CHESTER,WV -- For the first time in West Virginia racing history, a Kentucky Derby-winning horse will compete in the West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort. Mine That Bird, trained by Chip Wooley and owned by Leonard Blach, D.V.M., and Mark Allen, will compete for a purse of $750,000 in the Grade II West Derby on August 1st

The excitement regarding West Virginia’s richest and most prominent race will be further enhanced by Jockey Calvin Borel. The winning jockey in both the Kentucky Derby and The Preakness, Borel is slated to ride Mine That Bird for the West Virginia Derby. .

This marks the first year the Derby has been run as a Grade II race. Upgraded from a Grade III to a Grade II by the American Graded Stakes Committee November, 2008, the Derby has steadily increased its purse since it was resurrected in 1990 after a hiatus of eight years. The West Virginia Derby achieved Grade III status in 2001.

Mine That Bird finished second in the Grade I Belmont Stakes and the Grade I Blackberry Stakes. Wooley has said that he plans to enter the Birdstone gelding in the Travers Stakes on August 29 at Saratoga Race Course and with the ultimate goal being the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

“The participation of the horse and a jockey who between them contended in the Triple Crown greatly increases the stature of the West Virginia Derby,” said Mountaineer’s Director of Racing RoseMary Williams. A total purse of $1.2 million will be paid out on August 1st with a first post of 2. p.m. The West Virginia Derby will be run at approximately 5.45 p.m.

Admission for the day is free to the public with a variety of entertainment and dining options available.