illinois, Calder Casino & Race Course in Florida, Churchill Downs Race Track in Kentucky and Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in Louisiana. CDI operates slot and gaming operations in Louisiana and Florida. CDI tracks are host to North America’s most prestigious races, including the Arlington Million, the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, the Louisiana Derby and the Princess Rooney, along with hosting the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5-6, 2010. CDI also owns off-track betting facilities, TwinSpires.com and other advance-deposit wagering channels, television production, telecommunications and racing service companies such as BRIS and a 50-percent interest in the national cable and satellite network, HorseRacing TV, which supports CDI’s network of simulcasting and racing operations. CDI’s Entertainment Group produces the HullabaLOU Music Festival at Churchill Downs Racetrack which premieres on July 23-25, 2010. CDI trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found at www.ChurchillDownsIncorporated.com.

Contact: Liz Harris
Vice President, Communications
Churchill Downs Incorporated
Phone: 502-636-4474

For more information, contact:
Mike Bulthaus
314.577.9671
michael.bulthaus@anheuser-busch.com