Kentucky Downs announced today that the guitars which serve as trophies for the eight Graded stakes races run during the U.S. Open of Turf Championships at this year's 1/ST BET Kentucky Downs Meet will be autographed by multiple Grammy-nominated musician Kid Rock.
Similar to non-Graded stakes winners receiving a bourbon bottle to represent the spirit of Kentucky, the hand signed guitars are symbolic of Nashville's rich culture and history, serving as a unique trophy representing the Music City. Kid Rock will join a list of prominent musicians to autograph guitars awarded to Kentucky Downs Graded stakes winners, including country music legends George Strait, Tanya Tucker, Trace Adkins, and Reba McEntire.
Born Robert James Ritchie, Kid Rock was a driving musical force in the 1990s, blending the sounds of hip hop with rock and roll in hit songs like "Bawitdaba" before transitioning into a more country rock sound, featured on his 2008 hit "All Summer Long". His 2002 duet with Sheryl Crow "Picture" peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, and is often considered one of his signature hits. Like many prominent musicians of his genre, Kid Rock also resides in the Nashville area, and lives in the Whites Creek neighborhood just 15-20 minutes north of downtown Nashville. His bar and restaurant, Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock 'N' Roll Steakhouse, is a popular destination for tourists and is located on Broadway.
The 1/ST BET Kentucky Downs Meet will be broadcast live each day of the seven-day meet on Peacock, FanDuelTV, as well as Kentucky Downs' YouTube channel @kydownsracing. NBC Sports also will provide live coverage of Opening Day from 3:00-5:00 PM CT, while NBC will air Kentucky Downs on Saturday, September 5 during the same time slot.
