When word circulated online two weeks ago that former President Donald J. Trump would be attending a $75,000-per-person fund-raiser hosted by his super PAC at the Kentucky Derby — in Senator Mitch McConnell’s home state — it was news to executives at Churchill Downs.
Even so, for a sporting event that regularly hosts more than 150,000 people, including many notable politicians and celebrities, a last-minute entry was nothing to panic about.
“It’s not unusual for a high-profile guest to have an event on our property during Derby Day,” said Tonya Abeln, a spokeswoman for Churchill Downs.