Females Are Thoroughbred Enthusiasts (F.A.T.E.), an organization created by Courier-Journal writer Jennie Rees and thoroughbred owner Beth Condren, will hold its first meeting of the year on Sunday, January 29 at the Churchill Downs sixth-floor media center from 2 – 6 p.m. Rees and Condren created the organization to "demystify horse racing by using fun, social settings to teach women about the sport." This is the second year the group has hosted an event in the media center.
The event is open to women of all ages with an interest and desire to learn about horse racing. F.A.T.E. events provide a relaxed and welcoming environment for women to learn about the sport. As well as teaching attendees how to read a racing program, the group will discuss betting strategies, Kentucky Derby prospects, and hold a Q&A session.
The group will also analyze the Holy Bull stakes, one of many early prep races for the Kentucky Derby. The Holy Bull will run at Gulfstream Park Sunday afternoon and is a race in which Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and Champion Two-Year-Old Hansen is slated to make his three-year-old debut.
F.A.T.E. events often include a guest expert involved in the racing industry. NBC and TVG analyst and former jockey, Donna Barton Brothers, is Sunday's scheduled guest expert. Brothers recently released a book entitled Inside Track, which has been referred to as a “Zagat’s Guide” to horse racing. Brothers’ insight and experience will no doubt provide attendees invaluable inside information to use in picking their early Derby favorite.
The event is free with simulcast admission of $3. Concessions will be available for purchase. Guests are asked to RSVP at fatefans2012@yahoo.com and include name, number of attendees, and submit any questions for the Q&A session. Although F.A.T.E. events are geared toward introducing women to the sport, men are also welcome.
Photo: Shoot-It Photography