The music industry was not the only community to mourn the passing of longtime member Erv Woolsey last year. A thoroughbred breeder and racing enthusiast, Woolsey’s love of racing spanned decades, and on Sunday, June 15, Churchill Downs is set to host the Inaugural Erv Woolsey Memorial Race Presented by Aces Racing.

“With some great partnerships and a little luck on his side, Erv was able to experience his fair share of wins,” Aces co-founder Jordan Markwell reflects of Woolsey’s long-standing passion for the sport. “In 2017, homebred filly and graded stakes winner Jordan’s Henny, trained by Mike Tomlinson, took us on a ride of a lifetime, earning a spot in the Longines 143rd Kentucky Oaks. Just 4 years later, through a partnership with longtime friend and fellow owner Keith Asmussen, Super Stock’s win in the Gr. 1 Arkansas Derby, allowed Erv to achieve his dream and what many consider the pinnacle for any horse owner involved in Thoroughbred racing, having a horse in the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby.”

One of Woolsey’s favorite places was the Stakes Room at Churchill Downs. It was in that room where you could find him chatting with friends and making new acquaintances while betting the long shots and, sometimes, even watching them win.

“Erv and I’s friendship began in 2002 and was centered around our love of horses and the sport of racing,” remembers Markwell. “Through the years we had so much fun watching his horses compete at tracks across the country, typically with a bottle of Cutty Sark and a pink bottle of Ace of Spades champagne in tow, yet it was always Churchill Downs where so many memories were made.”

Woolsey loved racing, he loved the competition, yet more than anything he loved the animals, the people and the friendships forged through racing. He was able to share his love and knowledge of the industry with people who may otherwise not have been exposed to the sport. These values were the benchmark that led to the decision behind recognizing his indelible mark on the industry and honoring his legacy with the establishment of Aces Racing.

Co-founded by Markwell and Ashley Lamb in 2024 in partnership with Woolsey’s longtime trainer Mike Tomlinson, Aces Racing’s goal is to carry on his legacy, love of racing, and thoroughbred aftercare by building a brand founded in bringing people together, spreading knowledge, having fun and cultivating lasting relationships around the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

Race information:
Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
Sunday, June 15th.
The gates open at 11:30 a.m (ET)., the first race is at 12:45p.m (ET).
Erv Woolsey Memorial Presented by Aces Racing will be race 8, with a post time of 4:23pm (ET).

To book space at the race, visit www.gofevo.com/group/Ervwoolseymememorialrace. A portion of proceeds benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

The race will be broadcast on TwinSpires.com and FanDuel TV.