GARY B. GRAVES

AP Sports Writer
FILE - Trainer Bob Baffert stands for a photo ahead of the Breeders' Cup horse races at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., Oct. 27, 2023. Churchill Downs has rescinded its extended suspension of Baffert, allowing the Hall of Fame trainer to resume racing his horses at the historic track and partner facilities. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Churchill Downs lifts suspension of trainer Bob Baffert following Medina Spirit’s failed drug test
Churchill Downs has rescinded its extended suspension of Bob Baffert, allowing the Hall of Fame trainer to resume racing his horses at the historic track and partner facilities after more than three years of banishment for a failed postrace drug test of 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit.
 
FILE -Mark Pope speaks to fans and media after being named Kentucky men's NCAA college basketball head coach in Lexington, Ky., Sunday, April 14, 2024. Mark Pope looks to veterans and being himself as he adapts to coaching Kentucky after John Calipari. (AP Photo/James Crisp, File)
Mark Pope looks to veterans and being himself as he adapts to coaching Kentucky after John Calipari
Mark Pope won a national championship as a Kentucky player and is using that knowledge for the more challenging task of coaching Kentucky after John Calipari.
 
FILE - Charleston head coach Pat Kelsey signals his team during the first half of a first-round college basketball game against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament in Spokane, Wash., Friday, March 22, 2024. Kelsey knew he had to hit the ground running in taking over Louisville's men's basketball program, and he hasn't stopped. The former coach at College of Charleston has built a Cardinals roster with 12 transfers, including three from his old program, and brought along many of his Cougars assistants. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
Pat Kelsey has worked fast to build staff, roster and grasp Louisville’s basketball legacy
Pat Kelsey knew he had to hit the ground running in taking over Louisville’s men’s basketball program, and he hasn’t stopped.
 
Collin Morikawa reacts after missing a putt on the seventh hole during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, Sunday, May 19, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Matt York)
String of pars weren’t enough for Collin Morikawa as others shot birdies at PGA Championship
Collin Morikawa’s lone mistake in the PGA Championship’s final round came late, and his title prospects were pretty much done by then.
 
Dean Burmester, of South Africa, reacts after missing a putt on the 10th hole during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Burmester finishes long day at PGA Championship within 4 shots of leaders heading into final round
Dean Burmester completed the final two holes of his second round early Saturday at Valhalla Golf Club and the resident of South Africa followed a 6-under 65 with a third-round 3-under 68 in the afternoon and moved within four shots of leaders Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.
 
Mark Hubbard watches his tee shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, Friday, May 17, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Consistent at making cuts, Mark Hubbard now aims to make it pay off at the PGA Championship
Mark Hubbard has made the cut in every event entered this season but still seeks his first PGA Tour victory.
 
Justin Thomas reacts after missing a putt on the seventh hole during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Louisville native Justin Thomas has work to do at PGA Championship, but 2-under 69 is good baseline
Justin Thomas thinks he played better than he scored. But given all the emotion and pressure from playing in his hometown, he could live with a 69. Thomas had four birdies over his last six holes.
 
Ludvig Aberg, of Sweden, speaks during a news conference at for the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Ludvig Aberg aims to build on his Masters runner-up finish by winning 1st major at PGA Championship
Ludvig Aberg brought a sparkling college resume to the PGA Tour and his play suggests his first major victory is very close.
 
Xander Schauffele lines up a putt on the 13th hole during a practice round for the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Locally owned Valhalla Golf Club touts Kentucky flavor as it prepares to host 4th PGA Championship
A distinctive Kentucky flavor is present throughout Valhalla Golf Club, from the spire atop the clubhouse to the jutting limestone and bluegrass highlighting many fairways.
 
Brian Hernandez Jr. rides Mystik Dan, top right, to the finish line to win the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Uncertain plans for Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and others leave questions for Preakness
The second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown could be absent of 150th Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and other contenders who contributed to the thrilling three-wide photo finish.
 
Brian Hernandez Jr. celebrates in the winner's circle after riding Mystik Dan to win the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Kentucky Derby victory aboard Mystik Dan provides signature win for jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.
Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. rode Mystik Dan to victory in the 150th Kentucky Derby to complete the most rewarding weekend of his career.
 
Brian Hernandez Jr. rides Thorpedo Anna to win he 150th running of Kentucky Oaks horse race at Churchill Downs Friday, May 3, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Filly Thorpedo Anna goes wire to wire to dominate soggy 150th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs
Filly Thorpedo Anna went wire to wire in the 150th Kentucky Oaks, pulling away from a charging Just F Y I to win by 4 3/4 lengths in the slop at Churchill Downs.
 
Visitors check out the new $200 million paddock at Churchill Downs Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 4. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Churchill Downs unveils new $200 million paddock ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby
A new paddock for the horses has opened at Churchill Downs just in time for the 150th Kentucky Derby. The new $200 million paddock offers a clear vista of the iconic Twin Spires from inside.
 
Kentucky Derby hopeful Catalytic works out at Churchill Downs Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 4. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
A year after tragedy and Kentucky Derby banishment, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is back with Catalytic
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. is back at the 150th Kentucky Derby nearly a year after Churchill Downs suspended him following the deaths of two of his horses during a tragic spate of equine fatalities.
 
Trainer Chad Brown stands outside his barn after taking his horses for a workout at Churchill Downs Monday, April 29, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 4. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Trainer Chad Brown seeks first Kentucky Derby victory after coming close. Having 2 entrants helps
Trainer Chad Brown has two chances to win his first Kentucky Derby. His best hope is 3-1 second choice and Blue Grass stakes winner Sierra Leone. The other is Domestic Product.
 
Fierceness is 5-2 morning line favorite for the milestone 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Fierceness was named the 5-2 morning line favorite for the upcoming 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and will look to make history in next Saturday’s milestone race as the first entrant to win in 45 attempts from the No. 17 post position.
 
FILE - University of Kentucky Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart watches an NCAA college football game between Kentucky and Mississippi State in Lexington, Ky., Oct. 15, 2022. Two former Kentucky swim team members have sued the school, former coach Lars Jorgensen and athletic director Mitch Barnhart, alleging sexual assaults including rape by the former coach and claiming the school “purposefully” disregarded multiple credible reports of inappropriate sexual relationships. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb, file)
Kentucky AD Barnhart: No comment on suit by former swimmers alleging sexual misconduct by ex-coach
Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart says he can’t comment on a lawsuit filed by two former swim team members against him, the school and former coach Lars Jorgensen, alleging sexual assaults including rape by Jorgensen and claiming the school “purposefully” disregarded multiple credible report
 
Mark Pope holds up his old playing jersey to fans and media after being named Kentucky men's NCAA college basketball head coach in Lexington, Ky., Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/James Crisp)
Mark Pope introduced as Kentucky’s coach, affirms expectation that ‘We are here to win banners’
Mark Pope was introduced as Kentucky men’s basketball coach and didn’t mince words, saying “We are here to win banners.”
 
FILE - BYU head coach Mark Pope talks to his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against UCF Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Kentucky has hired BYU’s Mark Pope as men’s basketball coach, bringing home a member of the Wildcats’ 1996 national championship team to succeed John Calipari. The school announced Pope’s hiring in a release Friday morning, April 12, but did not mention any contract details. The 51-year-old Pope will be introduced at a later date, the release said. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
Kentucky hires BYU’s Mark Pope as men’s basketball coach to replace John Calipari
Kentucky has hired BYU’s Mark Pope as men’s basketball coach, bringing home a captain of the Wildcats’ 1996 national championship team to succeed John Calipari.
 
Kentucky coach John Calipari, center, stands in front of the bench late in the second half of the team's basketball game against Oakland in the first round of the men's NCAA Tournament in Pittsburgh, Thursday, March 21, 2024. Oakland won 80-76. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Kentucky’s basketball opening offers top pay and perks. Candidates must also have tough skin
Life can be sweet for a Kentucky basketball coach who wins,– with a seven-figure salary and endorsements among the tangible rewards.
 
FILE - University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari meets with reporters before attending his NCAA college men's basketball team practice at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Calipari is stepping down as Kentucky's men's basketball coach after 15 years, saying Tuesday, April 9, on social media that the “program probably needs to hear another voice” amid reports that he's closing in on a deal with Arkansas to take over that Southeastern Conference program. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
John Calipari departs Kentucky after 15 years, saying the program ‘needs to hear another voice’
John Calipari says he is stepping down as Kentucky’s men’s basketball coach after 15 years. He say the “program probably needs to hear another voice” amid reports that he’s closing in on a deal with Arkansas.
 
Sacred Heart Academy guard ZaKiyah Johnson looks to pass during a high school basketball game against Mercy Academy in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. Recruitment letters have overwhelmed one long shoe box, along with a backpack set aside for the frontrunners. ZaKiyah Johnson will eventually get around to reading them, her mother believes, though it could be a while before the highly prized basketball recruit responds to those piquing her interest. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
As March Madness wraps, players like ZaKiyah Johnson juggle basketball with recruiting calls and NIL
Recruitment letters have overwhelmed one long shoe box, along with a backpack. ZaKiyah Johnson will eventually get around to reading them, though it could be a while before the highly prized recruit responds to those piquing her interest.
 
Charleston head coach Pat Kelsey reacts during the first half of a first-round college basketball game against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament in Spokane, Wash., Friday, March 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Pat Kelsey is introduced as Louisville’s basketball coach, calling it ‘the ultimate job’
Louisville athletic director Josh Heird set a goal of hiring a coach who wanted the job so badly he would crawl to the campus to accept it.
 
Morehead State head coach Preston Spradlin yells to his team as they played against Illinois in the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/John Peterson)
Transfer portal, NIL challenge teams to fill and maintain rosters, even as March Madness continues
The NCAA transfer portal not only challenges college basketball programs to find the right players to fill roster vacancies but also keep that vast talent pool from becoming deeper with their own players.
 
Charleston head coach Pat Kelsey reacts during the first half of a first-round college basketball game against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament in Spokane, Wash., Friday, March 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Louisville tabs Charleston’s Pat Kelsey to become Cardinals’ head coach, AP source says
Louisville has reached an agreement with College of Charleston coach Pat Kelsey to become the Cardinals’ next men’s basketball coach, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.
 
Marquette's Tyler Kolek (11) tries to pass over Colorado's KJ Simpson (2) as Colorado's Eddie Lampkin Jr. (44) watches during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tyler Kolek leads Marquette to Sweet 16 with 81-77 March Madness win over Colorado
Tyler Kolek had 21 points and 11 assists, and David Joplin made two free throws with 7.4 seconds left to help Marquette finally put away Colorado 81-77 on Sunday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
Utah State forward Kalifa Sakho (34) drives to the basket between TCU guard Avery Anderson III, left, and forward Emanuel Miller (2) in the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Friday, March 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Johnson, Martinez help Utah State beat TCU 88-72 and halt 10-game March Madness slide
Isaac Johnson scored 19 points, including 12 straight early in the second half, and eighth-seeded Utah State shot 55% percent to pull away and beat No. 9 seed TCU 88-72 on Friday night and end a 10-game NCAA Tournament losing streak.
 
Marquette guard Kam Jones (1) drives to the basket past Western Kentucky guard Khristian Lander, left, in the second half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Friday, March 22, 2024, in Indianapolis, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
March Madness: Jones, Kolek lead No. 2 seed Marquette past No. 15 seed Western Kentucky 87-69
 
Marquette head coach Shaka Smart reacts during the final minutes in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against UConn in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament, Saturday, March 16, 2024, in New York. UConn won 73-57. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Marquette is a No. 2 seed again in March Madness, hopes to seize opportunity in South Region
Marquette is determined to do more with a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament than it did last year. The Golden Eagles squandered their high seed a year ago, losing in the second round to 10th-seeded Michigan State.
 
Texas A&M guard Tyrece Radford (23) goes up for a shot as Kentucky forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Southeastern Conference tournament Friday, March 15, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
High-scoring Kentucky aims to prove during March Madness that it also defends, despite the stats
Kentucky certainly has the offense to make its deepest NCAA Tournament run in five years. The third-seeded Wildcats start March Madness ranked second nationally to Southeastern Conference brethren Alabama at 89.4 points per game.
 
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