LEXINGTON, KY (April 30, 2013) – Keeneland celebrates Kentucky Oaks and Derby Weekend, May 3-4, with a party to suit everyone’s style, whether it be a casual picnic in the paddock or a hip cocktail party in the clubhouse.
Fans can wager on simulcast racing from Churchill Downs as well as major tracks around the country at Keeneland on both Oaks and Derby Days.
Admission is free on Oaks Day and $5 per person on Derby Day; kids 12 and under admitted free. Tables in the dining rooms, clubhouse and the Derby Bash at the Keeneland Entertainment Center are sold out.
Tickets are still available for Keeneland’s annual Martinis on the Lawn on Oaks Day.Fans can enjoy an upscale celebration in the Keeneland clubhouse and on the club lawn from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 each; entertainment includes a light buffet, cash bar, live music, and simulcast of the Kentucky Oaks.
On Derby Day, Keeneland’s grandstand, paddock and North Terrace areas will be open to the public and feature full concessions and bars, live music by Tom Cool, and pony rides and activities for kids. Signature mint juleps will be served in official souvenir Kentucky Derby glasses. Live Derby Day coverage from Churchill Downs will be broadcast on more than 1,000 televisions throughout the track, as well as on Keeneland’s main LED toteboard.
Keeneland Oaks/Derby Day Information (all times Eastern)
Oaks Day Derby Day
Gates Open 9 a.m. 9 a.m.
Drive-thru Wagering Begins 8 a.m. 8 a.m.
Grandstand Mutuels Open 10 a.m. 10 a.m.
Admission Free $5; kids 12 and under free
Parking Free Free
Drive-thru wagering will be available at the Red Mile and Kentucky Horse Park, in addition to the twelve drive-thru windows at Keeneland, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oaks Day and from 8 a.m. until post-time (approximately 6:24 p.m.) on Derby Day.
Advance wagering on the Kentucky Oaks full card will be available on Thursday, May 2, at Keeneland drive-thru windows and the Thoroughbred Center on Paris Pike in Lexington beginning at 8 a.m. Grandstand mutuel windows will open at 12:15 p.m.
Advance wagering on the Kentucky Derby full card and the Oaks/Derby Double will be available Friday, May 3, at drive-thru windows at Keeneland, the Red Mile and the Kentucky Horse Park, and at the Thoroughbred Center, beginning at 8 a.m. Grandstand mutuel windows will open at 10 a.m.
Tips for planning your Oaks and Derby Day outings at Keeneland:
• First post at Churchill Downs is 10:30 a.m. EDT 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 in the paddock, walking ring or terrace.
• Patrons are not permitted to bring alcohol.
• Coolers are allowed, but are subject to inspection.