Churchill Downs to Debut $3 Late Pick 3 During September Meet

Sep 05, 2025

Churchill Downs will debut a special $3 Late Pick 3 during its September Meet, which opens Thursday for a 14-day run.

The wager, which carries a horseplayer-friendly 15-percent takeout, will be offered on the final three races of each card. All other Pick 3s will remain unchanged at their 50-cent base denomination.

Thursday’s opening program will get underway at 5 p.m. (all times Eastern) and feature an average field size of 10.5 horses in the body each race. The featured event is Race 7 – a conditioned allowance at 6 ½ furlongs topped by stakes winners Fibber, Lady Moscato and Legadema. Two other allowance contests are slated in Races 4 and 5, along with a maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs in Race 6.

The September Meet will open with a Thursday-Sunday schedule during the first week, followed by Wednesday-Sunday racing during the final two weeks. First post is 12:45 p.m. daily except Twilight Thursdays, which will remain at 5 p.m.

Aside from the new $3 Late Pick 3, the wagering menu mirrors the Spring Meet and includes the 20-cent Derby City 6 Jackpot (15% takeout) and at least two daily Pick 5s (15% takeout).

Thursday doubles as First Responders Day with free admission for emergency personnel, vehicle displays, interactive activities with local police and fire departments and a Presentation of Colors by the LMPD Color Guard. First responders can purchase discounted dining tickets in Millionaires Row and Skye Terrace by calling the Churchill Downs Ticket Office at (502) 636-4450 or visiting the box office at Twilight Thursday.

The evening also will include $2 domestic beers, local food trucks and live music by Piper Madison.

For more information about the Churchill Downs September Meet, visit www.churchilldowns.com or follow Churchill Downs on social media.