Young Stars, Music, Family Fun Headline Next-to-Last Spring Meet Weekend
Jun 20, 2012
Only two weekends of racing remain in the Churchill Downs Spring Meet, and the next-to-last weekend of racing beneath the Twin Spires features a look at racing’s future stars in the historic Debutante Stakes, terrific live music and another Sunday of Family Fun activities presented by Kroger.
Saturday’s racing spotlight will shine on 2-year-old fillies in the 112th running of the $100,000-added Debutante Stakes, a Grade III race for 2-year-old fillies that could emerge as candidates for the 2013 running of the $1 million, Grade I Kentucky Oaks. The six-furlong race, the featured event on Saturday’s 11-race program, is the first graded stakes event of the year for the 2-year-old filly division in the United States.
Post time for the first of Saturday’s races is 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern) and admission gates will open at 11:30 a.m.
The weekend celebration begins with twilight racing on Friday and another edition of “Honky Tonk Happy Hours”, with great music and drink specials from 4-7 p.m. in the Paddock Garden.
The Paddock Garden musical stage will feature regional favorites Artie Dean Harris and Bourbontown during this week’s “Honky Tonk Happy Hours.” Drink specials from 4-7 p.m. in the paddock garden area include a $3 Stella Artois Draft Beer (16 oz.). Admission gates will open for Friday’s Twilight Racing program at 1:30 p.m. and post time for the first of 11 races is 2:45 p.m.
Churchill Downs’ Sunday racing program on June 24 will feature another edition of Family Fun Days Presented by Kroger in the air conditioned comfort of the Paddock Pavilion.
Family Fun Days offer a very special Sunday at Churchill Downs 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 and more. Sunday’s run includes a special performance by the Mexico Lindo Dancers at 2:30 p.m.
Family Fun Days activities are scheduled from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Paddock Pavilion on Sundays throughout the meet. More information on Family Fun Days Presented by Kroger is available at www.ChurchillDowns.com.
Post time for Sunday’s racing at Churchill Downs is 12:45 p.m. Admission gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Seating, dining 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.
Next week’s closing weekend of Spring Meet racing will feature “Downs After Dark” night racing on Saturday, June 30. This special evening under the lights beneath the historic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs will feature the return of the “White Party” theme and the 11th running of the $100,000-added, Grade III Bashford Manor Stakes, an early prep for the 2013 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (GI).
Churchill Downs’ on-track box office will be open on Saturday, June 30 from noon to 9 p.m. for the season’s final “Downs After Dark” celebration.
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