From: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20070322...SEGuLV6Z6_MWM0F

Queen Elizabeth to attend Kentucky Derby

Thu Mar 22, 10:03 AM ET

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Queen Elizabeth II is bringing some real royalty to the sport of kings.

The queen and husband Prince Philip plan to attend the Kentucy Derby on May 5 at Churchill Downs, Buckingham Palace said Wednesday. The visit is part of a six-day trip to the United States that will include stops in Jamestown, Va., and Washington, D.C..

"We're really looking forward to it," Churchill Downs spokesman John Asher said. "It's going to be a wonderfully historic day, given the history of the Kentucky Derby owes so much to racing in the United Kingdom."

The queen has visited Kentucky four times — in 1984, 1986, 1989 and 1991 — but has never been to Louisville.

"We're excited to host the queen for the signature event in the sport of kings," Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson said. "The Kentucky Derby puts Louisville in the world's spotlight, and we are looking forward to showcasing our city to the queen."

The queen has stabled horses at Kentucky farms in the past and spent time at Lane's End Farm, owned by Will Farish, former U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom. A Lane's End spokesman referred all questions about the queen's visit to Buckingham Palace.

I think this is very cool......while I have never been to Churchill Downs, I live only about 80 or so miles down the road from there. It is very neat that she will be visiting very close to where I live. I just may have to go to the Derby this year instead of watching it on tv.

Awesome. I got to see her from 5 ft away when she was here in Edmonton.