Levy wins Prestige Contract

Compass Group PLC
8 June 2001



                                8 June 2001



                             COMPASS GROUP PLC


          LEVY WINS PRESTIGE US CONTRACT AT HOME OF KENTUCKY DERBY





Compass Group PLC is pleased to announce that its US sports and events
specialists, Levy Restaurants, has been selected by Churchill Downs
Incorporated ('CDI') to provide the historic racetrack in Louisville,
Kentucky, with food service for all events, including the world famous
Kentucky Derby.



Levy Restaurants will be feeding more than 1 million guests annually, in
addition to the employees working at Churchill Downs racetrack. For 128
consecutive years, Churchill Downs racetrack has hosted the Derby, and the
legendary race continues to attract crowds in excess of 150,000 people. It is
often described as 'the greatest two minutes in sport'.



Commenting on the contract win, Michael J Bailey, Chief Executive, said: 'We
are delighted that Levy Restaurants has won this prestigious contract which
strengthens our position as the leader in foodservice in the world-wide sports
and events market.'



Ends



Enquiries:

Hudson Sandler                         Tel: [phone]

Nick Lyon / Noemie de Andia



Notes

1.        Compass Group is the World's largest foodservice company employing
over 265,000 people in over 90 countries and with annual revenues in excess of
£8.3bn.  Its Sports and Events clients include Aintree racecourse, the
Millenium Stadium in Wales and  Stade de France in Paris. Further information
on the Group can be found at www.compass-group.com

2.        Chicago-based Levy Restaurants pioneered the concept of premium
dining in 'unexpected venues' in its own backyard in 1982 at locations such as
Comiskey Park, Wrigley Field, Navy Pier and McCormick Place-the nation's
largest convention center. Today, the innovative company stands as the leading
market-share holder. From its base of award-winning restaurants, including
Spiaggia and Bistro 110 in Chicago and Fulton's Crab House and Portobello
Yacht Club at Walt Disney World Resort, the company has grown to more than 53
sports and entertainment units in convention facilities, stadiums and arenas
for all major sports leagues, and music/performance venues in 21 markets
across the country. For information on Levy Restaurants, contact Maggie Dunn
at 312.335.5148 or visit the company Web site at www.levyrestaurants.com.

3.        Churchill Downs Incorporated - headquartered in Louisville,
Kentucky. - is one of the world's leading horse racing companies. Its flagship
operation, Churchill Downs, is home of the Kentucky Derby and  hosted the
race's 128th running on May 4, 2002. The Company owns additional racetracks in
Kentucky, Illinois, California and Florida and has interests in a pari-mutual
operation in Indiana as well as various racing services companies. The
racetrack is also an unprecedented five-time host of the Breeders' Cup
Championship, most recently in November 2000. CDI trades on the Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found on the Internet at
www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.