DERBY TIME IN KENTUCKY!
Hello from the desk of the Ashland Alliance. Derby time in Northeast Kentucky has not always been the first Saturday in May. From 1924-1928 our own Raceland Racetrack was known as the “Million Dollar Oval.” This 1.5-mile thoroughbred track hosted the Raceland Derby on July 28th, 1924. Five horses that had been in the Kentucky Derby were in the field that day. Over 15,000 spectators were in the stands and on the rail. Black Gold was the winner that day.
After the demise of Raceland, Jack O. Keene went on to build another Kentucky track you’ve probably heard of — Keeneland. There is so much history here in our community. Every year on the Day of the Oaks and before the Kentucky Derby it is ok to think, ‘what if Raceland was still here today’?
My attention is focused on what is here now and how we can help this community grow! The Ashland Alliance hosted another ribbon cutting this week with First National Bank of Grayson located in Summit in front of Wal Mart. We have another ribbon cutting scheduled for tomorrow morning at 11AM for Time Warp in Ashland Town Center. The Alliance also partnered with the Edge Business Center for their open house on Thursday. If you have not been to the Edge Business Center, you are missing out! The feel of their customized, business support center is a great asset for this area. The owner Jack Patterson spoke with me yesterday about hope for this area. His comments hit a cord with me. “You have to have hope”. I appreciate this from a self-made businessman.
I “hope” each one of you have a great Derby Day Weekend. I have a tip for you! Essential Quality is the real deal as the favorite in the Derby. Rock Your World is a great ‘across the board’ bet, Known Agenda for show, and Highly Motivated as the long shot! Just my guesstimate on what I think will be a great Derby and a great step back to a normal first Saturday in May in Kentucky!
Thank you from the staff of the Alliance! We are here to service you and your business.
— Tim Gibbs
Ashland Alliance
Presiden/CEO