Churchill Downs will conduct the first of three historic “Downs After
Dark” night racing sessions on Friday, June 19, as the home of the
Kentucky Derby turns up the lights for the first time in its 135-year
history. After the spectacular premier of the “Downs After Dark” racing
experience, two additional sessions will follow on Friday, June 26, and
Thursday, July 2, with the latter serving as a first-of-its-kind kickoff
for Independence Day festivities and the closing weekend of the 2009
Spring Meet.
Admission gates will open at 4 p.m. (all times EDT) for each session of
night racing, with first post for each 11-race card scheduled for 6 p.m.
“Racing is at the core of everything we do at Churchill Downs, and it
remains as important to us today as when we first opened our gates in
1875,” said Kevin Flanery, senior vice president of Churchill Downs
Incorporated. “But one hundred and thirty-five years changes a lot of
things, and as we seek to redefine the racetrack experience and keep our
sport relevant for today’s customers, we are excited to offer the night
racing experience under the Twin Spires for the very first time. We hope
our customers will enjoy the upscale evenings we have planned, which
will offer our guests the perfect blend of a night on the town and the
excitement of Thoroughbred racing.”
As usual, the on-track action at Churchill Downs will match talented
horses from top stables ridden by many of America’s greatest jockeys.
The racetrack itself, however, will be transformed into Louisville’s
ultimate entertainment hotspot for the “Downs After Dark” experience. On
June 19, customers will receive a celebrity welcome into Churchill Downs
with the chance to walk the red carpet, which will be richly decorated
with colorful buntings and seasonal flowers. Journalist Angie Fenton and
Kentucky Derby 2009 Chief Party Officer Nick “RiNickulous” Ferrara will
be on hand to interview guests as they arrive, adding to the “celebrity
arrival” feel. Once inside, the Downs will come alive with color and
live music for an extended “Happy Hours” celebration to remember.
The paddock area will offer sleek and comfortable seating areas open to
the general public, a beer garden presented by Budweiser Select at Gate
17, and food and beverage specials that include grilled shrimp skewers,
grilled vegetable kabobs, grilled beef and chicken skewers, premium a la
carte hors d’oeuvres, and classic racetrack favorites. Regional favorite
Endless Summer Band and internationally renowned VJ 2ndNature will offer
high-energy covers of modern rock, pop and hip-hop music.
