Churchill Downs Update: Preakness Night Downs After Dark Highlights Four-Day Week at Churchill Downs

May 15, 2025

Churchill Downs will turn back the clock Saturday night with a ‘90s-themed edition of Downs After Dark, headlining a four-day run of live racing beneath the Twin Spires.
Saturday’s theme is ‘90s Nostalgia with first post for the 11-race card at 6 p.m. and gates opening at 5 p.m. The evening includes a live simulcast of the 150th Preakness Stakes (GI) on the Big Board and televisions throughout the facility.
Fans can embrace iconic trends from the decade with themed entertainment such as the Fool House Band, performing popular ‘90s sing-alongs. Other on-site activities include an airbrush station, glitter bar, ‘90s arcade and interactive graffiti wall.
The racing action is topped by the 88th running of the $250,000 Louisville Stakes (GIII) in Race 9.
The week began Thursday with Twilight Thursday, which featured a 5 p.m. first post, $2 domestic beers, live music from Dusty Bo and local food trucks including All Thai’d Up, Bamba Eggrolls, Lil’ Cheezers and Spinelli’s Pizza.
Friday and Sunday racing will begin at 12:45 p.m.
For tickets and additional information, visit www.churchilldowns.com.

KENTUCKY OAKS WINNER GOOD CHEER BACK ON WORK TAB – Godolphin’s Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) heroine Good Cheer returned to the Churchill Downs work tab Thursday morning, posting an easy half-mile breeze in :49.40.
The undefeated filly began her move with opening quarter-mile splits of :12.60 and :24.60 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.80, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols.
Trained by Brad Cox, Good Cheer is targeting the June 6 Acorn Stakes (GI) at Saratoga.

DOWN THE STRETCH – The Derby City 6 Jackpot had a carryover of $150,098 and began in Race 3 on Thursday’s twilight card. … Jockey Frankie Dettori reported he will remain based at Churchill Downs throughout the Spring Meet before riding the summer at Saratoga. … In honor of Saturday’s Preakness Stakes, the late trainer Leon “Blue” Blusiewicz was remembered for annually sharing his famed crab cake recipe. It featured jumbo lump crab meat, 1 tablespoon Gulden’s Brown Mustard, 3 tablespoons Hellmann’s Mayo, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce, 1 beaten egg, 1 sleeve of crumbled Club House Crackers (minus four crackers), and a dash of Montreal Steak Seasoning. Mix the condiments and seasoning, fold in the egg, add crab, form into cakes and refrigerate until firm. Cook by broiling, deep frying in Crisco or pan frying in butter. … For more information about the 2025 Churchill Downs Spring Meet, visit www.churchilldowns.com.