When information spread on the Internet two weeks ago that former President Donald J. Trump will attend a $ 75,000-a-man fundraiser hosted by his super PAC at the Kentucky Derby, the home state of Senator Mitch McConnell, news to Churchill Down leaders.
However, for a sporting event that regularly hosts more than 150,000 people, including many famous politicians and celebrities, the last-minute entry was not a cause for panic.
“It’s not uncommon for a high-ranking guest to have an event at our property during Derby Day,” said Tonya Abeln, a spokeswoman for Churchill Downs. “But Churchill Downs is not the organizer of this event. We coordinate as necessary to ensure safe and trouble-free operations and that this does not interfere with the activities of other guests. “
Saturday’s appearance comes at a particularly fierce moment in relations between Trump and McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, a four-year political marriage that fell apart when McConnell opposed Trump’s efforts to cancel the 2020 election.
Trump, whose strength stems from his ability to project the image of a party king, seemed to be enjoying the chance to overtake McConnell on his own territory. At a rally in Ohio on Friday night, Trump rallied his insult against McConnell, calling it the “old broken crow.”
The two men will not cross paths, even by accident, this weekend. McConnell, who often attends the race, will be in Utah to attend the memorial to Senator Orin Hatch, a longtime friend, his aides said.
McConnell rarely engages with critics and often deflects attacks by cunningly accepting the light. Earlier in the week, he hosted his annual Derby for Republican Senators in Washington, D.C., and handed out bottles of Old Crow bourbon, a slant to Trump’s nickname.
The guest list at the Trump Derby is not public, but it is said that the hosts include Pam Bondi, the former Attorney General of Florida; Richard Grenell, former Acting Director of National Intelligence; Matthew G. Whitaker, former Attorney General; and Kimberly Guilfoil, a television personality who is engaged to Donald Trump Jr.
As this year is an election year, several politicians are expected to stumble upon high-ranking horse races. Kentucky Gov. Andy Besher, a Democrat, held a news conference at the media center on Saturday afternoon. Asked about the fundraiser, he said the derby was “open to all”.
The fundraiser will take place in what Abeln described as a semi-space, most likely in the Millionaire’s Row, which is located high above the track and includes a maze of exclusive spaces, no more than 8,000 square meters. feet, simply called the mansion.
The secret services coordinated with the track security team. No food will be allowed outside the event, Abeln said, adding that “everyone who attends the event will get the same experience as everyone else on the racetrack.”
Trump has attended the Kentucky derby in the past, and last year, when Medina Spirit tested positive for a banned substance, he joined the national conversation, calling the horse a “drug addict” in a statement.
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