Zayat Compliments Churchill on Treatment

Fifty weeks after one of last year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I)-winning owners used part of the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) celebration to suggest Churchill Downs' treatment of owners was subpar, this year's Derby-winning owner complimented the Kentucky track.

Without prompting in the Derby post-race press conference, winning owner Ahmed Zayat said the connections of American Pharoah were treated in a first-class manner the week before the Derby. Zayat, who was starting at least one horse in the Derby for the fifth time since 2008, said owner treatment was much improved compared with some of his previous Derby experiences.

"I want to say something in front of all of you here, because we should commend people when they do things well," Zayat said. "In the past there has been a lot of criticism about Churchill. As a person who has been coming here and had more than one Derby runner, I have seen a 180% change in all attitudes. And the whole organization from A to Z, it's something that I would like personally to thank them for their hospitality for what they have done for all owners and horsemen."

Last year Steve Coburn, co-owner-breeder of California Chrome with Perry Martin, blasted Churchill on national television after their horse won the Preakness Stakes. Coburn's criticism focused on general treatment as well as access issues for Martin's 84-year-old mother.

After last year's criticism, Churchill spent $4.2 million to add trackside suites that accommodate up to 18 people for each Derby owner. Owners spend a total of $50,000 to enter and start a horse in the Derby.

"I think, again, it's to be commended," Zayat said of Churchill's hospitality this year. "It's something that I personally applaud. And thank you very much for an unbelievably fun week. I can't say enough thanks for all the team here."