LOUISVILLE — The bugler at Churchill Downs knows you might have a question, a question he fields more than any other question, a question surely posed to many a bugler through time, an American question, a nosy question, a polite question: So what’s your full-time job?
WpGet the full experience.Choose your planArrowRight Well, the bugler doesn’t just turn up on the Kentucky Derby infield and NBC telecast once a year to play the 34 notes of “Call to the Post,” the iconic strand of music technically named “First Call.” No, the bugler plays that and the national anthem through all the races at all the meets across all the year at Churchill Downs, which is not to mention that Steve Buttleman also plays at the Keeneland track in Lexington and at wedding receptions, Derby Museum functions, sporting events, corporate events and military funerals. “Every vet deserves to have a live bugler,” he said Friday morning. “It’s the least I can do for them.”
And then, to note the gamut: “One of the trade shows I did the last few weeks was for electrical contractors, and I played up in one of the bucket trucks,” those people holders often seen up poles or up near wires. “I did ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ and the ‘Call to the Post’ from up in one of the bucket trucks. . . . I had all the safety gear and everything, got hooked in. It was really fun.”
For retired thoroughbreds, a Kentucky farm offers a serene final furlong
Bugler, if you must know, is a full-time job.
It’s one of the rarer full-time jobs you can have, and in Buttleman’s case, for the past 27 years, it has been one with one rare office view. It’s out inside the two tracks (dirt and turf), in a white pagoda with windows that allow for gazing onto the Twin Spires. It’s a job in which you meet a slew of people and play in front of slews more. It’s a job famed enough that one time years ago, when a kindergarten teacher had the pupils state their parents’ professions, Buttleman’s son told excitedly about how his father was the bugler at Churchill Downs, just after telling in a humdrum tone about his mother’s job.
That would be pediatrician.
“And I’m like, ‘Someday you’ll have some perspective on that,’ ” Buttleman said post-laugh.
It’s a job of waiting and playing, waiting and playing, sometimes waiting on horse pundits on TV to finish their yakking and then playing. He waits at a desk in the fine little structure, his Derby outfit hanging on a wall in a garment bag of the local shop British Custom Tailors, amid photos of Kentucky kids who revel in his work, of Buttleman pretending to blow his horn into Bill Murray’s ear (Murray’s photo concept), of Brett Favre in pajamas with Buttleman while filming a commercial in which Buttleman was supposed to awaken Favre.
At a Derby without Bob Baffert, rookies and grinders and stories abound
Then this husband of one, father of two and grandfather of three (and soon four) dons his boots and hat and jacket and steps out the door onto the veranda to play, mindful of the succinct instructions he has printed for himself on the wall:
FOCUS.
Keep it close.
Keep it forward.
Be present.
“Keep it close” pertains to the notes of “Call to the Post,” which can seem intimidatingly strewn around: “When you’re playing G and then C and then E and then G,” he said, “in your brain it can kind of seem like it’s far apart, just when you’re thinking about the [music] staff. So I try to focus on, you know: ‘Keep it close. Keep things forward in the mouth.’ And that way, the air and the tongue work better.”
Buttleman plays for hundreds of people or a hundred thousand, depending on the track day, and to listeners it’s as much a part of the process as the bourbon. They roar three or four notes in at Derby post time. It’s a role he never imagined when he took up trumpet in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in fifth grade, when he got a trumpet for Christmas in eighth grade, when he matriculated to the University of Louisville to study music, when he gave up music for a spell and worked in hospitals, when he met his wife at that work in 1989 and went to dinner and married that same year (they were sure), and when he learned Churchill Downs sought a bugler in 1995, auditioned among eight, auditioned among two, got the job and felt floored.
Now Buttleman has played the 34 notes (and so many others), remaining hard on himself the entire time. “Most musicians are,” he said. “You could play a thousand notes right, and the one you’d remember is the one [you missed] . . . I’d say there are things, like little, teeny sounds that I pick up that most people don’t, that I don’t feel like it’s as clean as I want it. But most people don’t hear it.” He hears it, and every so often he upbraids himself: “ ‘Really, after 27 years, you can’t play this right?’ You know, there are times when I’m practicing or warming up and I’m like, ‘Really?’ But I guess we all have days like that.”
He added: “I did find out one thing that I thought was interesting that, when we had the Derby raced in September [2020, because of the pandemic], and we didn’t have a crowd, I was actually more nervous without the fans than with 100,000 people here. And I think what it is, when I play the first three notes of the ‘Call to the Post’ before the Oaks and Derby, the place erupts, and so I’m thinking, ‘Okay, that’s good because if I happen to make a mistake, they’ll cover it up.’ But then I also feed off their energy, the excitement and — I don’t want to get too dramatic — the mojo that they give off really feeds me. I think I play better when I know I’m playing for people. I want to play well all the time, but maybe there’s a little bit extra when you know you’re doing it for the fans, too.”
That, as with many other bugler revelations, sounds curiously like an athlete, as does Buttleman’s Derby ritual an hour before post time. Then and there, he’ll take a little walk on the grass up the inside rail, gather his head, feel grateful, marvel that he’s the guy who gets to do this and maybe even run across still more fans. “Oh, I’ve had people, drunk people, think I’m a jockey,” he said. “ ‘Oh, my God, that’s a big jockey.’ How many mint juleps have you had?”
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The dark side of Bob Baffert’s reign: As horse deaths and drug violations mounted, thoroughbred racing’s top trainer used power and money to keep beating opponents — and regulators.
Investigation: A years-long effort by the sport’s moneyed elite exposed the underbelly of the industry, paving the way for sweeping reforms. But critics see something different: a move by wealthy and politically connected horsem*n to strengthen their hold on the industry.
FAQs
Kentucky Derby bugler Steve Buttleman talks with Rebecca Lowe and shows us around the pagoda where he has snacks and makes jewelry in between calls to post.
Who was the trumpet guy at Churchill Downs? ›
Steve Buttleman, Churchill Downs' and the Kentucky Derby's official bugler, is the man behind one of the most iconic moments on race day.
How much does Churchill Downs make on Derby? ›
What does Churchill Downs contribute to the local economy? Churchill Downs created $401,866,455 in economic impact from the Kentucky Derby this year, Rosanne Mastin, the marketing communications manager at Louisville Tourism, said. This was an increase of more than $41 million from last year's economic contributions.
Where is Steve Buttleman from? ›
In the 27 years since Steve Buttleman won the audition to become Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby's official bugler, the native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa has become one of the most recognizable figures at the historic racetrack.
How much does the Churchill Downs bugler get paid? ›
Buttleman, who's bugled at the track since 1995, makes $100 a day and $150 on Sundays. "Call to the Post" takes 15 seconds to play, and Buttleman plays it up to 10 times per day before each race.
Who blows the horn at the Kentucky Derby? ›
Buttleman plays for hundreds of people or a hundred thousand, depending on the track day, and to listeners it's as much a part of the process as the bourbon. They roar three or four notes in at Derby post time.
Who is the bugler at Churchill Downs? ›
Steve Buttleman, official bugler of Churchill Downs, makes his Kentucky Derby 2023 pick.
Who is the famous trumpet guy? ›
1. Louis Armstrong. Louis Armstrong is arguably the best trumpet player of all time for his influence over jazz music. He was immensely popular with musicians in and out of the jazz scene and frequently sang alongside performances.
Who was the trumpet guy? ›
The Trumpet Guy (real name: Douglas Levison) is a person who appeared in the famous viral video "trumpet fight" where he insults a trumpet player for his lack of talent.
How much does a jockey get paid to ride a horse in the Kentucky Derby? ›
How much money does the Kentucky Derby winner take home? The first-place winner will get $1.86 million, while the jockey will take home $186,000. The second-place finisher will take home $600,000, with the jockey taking home $30,000.
Kentucky Derby payout to the winning jockey
While a total of $1.86 million is awarded to the connections of the winning Kentucky Derby horse, the jockey aboard the champion Thoroughbred takes a 10% cut of the payout, or $186,000.
How much does Derby jockey get paid? ›
The first-place winner in the 2023 race will get $1.86 million, with $186,000 going to the jockey. The runner-up will earn $600,000, with $30,000 going to the rider; third place will capture $300,000, with the jockey pocketing $15,000.
What horn is used at horse races? ›
Today buglers at racetracks who carry on the tradition will use a coach horn to sound the call. But many use regular trumpets or long-bell herald trumpets.
How old is Steve Buttleman? ›
For the 27th straight year, the 56-year-old Buttleman will play “Call to Post” before Saturday's 148th Kentucky Derby.
Who is the bugler at Keeneland? ›
Keeneland Remembers Bugler Bucky Sallee | Keeneland.
How much does it cost to watch a race at Churchill Downs? ›
Seating in non-reserved areas is first come, first served. General admission tickets start at $10.00 per adult for Spring, September and Fall Meets. Children 12 years and younger are complimentary with paying adult (who is at least eighteen (18) years old with a valid ID). Limit two (2) children per paying adult.
Who owns Churchill Down? ›
The racetrack is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated.
What is Millionaires Row at Churchill Downs? ›
Millionaires Row is an exclusive interior dining room where each interior table offers scenic views of the racetrack from its three-tiered covered balcony and from the televisions surrounding each dining table.
What happened with the horse that won the Kentucky Derby? ›
Kentucky Derby Recap: Mage wins 149th race in day marred by death of two horses. Mage won the 149th Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs and will be awarded with a $1.86 million dollar purse, a six-pound gold trophy and a blanket of roses. Mage's jockey was Javier Castellano and his trainer was Gustavo Delgado ...
What horse broke his leg in the Kentucky Derby? ›
Rio Moon broke his leg on Sunday near the finish line and had to be euthanized. The horse became the eighth to die in the last two weeks at the racetrack - seven died of multiple causes in the days, and hours, leading up to the May 6 Derby.
Eight Belles (February 23, 2005 – May 3, 2008) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who came second in the 2008 Kentucky Derby to the winner Big Brown. Her collapse just after the race resulted in immediate euthanasia. Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
What horse is buried at Churchill Downs? ›
Barbaro was cremated shortly after he was euthanized. On January 29, 2008 it was announced that his remains would be interred in front of an entrance to Churchill Downs, and that a bronze statue of Barbaro would be placed atop his remains.
What did bugler do? ›
A bugler is a person who plays the bugle. Often, a bugler is a soldier who used the bugle to send signals and orders. There are several words for musicians who play a specific instrument: a guitarist plays the guitar, a pianist plays the piano — and a bugler plays the bugle.
Who is the famous lead horse at Churchill Downs? ›
Daisy's Chief Dane, also known as "Harley," is a fan-favorite racehorse pony at Churchill Downs and Keeneland in Kentucky.
How much does a trumpet cost? ›
As with most things, the answer is it depends, but in general, you can expect to pay anywhere between $300 and $3000 for a decent trumpet. What is this? Beginner models range from $300-$1000, intermediates from $1200-$3000 and professional horns from $2000-$10,000+.
Who was the trumpet player who died? ›
Beloved trumpet player jaimie branch died Monday night at 39. A representative of branch's label, International Anthem, confirmed the news to The FADER and shared a statement crafted in collaboration with her family. No cause of death was given.
What famous trumpet player was killed by his wife? ›
Lee Morgan, the fiery-hot, extremely talented jazz trumpet player, died much too soon. His skyrocketing career was cut short, at age 33, one cold February night in 1972 at a Manhattan, N.Y. club called Slug's. He was shot to death by his 46-year-old common-law wife Helen.
What is the most famous trumpet piece? ›
1. Joseph Haydn - Trumpet Concerto. "It's THE concerto for every trumpet player.
Why was the trumpet guy so angry? ›
According to Levison, the incident was blown out of proportion and apparently, there was a reason for his anger: the trumpeter nearly ran him over with his bike. Plenty of quotables in the 3 and a half minute burn session.
Who is the richest jockey? ›
Prize Money
The percentages a jockey receives for a Thoroughbred race range from 5% for a second- or third-place finish to 10% for first place. In less competitive races, the jockey's earnings can be as low as 0.50% for a third-place finish, 1% for placing second and perhaps 6%-10% for first place.
What was the payout on the $2 bet for the Kentucky Derby? ›
UPDATE: Here are the 2023 Kentucky Derby payouts on a $2 bet: Mage: $32.42 to win, $14.58 to place, $9.08 to show. Two Phil's: $10.44 to place, $6.52 to show.
Who gets the most money in the Kentucky Derby? ›
Here's a look at the 2023 Kentucky Derby payouts for the top five finishers at Churchill Downs: First Place: $1.86 million (10% or $186,000 of which goes to the jockey) Second Place: $600,000 (5% or $30,000 of which goes to the jockey)
How much is the entry fee for the Kentucky Derby? ›
Thankfully, yes. It's not all about the swank and swing this weekend, for those who'd like to take in the action without paying out a downpayment on a house, you can actually purchase “general admission” tickets from the official website for just under $90.
How much does a jockey get if his horse wins? ›
The normally jubilant person atop that winning horse doesn't make as much as you'd probably think. According to TwinSpires, the owner of the champion horse at the Kentucky Derby receives about $1.86 million, with about 10 percent of that going to the jockey.
Who is the richest jockey in America? ›
John Velazquez is the highest-earning jockey of all time in America, having amassed about $430 million USD in earnings throughout his long career. Born in Puerto Rico in 1971, he moved to New York City in 1990.
Do jockeys get a salary? ›
How much does a Jockey make? The average salary for a jockey in the United States is $52,645. Jockey salaries typically range between $35,000 and $77,000 a year.
What is the top salary for a jockey? ›
The salaries of Horse Jockeys in the US range from $10,049 to $271,427 , with a median salary of $48,880 . The middle 57% of Horse Jockeys makes between $48,882 and $123,036, with the top 86% making $271,427.
What do jockeys wear under their shirts? ›
Jockeys wear an undershirt beneath their silks. They can vary immensely, with some being lightweight and mesh for hot summer days, and others being thicker for the colder meetings. The undershirt can be determined by what weight the horse has been allocated as the weight of the undershirt can tip the scales at times.
What are jockeys pants called? ›
Jockeys' breeches. Also known as silks, jockeys' breeches are made from a white lightweight fabric, usually nylon and typically have elasticised lower legs. Some racing authorities have regulations that require a jockey's name to be inscribed along the thigh of the breeches.
Vests provide a softer cushion if the rider falls from the horse thanks to the padding on all sides. This protects the rider's chest and ribs in case of a disaster. Falling from a horse in a race can be really dangerous, which is why horse racing officials all around the world made vests mandatory to wear since 1998.
Who calls the Kentucky Derby? ›
Behind the mic with NBC Sports and Kentucky Derby announcer Larry Collmus. (LEX 18) — If you're watching the Kentucky Derby from home this year, you'll hear a familiar voice. This will mark the thirteenth year for Larry Collmus on NBC.
What instrument is played at the beginning of the Kentucky Derby? ›
Nina Gilbert, director of choral activities, Lafayette College, official A.G. music historian: The most common tune in racing is "Assembly of the Buglers," a.k.a. "First Call." It's a military tune, the first bugle call of the day. It was used to call the camp buglers.
What is the bugle played at horse races? ›
The bugle "Call to the Post" is a popular tradition at Saratoga Race Course and other horse racing tracks. This bugle call is played to signal that horses should be at the paddock exit and ready to proceed to the track for the next race.
Who was the girl killed at Keeneland? ›
Callie Witt, a 20-year-old exercise rider from Nebraska, died Friday morning following an accident on the Keeneland training track. According to a press release from Keeneland, Witt – an exercise rider for trainer Joe Sharp – was thrown from a 2-year-old horse shortly after 8 a.m.
What horse is buried at Keeneland? ›
The festival also features tours of Lane's End Farm, Spendthrift Farm, Calumet Farm, and Claiborne Farm, where Secretariat was a longtime stallion and was buried upon his death in 1989.
What jockey was killed at Keeneland? ›
Tragic news from @keenelandracing this morning: Exercise rider Callie Witt, 20, died in an accident on the training track, per trainer @mjsharp75_joe. "We are devastated, just gutted," said Sharp. “We are heartbroken by this tragic loss,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said.
Why is Bob not at Kentucky Derby? ›
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is missing his second consecutive Kentucky Derby as he is still serving a two-year suspension issued by Churchill Downs because of what happened with Medina Spirit in 2021. Baffert has tried to fight the suspension in court, but his efforts have been unsuccessful.
Who was the Kentucky Derby winner punched by Handler? ›
If Rich Strike had been given a few moments to calm down after the Kentucky Derby, he may not have reacted to his chaotic surroundings by biting the outrider and his horse, after which the outrider punched him.
Who was the jockey on Rick Strike at the Kentucky Derby? ›
Jockey Sonny Leon rode Rich Strike to his victory in the 148th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2022.
His name is Travis Stone and he's the official voice of the Kentucky Derby. Growing up one hour north of Saratoga Race Track in New York, he said he knew from a young age he wanted to be a track announcer.
What owner is banned from the Kentucky Derby? ›
Why is Baffert still banned from the Derby? Churchill Downs Inc. prohibited him from entering horses at any of its tracks for two years after his 2021 Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a post-race drug test.
When can Bob Baffert race again? ›
Effective Sunday, Bob Baffert is back. His two-year suspension from Churchill Downs is over. He's allowed on the grounds, horses he trains can run in races and, most important, he's eligible for Kentucky Derby 150 on May 4, 2024.
How much money does the trainer get for winning the Kentucky Derby? ›
Typically, the owner of the winning horse receives 80% of the purse, while the trainer and jockey earn 10% apiece. This means the owner of a Kentucky Derby winner picks up $1.488 million before taxes, while the trainer earns $186,000 before taxes.
Why did Rich Strike bite horse? ›
He didn't know he was trying to help him. He thought he was supposed to outrun that horse, and he bit the guy's leg terribly — bit his arm a couple, really bad bites," Reed continued. "The horse is not a mean horse. He just was in race mode and he didn't understand why they were grabbing him to slow him down.
Why did Rich Strike bite the outrider? ›
He explained that an outrider's job is to calm the horse down for post-race interviews. Reed said Rich Strike bit Blasi and the pony because he was still in “race-mode.” “When he saw that pony coming his way, he thought he had another horse to beat,” Reed explained. “And he was trying to run by it.”
Did Rich Strike bite a horse? ›
Rich Strike at one point actually got the pony's reins in his teeth, and twice the pony reared up on his hind legs. And, of course, Rich Strike also took a chomp out of Blasi's leg, for good measure.
How much did Rich Strike jockey win at the Kentucky Derby? ›
Rich Strike, who covered the mile and a quarter in 2 minutes 2.61 seconds, rewarded his believers with a whopping $163.60 on a $2 bet to win.
Did the jockey for Rich Strike get suspended? ›
Sonny Leon, the winning jockey aboard Rich Strike in the 2022 Kentucky Derby, has been suspended 15 racing days by state stewards after an incident at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
How much did Rich Strike jockey earn? ›
Big Number. $1.86 million. That's how much prize money Rich Strike won at the Derby.
Who is the favorite to win Kentucky Derby 2023? The favorite to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby was Angel of Empire with odds of 9-2. Heavy favorite Forte was scratched on race morning, paving the way for another Todd Pletcher horse to take home the run for the roses.
Who is the most famous jockey? ›
Sir Gordon Richards is considered to be the best jockey of all time. During his career, he won 4,870 races, winning the British Flat Racing Champion Jockey title a record 26 times. Richards was born on May 5, 1904, in Donnington Wood, England.
Who is narrating kentucky derby 2023? ›
Fresh off the NFL draft, football analyst Matthew Berry will cover the Kentucky Derby for the first time, offering tips on how to bet the horses. He'll be joined by MSNBC's Steve Kornacki, who will be tracking changing odds throughout the day.
