LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 1, 2012) – Whether you prefer a picnic style experience in the Keeneland Paddock or a hip cocktail party in the Clubhouse, if you can’t go to Churchill Downs, Keeneland is the place to be Oaks and Derby weekend, May 4-5.
Guests can watch live coverage of Churchill Downs on more than 1,000 televisions while enjoying a picnic, open air grill, live music and activities for kids. The Grandstand, Paddock and North Terrace areas of the track will be open to the public. Admission is free on Oaks Day and $5 per person on Derby Day; kids 12 and younger will be admitted free. Tables in the dining rooms, Clubhouse and the Derby Bash at the Keeneland Entertainment Center are sold out.
Tickets are still available, however, for Keeneland’s second annual Martinis on the Lawn on Oaks Day, May 4. Fans can enjoy an upscale celebration in the Keeneland Clubhouse and Club Lawn from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 each and include one Grey Goose martini, a light buffet, cash bar, live music, and of course, simulcast of the Kentucky Oaks.
Gates open Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m.; drive-thru wagering begins at 8 a.m.
Drive-thru wagering will be available at the Red Mile Racetrack and Kentucky Horse Park, in addition to the 12 drive-thru windows at Keeneland, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oaks Day and 8 a.m. to post-time (approximately 6:24 p.m.) on Derby Day.
Advance wagering on the Kentucky Oaks card will be available at Keeneland on Thursday, May 3 at drive-thru and Grandstand windows beginning at noon. Advance wagering on the Kentucky Derby Day card will be available Friday, May 4 at drive-thru and Grandstand windows beginning at noon.
Keeneland will be open at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 8, to cash winning tickets, and after 12:30 p.m. for tickets purchased from Churchill Downs.
Tips for planning your Oaks and Derby Day outings:
• First post at Churchill Downs is 10:30 a.m. on Oaks and Derby Days
• Approximate post time for the Kentucky Oaks is 5:45 p.m.
• Approximate post time for the Kentucky Derby is 6:24 p.m.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Tents, canopies, grills and glass are not permitted inside the gates.
• Patrons are not permitted to bring alcohol.
• Coolers are allowed, but are subject to inspection.
Add Comment