Churchill Downs starting gate opens for Kentucky Derby minus long-time employee

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When the 2011 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby go off this week, the Churchill Downs racetrack starting gate in Louisville will open without James G. Holley. The long-time assistant starter, who also worked as a UPS driver, passed away April 29th at age 59.

A special tribute has been scheduled to take place between races on Derby Day. Churchill Downs’ John Asher and Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day are expected to participate.

A memorial service for the West Virginia native will be held on Monday, May 2nd, at Boston Christian Church, in Boston, Kentucky, with arrangements handled by Kappel Funeral Home.

The $2 million Kentucky Derby will run on Saturday, May 7, 2011, and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports, beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

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, Equestrian Examiner

Linda Ann Nickerson wears many hats, including those of a writer, editor, poet, photographer, journalist, equestrian, equine breeder, and horse mom. A long-time horse lover, Linda Ann practices equine marketing and writing prolifically, particularly on horse-related topics. Linda Ann writes...

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