Citizen Cope, Derby Winner's Poster, Preakness,Family Fun Days Top Churchill Downs Weekend

May 18, 2012 John Asher

Churchill Downs joins racing fans in celebrating the bid by I’ll Have Another, winner of the 138^th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, bid to win the Preakness Stakes with an action-packed weekend of excitement headed by Saturday’s simulcast of the second jewel of the Triple Crown and a giveaway of a commemorative print of the Derby 138 winner Presented by GE.

The colorful 18” x 24” print contains an inside-rail view of I’ll Have Another and jockey Mario Gutierrez as they crossed the finish line in their historic victory in America’s greatest races on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs.  The image of I’ll Have Another is against a backdrop of Kentucky Derby icons that include the Twin Spires, the Derby Winner’s Circle; the solid gold winner’s trophy, and a Derby rose.

The first 5,000 fans through the admission gates on Saturday, May 19 will receive a voucher that entitles them to one Derby winner print. The vouchers can be exchanged for the Kentucky Derby commemorative print following Saturday’s fourth race at a redemption center located on the first floor of the Clubhouse at the Skye Terrace elevators, near the Longfield Ave./Gate 10 entrance.

Saturday’s Churchill Downs racing program, which includes 11 live races and the simulcast of the Preakness, has a post time of 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern).  Post time for the simulcast of the 137^th running of the Preakness from Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course is scheduled for 6:18 p.m.

Preakness Weekend at Churchill Downs kicks off with Friday’s Twilight Racing program that concludes with a performance by Citizen Cope in the second installment of the 2012 Paddock Concert Series.  Citizen Cope is scheduled to take to the Paddock Stage with his unique blend of hip-hop, rock, blues and soul.  He has released four critically acclaimed albums and a new collection, “One Lovely Day,” is set for release in July.  The Memphis, Tenn. native launched his career in Washington, DC, where the Washington Post praised him as the city’s “most soulful export since Marvin Gaye.”

The first 850 people in attendance for the Citizen Cope (www.CitizenCope.com) concert will be allowed free access to the paddock to watch the concert up close in a VIP viewing area.  Outside of the paddock there is ample space to enjoy the concert from the Paddock Garden and balcony areas.

Admission to the Paddock Concert Series performance by Citizen Cope is free with the $3 general admission to Churchill Downs before 7 p.m.  Admission to the concert is $10 after 7 p.m and gates 10 and 17 will be open for late admissions.

Admission gates will open for Friday’s Twilight Racing program at 1:30 p.m. and post time for the first race will be 2:45 p.m. Happy Hour drink specials in the paddock garden area include a $3 Stella Artois Draft Beer (16 oz.) from 4-7 p.m.

The Churchill Downs racing program on Sunday, May 20 will be accompanied Family Fun Days activities Presented by Kroger.  Family Fun Days promise a very special day for the entire family, with attractions that include HorseRacing Bingo, Junior Jockey Club activities; story time; a walking tour of the Kentucky Derby Museum to visit with Winston, its resident miniature horse; visits with Churchill Charlie and more.  More information is available at www.ChurchillDowns.com.

Family Fun Days activities are scheduled from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Paddock Pavilion on Sundays throughout the meet.

Post time for Sunday racing at Churchill Downs is 12:45 p.m.  Admission gates open at 11:30 a.m.

Seating for Preakness Weekend events and tickets for Churchill Downs racing and special events throughout the Spring Meet can be purchased through the track’s online box office at www.ChurchillDowns.com/tickets or by calling (502) 636-4400.  Tickets can also be purchased at Churchill Downs’ on-track box office, located at Gate 1 off Central Avenue. The on-track box office is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the exception of Friday hours of noon to 6 p.m.  The box office will be open on “Downs After Dark” night racing Saturdays on June 2, 16 and 30 from noon to 9 p.m.