night racing

G. Watts Humphrey Jr. and the Louise Ireland Humphrey Revocable Trust-2008’s Veiled Prophet swept past dueling leaders Whitley and Ordination (IRE) inside the eighth pole and went on to win Friday’s $57,110 feature for 3-year-olds and up by three-quarters of a length before a “Downs After Dark” crowd of 15,583 at Churchill Downs.

The 15,583 attendance mark represented a 191 percent increase compared to the 5,363 on hand for an afternoon program on the same day a year ago.

In giving jockey Julien Leparoux his third victory of the night, Veiled Prophet raced at the back of the pack in the field of nine in the early going of the one-mile test on the Matt Winn Turf Course as Quite a Handful and Ordination battled for the lead through fractions of :24.15, :48.50 and 1:13.42.

Turning for home, Veiled Prophet had only one horse beat as Ordination took the lead. Approaching midstretch, Whitley moved to the inside to challenge Ordination while Veiled Prophet began to split horses and then surged past the leaders to complete the mile on a course labeled “good” in 1:38.59.

Trained by Rusty Arnold, Veiled Prophet is a 5-year-old Kentucky-bred son of Kingmambo. The victory was worth $34,776 and increased the winner’s earnings to $175,102 with a record of 4-2-1 in 22 races.

Veiled Prophet returned $12.20, $5.80 and $3.80. Whitley, also trained by Arnold and ridden by Miguel Mena, finished second and returned $6.80 and $3.60 while Ordination finished a nose back in third under Robby Albarado and paid $3 to show.

Racing resumes Saturday afternoon with a 10-race program beginning at 12:40 p.m. (all times Eastern).  Highlighting the card will be the 20th running of the $175,000-added Mrs. Revere (GII) for 3-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles on the Matt Winn Turf Course. Post time for the Mrs. Revere, which will go as the day’s ninth race, is 4:37 p.m. There’s a six-day carryover in the Pick 6 of $62,930, which will covers races 5-10. Additionally, there’s a Super Hi-5 carryover of $7,002 for the final race of the day.

The lone “Downs After Dark Presented by Budweiser Select” nighttime racing event of Churchill Downs’ 21-day Fall Meet is Friday, and the first of 11 live races under the lights at the historic home of the Kentucky Derby will be 4:30 p.m. (all times Eastern).

This will mark the first time that Churchill Downs has staged a “Downs After Dark” event during its Fall Meet. Track officials are preparing for a crowd up to 25,000 although it remains unclear as to how many people will attend the fall debut.

“Admittedly, we don’t really know,” said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs racetrack. “We averaged 27,000 people for ‘Downs After Dark’ this spring, but with this being the fall, it remains unclear as to how many people we’ll have on hand because this is a first-time event for all of us. There’s still a buzz within the community and indoor and outdoor seating areas are nearly sold out, so we’re guardedly optimistic. All the added amenities that make the evening programs special will be back.”

In keeping with the trend inaugurated this spring, Friday’s “Downs After Dark” program will be themed and this go around is “Mad About Plaid.” Fans are urged to “think plaid” – one of the top 2010 Fall/Winter fashion trends – as they make their wardrobe selections for this exciting night of dining, dancing and racing beneath the Twin Spires. Prizes will be awarded after Race 5 (6:28 p.m.) on the Paddock Stage for outfits deemed the “most plaid in one ensemble” and representing the “best use of plaid.”

The transformed paddock area will have the look and feel of an upscale night club, with special décor by Barry Wooley Designs and “plaid” lighting created by Sounds Unlimited Productions. The comfortable free-seating options, specialty bars and food stations, colorful buntings, mood lighting, spotlights and seasonal greenery will be back.

Churchill Downs admission gates will open Friday at 3 p.m. with members of the Cincinnati Circus, including jugglers, stilt-walkers, acrobats and magicians, on hand to greet and entertain patrons. Also, special Happy Hour food and drink pricing will be available in the Paddock Garden until 5 p.m. Among the featured items are 12-ounce Budweiser Select draft beers for $2, hot dogs for $2 and specially-served $3 drinks for the evening: Jimmy Margarita (El Jimador Blanco, Chambord Raspberry liquor, sweet and sour), El Jimador Sunset (El Jimador Blanco, Pineapple Juice, Cranberry Juice and a splash of Lemon-Lime soda poured over ice and garnished with a cherry) and the timely Woodford Reserve Hot Chocolate (Woodford Reserve, Peppermint Schnapps and hot chocolate garnished with a peppermint stick) (Note: the specialty drinks will sell for $6 after 5 p.m.).

Music at the track will be showcased throughout the evening, too. To set the tone for the party, high energy music will be provided between live races in the paddock area by regional favorite Endless Summer Band from 3-7 p.m. and will be followed by internationally renowned VJ 2ndNature, who’ll mix modern rock, pop and hip-hop tunes with accompanying video until closing time. Meanwhile, parties for VIP guests on the Clubhouse balconies will be treated to jazz sounds of the Dave Clark Band.

All the while, the Voice-Tribune’s Angie Fenton and Kentucky Derby 135 Chief Party Officer Nick “RiNickulous” Ferrara will serve as emcees for the night with special interviews and features on the infield video screens and television monitors between races.

Churchill Downs will stage 11 live races starting at 4:30 p.m., and there are two featured allowance races: a $54,300 second-level turf sprint for fillies and mares that goes as Race 2 (4:58 p.m.) and a $56,400 third-level turf route as Race 10 (9:08 p.m.). Sunset is 5:28 p.m., which means at least seven races will be held under the lights.

 Between races 6-9, the popular sweepstakes promotion “Bet or No Bet" Presented by Thorntons  will return in which four lucky on-track patrons will be randomly drawn and faced with a tough decision: to take $100 in cash or place a $1,000 win bet on a horse in the upcoming race.

The final race of the night is scheduled for 9:36 p.m., but the party will continue in the paddock area until 11 p.m.

 An added treat will be a special appearance by renowned artist Lesley Humphrey, who’ll be on hand between 6-8 p.m. in the Churchill Downs Gift Shop to sign prints of her official artwork for Kentucky Derby 137 and Kentucky Oaks 137.

The National Weather Service forecast for Friday calls for sunny skies with a high near 58 (a few degrees above the average of 54), followed by mostly clear skies and a low around 42 in the evening. Churchill Downs has added several portable outdoor heaters in select locations, such as the paddock area and Clubhouse and Jockey Club Suites balconies, to help keep outdoor patrons warm.

 Some “Date Night” dining packages in Millionaires Row remain available for $59.90 and include admission, a reserved seat, official program, scrumptious buffet dinner and live entertainment from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (plus appetizers served from 3-5:30 p.m.). Meanwhile, there are still some third-floor box seats in sections 314-321 for $20 and include general admission, a box seat in the third-floor clubhouse and an official program.

Cover charge (general admission) to all Downs After Dark events is $10. Holders of shareholders passes or horsemen licenses, as well as select Twin Spires Club members (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze members only) and children age 12 and under (when accompanied by an adult) will be admitted free of charge.

All reserved ticket packages are available for purchase online at Tickets.ChurchillDowns.com – Churchill Downs’ convenient online box office platform. Customers also can call the Churchill Downs switchboard at (502) 636-4400.

As usual, Churchill Downs will be open early for simulcast wagering on the second floor of the clubhouse on Friday. General admission will be its regular price of $3 from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Gate 17.

On-site parking at Churchill Downs – free in the Longfield Avenue lot and $3 in all other lots – will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is also select parking in the surrounding neighborhood with enterprising neighbors. Because of Friday’s state quarterfinals playoff football game between the Trinity Shamrocks and St. Xavier Tigers (kickoff is 8 p.m.), there will be no official satellite parking and shuttle service from Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, although patrons can park and walk from there for $10.

“There’ll be a great atmosphere on Central Avenue on Friday night,” Flanery added. “We welcome the folks planning to attend the playoff football game to enjoy their pre-game festivities at Churchill Downs and catch a majority of our races before heading over to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. It’ll make for a great one-two punch for the area’s die-hard sports enthusiasts.”  

“Downs After Dark,” the perfect blend of an upscale night on the town with the excitement of thoroughbred racing, has been a spectacular success while showcasing live racing with ancillary entertainment such as food, fashion, music and parties. So far, more than 195,000 horseplayers and entertainment-seekers have attended the seven special nighttime programs since June 2009. Just less than 90,000 fans attended three “experimental” programs under temporary lights in 2009, and an average of 27,139 attended four night racing programs under permanent lights this spring. As a point of reference, a typical crowd for Friday afternoon racing at Churchill Downs is 7,500.

SPECIAL DOWNS AFTER DARK POST TIMES: Race 1 (start of early Pick 4), 4:30 p.m.; Race 2, 4:58 p.m.; Race 3, 5:27 p.m.; Race 4 (start of mid-card Pick 4), 5:57 p.m.; Race 5, 6:28 p.m.; Race 6 (start of Pick 6), 7 p.m.; Race 7, 7:32 p.m.; Race 8 (start of late Pick 4), 8:04 p.m.; Race 9, 8:36 p.m.; Race 10, 9:08 p.m.; and Race 11 (Super Hi-5), 9:36 p.m.

This week’s “Downs After Dark Presented by Budweiser Select” nighttime racing event at Churchill Downs will have a South Beach theme when 11 races are conducted under the lights on Friday starting at 6 p.m. ET.

 Friday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a high near 92, which means the weather will be as hot as the atmosphere. The historic home of the Kentucky Derby will have the look and feel of an outdoor South Beach nightclub, complete with mojitos, a limbo dance competition (8 p.m.) and music by Groove Essential (4-8:30 p.m.) and VJ 2ndNature (8:50 p.m. to midnight). Also, salsa music will be performed live in the VIP Party Zones Presented by Bacardi and Finlandia on the clubhouse balconies.

Downs After Dark is a perfect blend of an upscale night on the town with the excitement of thoroughbred racing. Ancillary entertainment such as food, fashion, music and parties is a showcased element. A total of 25,102 horseplayers and entertainment-seekers attended last Friday’s 2010 debut.

Each of this year’s events is themed. “Dress to Impress” high fashion will be the Friday, June 25 premise. The Spring Meet “Downs After Dark” finale on Friday, July 2 will be “An American Party: Boots, Brew & BBQ.” Two additional dates will be held in the fall: Sunday, Oct. 31 (“Spirits and Spires” and Friday, Nov. 19 (“Home for the Holidays”).

Friday’s admission gates will open at 4 p.m. and the first of 11 races begin at 6 p.m. (all times Eastern). Happy Hours will take place in the paddock area from 4-7 p.m. featuring $2 Anheuser Busch products and other discounted food and drink offerings. Between races 4, 5, 8 and 9, the popular sweepstakes promotion “Bet or No Bet” will return to ask randomly drawn fans to take $100 in cash or place a free $1,000 win bet on a horse in the upcoming race. The final live race will be after 11 p.m. and the on-track party will continue in the paddock area until midnight.

 Those looking to escape Friday’s steamy temperatures can take advantage of the limited reserved seating available indoors. “Date Night” dining packages in Millionaires Row remain available for $59.90 and include a scrumptious buffet dinner, live entertainment from 4-7 p.m., a reserved seat and an official program. Meanwhile, the outdoor third-floor box seats in sections 314-323 are nearly sold out. They are on sale for $20 and include general admission, a box seat in the third-floor clubhouse and an official program.

Cover charge (general admission) to all Downs After Dark events is $10. Holders of shareholders passes or horsemen licenses, as well as select Twin Spires Club members (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze members only) and children age 12 and under (when accompanied by an adult) will be admitted free of charge.

All reserved ticket packages are available for purchase online at tickets.churchilldowns.com – Churchill Downs’ new and convenient online box office platform. Customers can also call the Churchill Downs switchboard at (502) 636-4400.

As usual, Churchill Downs will be open early for simulcast wagering on the second floor of the clubhouse on Friday. General admission will be its regular price of $3 from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Gate 17.

Those attending Friday’s Downs After Dark are encouraged to arrive early to secure on-site parking and avoid traffic delays. All on-property parking lots will open at 3 p.m. and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis (free in the Longfield Avenue lot). Last year, all lots were filled to capacity by post time for the second race.
 
Churchill Downs will offer free parking and shuttle service from Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium starting at 4 p.m. There will be free round-trip shuttle service throughout the evening with drop off and pick up at Gate 1.
 
Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will host the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7, 2011 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 6, 2011. The track’s 2010 Spring Meet continues through Sunday, July 4. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at Tickets.ChurchillDowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at ChurchillDowns.com.

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Musco Lighting®, which has specialized in lighting systems for sports and large areas for more than 30 years, has been awarded the contracting bid to install permanent track lighting at Churchill Downs, the historic home of the Kentucky Derby.

Following the popularity of three special “Downs After Dark” nighttime racing programs this spring under temporary lights, Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) (“CDI” or “Company”) announced Sept. 29 that permanent lights would be installed at the Louisville, Ky. racetrack before the start of the 2010 Spring Meet.

Churchill Downs plans to host six Downs After Dark events in 2010 (pending final approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission) – four during the 42-date Spring Meet and two during the 20-day Fall Meet (with scheduled first post time):

* Friday, June 11, 2010 (6 p.m. ET)
* Friday, June 18, 2010 (6 p.m. ET)
* Friday, June 25, 2010 (6 p.m. ET)
* Friday, July 2, 2010 (6 p.m. ET)
* Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010 (4:30 p.m. ET)
* Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 (4:30 p.m. ET)

Musco Lighting®, based in Oskaloosa, Iowa, was the company that provided the temporary lighting at Churchill Downs this spring.

“Musco Lighting boasts an impressive résumé of international and local projects and they did a phenomenal job with the temporary lighting project this spring,” said Churchill Downs president Kevin Flanery. “We look forward to working with them again in this historic process to install permanent lighting at Churchill Downs.”

Musco Lighting® has provided permanent and temporary lighting services to the Olympic Games, Daytona International Speedway, Wimbledon Centre Court, Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium and NFL Super Bowls to name a few. They’ve also installed lighting at more than three dozen racetracks around the world including Colonial Downs, Emerald Downs, Dundalk Racecourse, Great Leighs Racecourse, Hawthorne Race Course, Meadowlands, Mountaineer, Nad Al Sheba, Penn National, Prairie Meadows, Presque Isle, The Red Mile, Turfway Park and Woodbine. Musco Lighting® is also installing lights at the United Arab Emirates’ new Meydan Racecourse, which will host the Dubai World Cup on March 27, 2010.

Locally, Musco Lighting® also installed the permanent lighting at the University of Louisville’s Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, located just a couple of blocks away from the racetrack.

 This spring, Musco Lighting® used 394 temporary halide fixtures for a total of 1,223 kilowatts of power to light the racetrack, which is the equivalent to using 20,383 60-watt household light bulbs. The light structures included eight Musco Light™ units, 15 temporary Light-Structure™ units and 20 Light-Structure Green™ poles and roof-top structures.

The permanent lighting project at Churchill Downs will be much more expansive and the project is estimated to cost between $3 million to $4 million.

“Musco is honored to be selected as the lighting manufacturer for the historical Churchill Downs project,” Musco Vice President Jeff Rogers said. “Musco has worked closely with the Churchill Downs team to develop a system that will provide state-of-the-art performance while minimizing the impact on the environment.”

The overall completion of the monumental project is scheduled for March 31, 2010. Surveying, structural and electrical design are currently underway. Installation of lighting equipment is set to begin immediately after the 2009 Fall Meet on Dec. 1.

    Reserved ticket packages to 2010 Downs After Dark events are available for purchase online at tickets.churchilldowns.com – Churchill Downs’ new and convenient online box office platform.

    Cover charge (general admission) to all Downs After Dark events will be $10. A special discounted general admission pass for entrance on all six nights is available for $45 (a $15 savings). Customers also have the opportunity to purchase a special $20 package that includes general admission, a box seat in the third-floor clubhouse and an official program. Additionally, Downs After Dark “Date Night” dinner and dancing packages are available for $59.90 and include a reserved seat in Millionaires Row, an official program and buffet dinner.

    Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2010 and the Kentucky Oaks on April 30, 2010. The track will conduct its 2009 Fall Meet from Sunday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Nov. 28. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at tickets.churchilldowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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Following the overwhelming popularity of a three-date market test this spring, Churchill Downs, the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby, will stage six special “Downs After Dark” nighttime racing programs under the lights in 2010.

The announcement was made Nov. 17 during a news conference at the historic Louisville, Ky., racetrack that also revealed Musco Lighting® as the winning contract bidder to install permanent track lighting at Churchill Downs and a new online platform for patrons to purchase tickets to the track.

Churchill Downs will host its unique Downs After Dark programs – the perfect blend of an upscale night on the town with the excitement of Thoroughbred racing – on the final four Fridays of the 42-date Spring Meet and two evening cards during the 20-date Fall Meet, including opening night which doubles as Halloween.

A complete list of the 2010 Downs After Dark dates (with scheduled first post time), pending final approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission:

* Friday, June 11, 2010 (6 p.m. ET)
* Friday, June 18, 2010 (6 p.m. ET)
* Friday, June 25, 2010 (6 p.m. ET)
* Friday, July 2, 2010 (6 p.m. ET)
* Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010 (4:30 p.m. ET)
* Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 (4:30 p.m. ET)

Churchill Downs hosted night racing events on June 19, June 26 and July 2. The average attendance was 29,705 and the three-night total was 89,115. A modern day track record of 33,481 attended the finale on July 2 – the largest crowd for a Churchill Downs racing program other than a Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks or Breeders’ Cup. It topped the old mark of 28,396 for a pre-simulcast wagering era million-dollar Pick 6 carryover on Nov. 14, 1987.

The event’s popularity helped signal the go-ahead on a multi-million dollar project to install permanent track lighting at the home of the Kentucky Derby.
 
“We want to keep Downs After Dark a special and unique experience for our fans,” Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery said. “For three nights this past spring, Churchill Downs was transformed into Louisville’s ultimate nighttime hot spot. The track was the place to be and offered the biggest party in town. Our distinctive events under the lights helped redefine the on-track racing experience and generated a tremendous buzz in the community and within the horse racing industry. It could not have been accomplished without the teamwork and support of our horsemen’s groups, neighborhood associations and employees and the fantastic support and participation we received from the Greater Louisville community. Our goal for the coming year is to deliver that same level of excitement to core customers, casual patrons and entertainment-seekers within these six special Downs After Dark events in 2010.”

    Reserved ticket packages to 2010 Downs After Dark events are available for purchase online at tickets.churchilldowns.com – Churchill Downs’ new and convenient online box office platform.

    Cover charge (general admission) to all Downs After Dark events will be $10. A special discounted general admission pass for entrance on all six nights is available for $45 (a $15 savings). Customers also have the opportunity to purchase a special $20 package that includes general admission, a box seat in the third-floor clubhouse and an official program. Additionally, Downs After Dark “Date Night” dinner and dancing packages are available for $59.90 and include a reserved seat in Millionaires Row, an official program and buffet dinner.

    Downs After Dark combined live Thoroughbred racing with subtle facility changes and abundant ancillary activities that helped create a special and festive atmosphere in an evening setting under the stars. Food, fashion, music, parties and entertainment were showcased elements that added to the merrymaking.

    The Churchill Downs facilities were adorned by mood lighting, spotlights and seasonal greenery. Colorful bunting flowed throughout the grounds and entrances. With sleek and comfortable conversational seating options, stand-up cocktail tables, unique food and beverage stations and music added to the mix, the racetrack – particularly the paddock area – had the look and feel of an upscale night club.

    To set the tone for the party, there was high energy live music between races for the thousands who caroused near the paddock. The revelry went to new levels late in the night when a deejay mixed sounds of modern rock, pop and hip-hop. All the while, private VIP party guests on the Clubhouse balconies danced to live salsa music and Jockey Club Suites patrons were sung standards inside the Triple Crown Room.

    Patrons had the option to taste non-traditional racetrack offerings like flavorful grilled shrimp, chicken and steak skewers and vegetable kabobs. Evening appetites were satisfied by scrumptious multi-course premium “Date Night” dining and dancing offerings available for purchase inside Millionaires Row and the Skye Terrace. The historic first night even featured a limited number of high-end, elegant “Dinner by Design” packages with celebrity chefs inside the Stakes, Aristides and Directors Rooms.

    Other ancillary activities included red carpet entrances, entertainment and interviews on the infield video boards and a new sweepstakes promotion call “Bet or No Bet” that randomly asked fans to either take $100 in cash or place a free $1,000 win bet on a horse in the upcoming race.

    Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2010 and the Kentucky Oaks on April 30, 2010. The track will conduct its 2009 Fall Meet from Sunday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Nov. 28. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at tickets.churchilldowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.
    
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Last dance. Last chance.

Churchill Downs will kick-start the Fourth of July holiday weekend in style as the world’s most legendary racetrack winds down its 45-date Spring Meet with the final presentation of “Downs After Dark” on Thursday at 6 p.m. (all times Eastern).

Only four racing dates are left at the track’s 135th Spring Meet. Closing day is Sunday, July 5. With this week’s “Downs After Dark” scheduled for Thursday, Churchill Downs will host an 11-race program at its typical 2:45 p.m. start time on Friday. The final two programs on Saturday (11 races) and Sunday (10 races) will begin at 12:45 p.m.

Thursday is the third and final installment of the special three-date market test of night racing under the historic Twin Spires.

The first two dates received a groundswell of on-track support with 28,011 on hand for the historic debut on Friday, June 19. Another 27,623 attended on Friday, June 26 when food and beverage service areas were double and the staff was tripled.

Many attendees have described the experience as “something you’ve just got to see.”

Typically, Churchill Downs lures crowds of about 7,500 for Friday afternoon racing.

Online Night Racing Poll Launched

The lights that currently illuminate Churchill Downs are temporary and track officials have said they will consider installation of permanent lighting at season’s end.

The track recently launched an online poll at http://www.churchilldowns.com/vote for fans, both on- and off-track, to voice their opinion about night racing. The simple “yes” or “no” poll question is “Would you like to see Churchill Downs install permanent lights and conduct night racing as part of our regular meet schedule?” The poll will remain open through Tuesday, July 7 and all voters will be entered into a prize drawing to win first floor clubhouse box seats for six to next year’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands.

Rather than conduct “Downs After Dark” this Friday, track officials opted to stage the finale on Thursday, July 2 to kick-start the long holiday weekend and avoid competition from area fireworks celebrations.

Laser Light Show Added to “Downs After Dark”

To celebrate the night racing curtain call, track officials have added a Fourth of July-themed laser light show to Thursday’s already action-packed “Downs After Dark” menu of 11 live races and plentiful entertainment.

Patriotic images from the laser lights, including the U.S. flag, fireworks and horses, will be beamed in the paddock area between races once night falls. Meanwhile, a spectacular 30-minute show – accompanied by the tunes of VJ 2ndNature and magnified by four concert level haze machines that will fill the paddock air – will commence immediately after the last race at 11:11 p.m.

Transformation Into Nighttime Hot Spot Returns

Once again, Churchill Downs will be transformed into Louisville’s ultimate nighttime hot spot with added entertainment:

¨ The paddock area will have the look and feel of an upscale night club complete with sleek and comfortable conversational seating options;

¨ The facility will be adorned by colorful and patriotic bunting, mood lighting, seasonal greenery and spotlights;

¨ There’ll be specialty bars and unique food offerings such as delicious sizzling chicken and steak skewers throughout the facility;

¨ Live music will be provided in the paddock area by Endless Summer Band from 4-8:30 p.m.

¨ Tunes spun by internationally renowned, Atlanta-based VJ 2ndNature will elevate the party in the paddock from 8:45-11:45 p.m.;

¨ Extended “Happy Hours” return from 4-8 p.m. in the paddock area with $2 Budweiser Select, $2 hot dogs and $3 margaritas and daiquiris;

¨ There’ll be live salsa music for the private VIP parties on the Clubhouse balconies and standards sung inside the Triple Crown Room for Jockey Club Suites patrons.

Other “Downs After Dark” Fourth of July-themed Events & Offerings

In addition to the laser light show, Churchill Downs will help celebrate America’s Independence during Thursday’s “Downs After Dark” with patriotic-themed events and offerings such as:

¨ Free general admission and miniature U.S. flags to all active and retired U.S. military (with proof of identifaction);

¨ The National Anthem performed in the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle (5:25 p.m.) by former Miss America Heather French Henry accompanied by color guard from the Kentucky Air National Guard;

¨ A moving display of more than 1,000 U.S. flags inside Gate 10 in conjunction with Flags4Vets, whose primary goal is to place flags on every one of the graves of U.S. veterans buried in the 151 U.S. military cemeteries located in 11 countries;

¨ Military vehicles on display near Gates 1, 10 and 17;

¨ A winner’s circle ceremony after the second race (6:29 p.m.) in which jockey Calvin Borel will autograph the U.S. flag that flew at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day and present it to Flags4Vets;

¨ A swearing-in ceremony in the winner’s circle after the third race (6:59 p.m.) for the re-enlistment of the “Chief of Boat” for the United States Navy’s USS Kentucky;

¨ A giant 20 x 30 foot U.S. flag that was flown at Super Bowl XLII to be displayed for Gate 17 arrivals and an 8 x 12 foot U.S. flag from Super Bowl XLIII to be viewed from the paddock;

¨ Acknowledgement to each of the five branches of the armed forces with service flags flying in the paddock area, and pre-race patriotic hymns by bugler Steve Buttleman.

General Information: Gates Open at 4 p.m., First Race at 6 p.m., Admission $6

Admission gates on Thursday will open at 4 p.m. – two hours before the 6 p.m. first live race. The final four races will be run under the lights. Sunset is scheduled for 9:09 p.m. with Race 8 to coincide with the end of civil twilight at 9:41 p.m. The final race of the night has an 11:11 p.m. post time.

General admission for night racing at Churchill Downs is $6 and just $1 for seniors 60 and up and members of Churchill Downs’ free customer rewards program, the Twin Spires Club. Also, all season passes will be honored at admission gates, and admission is free for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult.

Reserved seating went fast and most of the facility is sold out, including all “Date Night” dinner and dancing packages for $39.95 per person in Millionaires Row and the Skye Terrace. Only a handful of the special $10 package that includes general admission, a box seat in the third-floor clubhouse and an official program remain.

Free Parking, Shuttles at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Customers are encouraged to utilize the free parking that is offered at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium starting at 4 p.m. There will be free round-trip shuttle service throughout the evening with drop off at Gate 10 and pick up at Gate 1. On-site parking at Churchill Downs – free in the Longfield Avenue lot – is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Kids’ Night Out” Available at Kentucky Derby Museum

Adults looking to enjoy a night at the races without the kiddos in tow now have an alternative to the neighborhood babysitter. For $25 (or $20 for each additional sibling), the Kentucky Derby Museum will host a “Kids’ Night Out” for children age 5-12 from 5-11:30 p.m. Fun-filled activities hosted by the Derby Museum staff will include pony rides, arts and crafts, Wii games, horse-themed movies, board games, dance contests, pizza and snacks. They’ll even take an outdoor tour to watch a live race or two. For more information or to reserve a spot, call (502) 637-1111 ext. 227 or visit online at http://www.derbymuseum.org/special_event.html.

The Horses & Special Wagering Options

A total of 112 horses have been entered to compete on the 11-race program. The wagering menu is highlighted by a special $100,000 guaranteed pool for the Pick 4 on Races 4-7 (pick the winners of four consecutive races) and two races that feature the Z-5/Super Hi-5 (pick the top five finishers in order) on Races 6 and 11.

Also, the popular “Bet or No Bet” promotion will return for Races 6-10 in which five lucky on-track patrons will be randomly drawn and faced with a tough decision: to take $100 in cash or place a $1,000 win bet on a horse in the upcoming race. Last week, David Sherry of Louisville gambled and took home $7,900 when Candid Image won the seventh race.

Ideal Weather Conditions

According to the National Weather Service, Thursday’s Louisville forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high near 77 degrees and a low around 62.

For more information, call (502) 636-4400 or log onto www.churchilldowns.com.

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Churchill Downs officials have assured customers of cheap beer and short lines when night racing returns to the Louisville racetrack on Friday at 6 p.m. (all times Eastern).

Last week’s debut of “Downs After Dark” – three special nighttime racing programs scheduled for June 19, this Friday and Thursday, July 2 – lured 28,011 fans. It was deemed a great success on many levels as the home of the Kentucky Derby was transformed into the ultimate nighttime hot spot in Louisville – an upscale evening at the races for on-track patrons with added entertainment and unique food offerings.

While the special and festive atmosphere was effectively created, the evening wasn’t perfect and Churchill Downs officials want to make it right.

“No one should ever have to wait in line for an extended period of time to purchase a drink,” said Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs Incorporated’s Chief Operating Officer. “Believe me, we feel awful. It was unacceptable to our customers and it is unacceptable to us. A lot of planning went into making last Friday a success and a great new experience for our fans. We did a lot of things right, but, clearly, we did not meet customer service expectations when it came to food and beverage service. We just hope those fans who were frustrated by long lines give us another chance. Believe me, we have learned from our staffing mistake and it will not happen again.”

Immediately, Churchill Downs officials announced that operational flaws would be fixed for Friday night’s second nighttime offering, and there’d be a few special twists.

Officials took out a full-page ad in Wednesday’s Courier-Journal that served as a thank-you note and open apology to fans for the operational mishap. In part, the letter read: “We apologize that many of you experienced long lines for concessions, and we promise to fix this problem for this Friday’s installment of night racing.”

$1 Beer from 4-8 p.m.; $2 Beer from 8 p.m. to Midnight

As a make-good to its loyal fans, Churchill Downs is offering special extended “Friday Happy Hour” prices, highlighted by 12-ounce Budweiser Select draft beers in the paddock area for just $1 from 4-8 p.m. and $2 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Also, hot dogs will be $2 and margaritas and daiquiris will be $3 from 4-8 p.m.

Twice the Points of Sale, Triple the Staff; Executives to Serve Beer from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Churchill Downs also will have twice the points of sale for concessions, triple the staff and add more than 50 walk-around beer vendors. Among those selling and pouring beverages from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the paddock near Gate 17 will be Churchill Downs Incorporated President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Evans; Churchill Downs Incorporated Chief Operating Officer Bill Carstanjen; and Churchill Downs General Manager Jim Gates.

Transformation Returns

Many of the ancillary activities that made the historic June 19 program special will return, including a transformed paddock area that has the look and feel of an upscale night club. The comfortable free-seating options, specialty bars and food stations, colorful buntings, mood lighting, spotlights and seasonal greenery will be back.

Popular VJ Returns to Spin Tunes

Most importantly, internationally renowned VJ 2ndNature from Atlanta will return complete with his tunes, spectacular lighting and accompanying video that brought the party in the paddock to a new level. He’ll be spinning tunes from 8:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Meanwhile, Sounds Unlimited Production’s locally based DJ D-Rock will warm up the crowd with his turntable from 4-8:30 p.m.

Also, there will be live salsa music for the private VIP parties on the Clubhouse balconies and standards sung inside the Triple Crown Room for patrons in the Phase I Jockey Club Suites.

General Information: Gates Open at 4 p.m., First Race at 6 p.m., Admission $6

Admission gates will open at 4 p.m. – two hours before the 6 p.m. first live race. The final four races will be run under the lights. Sunset is scheduled for 9:10 p.m. with Race 8 to coincide with the end of civil twilight at 9:41 p.m. The final race of the night has an 11:11 p.m. post time.

General admission for night racing at Churchill Downs on Friday, June 26 and Thursday, July 2 is $6 (down from $10 last Friday) and just $1 for seniors 60 and up and members of Churchill Downs’ free customer rewards program, the Twin Spires Club. Also, all season passes will be honored at admission gates, and admission is free for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult.

Reserved seats have filled quickly. “Date Night” dinner and dancing packages for $39.95 per person in Millionaires Row and the Skye Terrace are nearly sold out. Plus, there’s only a limited number of the special $10 package that includes general admission, a box seat in the third-floor clubhouse and an official program. To reserve a seat, call (502) 636-4400.

Free Parking, Shuttles at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

Customers are encouraged to utilize the free parking that is offered at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium starting at 4 p.m. There will be free round-trip shuttle service throughout the evening with drop off at Gate 17 and pick up at Gate 1. On-site parking at Churchill Downs – free in the Longfield Avenue lot – is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Horses & Special Wagering Options

A total of 102 horses have been entered to compete on the 11-race program. The wagering menu is highlighted by a special $100,000 guaranteed pool for the Pick 4 on Races 4-7 (pick the winners of four consecutive races) and a six-day Pick 6 carryover of $33,609 on Races 6-11 (pick the winners of the last six races on the card). Also, there will be two races that feature the Z-5/Super Hi-5 (pick the top five finishers in order) on Races 6 and 11.

Warm Weather

According to the National Weather Service, Friday’s Louisville forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies and a high near 91 degrees with a low around 72. There’s a 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly before 2 p.m. with a 3-7 mph west wind.

For more information, log onto www.churchilldowns.com.

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After a successful launch of night racing with last Friday’s historic “Downs After Dark” debut, Churchill Downs is offering fans who were frustrated by lines at beverage stations during the night racing debut lower drink prices and significant increases in both drink stations and staff for the track’s second night racing program on Friday, June 26.

    Churchill Downs is promising cheap beer, short lines and great racing to fans who return to the historic home of the Kentucky Derby for the second ‘Downs After Dark” night racing program.  Beer prices during extended “Friday Happy Hours” have been lowered to $1 and Churchill Downs will double its number of beverage stations and triple its staff members at those stations throughout the track to ensure that night racing fans will obtain their drinks quickly and at a great price.

    The track will also have roving beer vendors moving through the crowd during Friday’s second night racing card beneath the Twin Spires.

     “Friday Happy Hours” are scheduled from 4-8 p.m. (all times EDT) and the first of 11 races in the second “Downs After Dark” night racing program is set for 6 p.m.  The $1 beer prices during “Friday Happy Hours” will be available throughout the Paddock Garden.  Also, as in last week’s night racing debut, a DJ will provide music during “Happy Hours” and throughout the evening, which will conclude after the final race, which is scheduled for 11:11 p.m.

    “More than 28,000 turned out for the debut of night racing at Churchill Downs and the evening was a great success on most every level, but our track fell short in one important area of guest service, our fans have spoken to us about their disappointment and we have listened,” said Bill Carstanjen, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated.  “Last Friday was a special and historic night at Churchill Downs and we hope that every fan that shared the evening with us will always carry wonderful memories of the evening.  But many fans were clearly unhappy with the unacceptable level of service offered in beer lines throughout the track.  We share their frustration, apologize for the experience and vow it will not happen again.  We’re hoping all fans who were with us for the debut of night racing under the Twin Spires will be back with us again this Friday and on Thursday, July 2 and give us a chance to make racing under the lights at Churchill Downs truly special for everyone.”

    General admission for night racing at Churchill Downs on Friday, June 26 and Thursday, July 2 is $6 ($1 for Twin Spires Club Members and seniors over 60, free for children 12 and under).  

    Seating for special “Date Night” dining on Millionaires Row 4 & 6 is available for Friday, June 26 and Thursday, July 2, but reserved seats are being filled quickly for both nights.  “Date Night” packages for the June 26 and July 2 sessions of “Downs After Dark” racing are $39.95 and can be made by calling (502) 636-4400.

Mary Grum’s Cosmic, receiving a patented, rail-skimming ride from Calvin Borel, romped to a 4 1/4-length victory over Godolphin Gray before a crowd of 28,011 to win Friday’s $52,270 Dark Star Purse, the featured attraction on the first program of night racing in the 135-year history of Churchill Downs.

    There are two more “Downs After Dark” programs scheduled during the Spring Meet, next Friday, June 26, and Thursday, July 2.

    Godolphin Gray, ridden by Aldo Canchano, led the field of seven through fractions of :22.93 and :45.60 with Cosmic running sixth in the early going. Borel cut the corner at the head of the stretch, collared Godolphin Gray at the eighth pole and drew clear to complete the seven furlongs on a fast main track in 1:22.21.

    The victory was worth $32,105 and improved Cosmic’s career earnings to $126,672 with his third victory in 14 starts. Cosmic is a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred son of El Prado and trained by Borel’s older brother, Cecil.

    Cosmic returned mutuels of $9.40, $5.60 and $3.20. Godolphin Gray paid $13 and $5.40 in finishing a length ahead of odds-on favorite Flying Pegasus, who paid $2.20 to show under Robby Albarado.

    One other big winner on the night was Billy Warrick from Louisville, who cashed for $2,400 as a “Bet or No Bet” Sweepstakes winner when Albarado guided Final Copy to victory in the eighth race. Warrick’s name was one of five drawn at random for five races and he had the choice of taking $100 in cash or placing a $1,000 win bet.

    He did the latter.
 
“I was about to throw the (sweepstakes entry) ticket away and I thought ‘what the heck,’ ” Warrick said. “I didn’t wake up thinking this would happen. I am usually a $2 exacta box man. I will always bet on Robby.”

Racing resumes Saturday with an 11-race program beginning at 12:45 p.m. EDT.

Let there be lights. Following the testing of temporary track lighting fixtures during early morning training hours on Monday and Tuesday, Churchill Downs officials declared the home of the Kentucky Derby ready for the first of three special dates of night racing billed as “Downs After Dark.”

Friday night’s premiere of “Downs After Dark” will mark the first time in the 135-year history of the racetrack that racing will be presented at night under the lights. Other “Downs After Dark” programs are scheduled for Friday, June 26 and Thursday, July 2.

A total of 104 horses have been entered to compete on Friday’s historic 11-race program. First post is scheduled for 6 p.m. (all times Eastern) and the final four races will be run under the stars. Sunset is scheduled for 9:09 p.m. with Race 8 to coincide with the end of civil twilight at 9:40 p.m. The final race of the night has an 11:11 p.m. post time.

Churchill Downs will present upscale evenings at the races and provide added entertainment and unique food offerings for on-track patrons as the historic Twin Spires is transformed into a nighttime entertainment hot spot for the three “Downs After Dark” programs.

“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.”

Admission gates will open two hours before first post at 4 p.m. and patrons immediately will notice a new-look Churchill Downs. There’ll be Red Carpet entrances at Gates 10 and 17 with the Voice-Tribune’s Angie Fenton and Kentucky Derby 2009 Chief Party Officer Nick “RiNickulous” Ferrara, and the facility will be decorated with colorful buntings, mood lighting and seasonal flowers.

Many areas, including the paddock area, will have the look and feel of an upscale nightclub transformed by celebrated designer Barry Wooley, complete with sleek and comfortable seating options, specialty bars and food stations. The usual racetrack menu favorites will be joined by tasty ala carte hors d’oeuvres such as grilled shrimp, beef and chicken skewers and vegetable kabobs.

A Budweiser Select Beer Garden will be positioned near Gate 17 and “Friday Happy Hours” will be extended an extra hour from 4-8 p.m., complete with $2 Budweiser Select, $2 hot dogs and $3 margaritas and daiquiris.

To set the tone for the party, high energy music will be provided between live races in the paddock area by regional favorite Endless Summer Band from 4-8:30 p.m. and will be followed by internationally renowned VJ 2ndNature, who’ll mix modern rock, pop and hip-hop tunes with accompanying video. Meanwhile, parties for VIP guests on the Clubhouse and Jockey Club Suites balconies will be treated to the jazz sounds of TA2 Latin Sounds and Swing 39.

To satisfy the appetite, customers can take advantage of scrumptious multi-course premium dining packages. A “Date Night” dinner and dancing package is available for $59.90 in Millionaires’ Row 4 and 6 ($95 with full bar) and showcases tasty appetizers (antipasto platters and an amuse bouche of shrimp tango), a main course (beef sirloin and chicken criolla accompanied by a selection of sides) and a flambé action station with classic desserts.

There are also a limited number of high-end, elegant “Dinner by Design” packages for $150 in the Stakes, Aristides and Directors Rooms. They feature a five-course dinner designed by Tony Mantuano, Levy Restaurant’s award-winning and critically acclaimed executive chef of Chicago’s only four-star Italian restaurant Spiaggia. The special dinner also includes wine pairings and a full bar package.

There’ll also be lounge areas and mood lighting positioned throughout the facility for after-dinner cocktails, conversation and, of course, handicapping.

A special $100,000 guaranteed pool for the Pick 4 on Races 4-7 highlights the wagering menu. The challenging wager that requires bettors to pick the winners of four consecutive races kicks off at 7:29 p.m. The series is comprised of a five-furlong turf sprint for 10 fillies and mares; a maiden special weight for 10 two-year-old fillies; a maiden special weight for 10 three-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles on the Matt Winn Turf Course; and a seven-furlong sprint for eight 3-year-olds who sport a $30,000 claiming price.

There also will be Pick 4s that cover the first and last four races. Churchill Downs’ 19% takeout rate for the Pick 4 – and all exotic wagers – is amongst the lowest in North America.

Also, a second Z-5/Super Hi-5 has been added that night. In addition to its usual spot on the 11th and final race, the popular wager that requires bettors to pick the top five finishers in order on a given race, has been added to Race 6 (8:32 p.m.).

Five allowance and maiden special weight races have been named in honor of horses whose names feature a nighttime theme. They include 1953 Kentucky Derby winner Dark Star, 1878 Kentucky Derby victor Day Star, 1991 Kentucky Oaks heroine Lite Light, 1997 Stephen Foster Handicap champ City by Night and 1958 Clark Handicap conqueror My Night Out.

The featured Dark Star, a $52,700 second level allowance for 3-year-olds and up (Race 10 at 10:42 p.m.), will showcase the much-anticipated return of a former top Kentucky Derby prospect. Flying Pegasus, who was runner-up to Charitable Man in last fall’s Futurity (Grade II) at Belmont Park and Friesan Fire in this spring’s Risen Star (GIII) at Fair Grounds, heads the seven-furlong sprint for owner James C. Spence, trainer Ralph Nicks and jockey Robby Albarado. The 3-year-old son of 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus hasn’t raced since a sixth-place finish in the March 14 Louisiana Derby (GII).

HRTV (DISH Network channel 404 and Insight Communications channel 564 in Louisville) will be onsite with reporters Peter Lurie and Caton Bredar to broadcast the historic occasion.

General admission for Friday’s historic debut of “Downs After Dark” is $10, although members of the track’s free customer rewards program, the Twin Spires Club, and seniors age 60 and up will continue to receive their bargain $1 admission price. Also, all season passes will be honored at admission gates.

General admission will drop to $6 for the next two nighttime cards on Friday, June 26 and Thursday, July 2 (the start of a long holiday weekend that doubles as closing weekend for the Spring Meet). A discounted general admission pass for entrance on all three nights is available for $15 (a $7 savings).

For Friday’s “Downs After Dark” premiere, customers also can purchase a special $15 package that includes general admission, a box seat in the third-floor clubhouse and an official program.

Fans can reserve seats or purchase dining packages by calling (502) 636-4400. For more information, log onto www.churchilldowns.com.

Parking for “Downs After Dark” is free in the Longfield Avenue lot, with on-site parking available on a first-come, first-served basis. Valet parking will be available. Churchill Downs also will offer free parking at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium starting at 4 p.m. and will run free round-trip shuttle service throughout the evening (drop off will be at Gate 17 and pick up will be at Gate 1).

According to the National Weather Service, Friday’s Louisville forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies and a high near 93 degrees with a low around 69. There’s a 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 2 p.m. (a tenth to a quarter of an inch possible) with an 8-11 mph south wind.

SPECIAL NIGHT RACING NOTES – The majority of Churchill Downs’ transformation for the night racing programs will take place after Thursday’s races and early Friday morning . . . Post times for the three “Downs After Dark” racing programs: Race 1 (6 p.m.), Race 2 (6:29 p.m.), Race 3 (6:59 p.m.), Race 4 (7:29 p.m.), Race 5 (8 p.m.), Race 6 (8:32 p.m.), Race 7 (9:05 p.m.), Race 8 (9:40 p.m.), Race 9 (10:12 p.m.), Race 10 (10:42 p.m.) and Race 11 (11:11 p.m.) . . . Scratch time for nighttime racing programs will be 11 a.m. on racedays.