Renee Torbit/Coady Media
Topped By Final Twilight Thursday, Downs After Dark Of The Year
Darren Rogers/Churchill Downs
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Closing week of the September Meet at Churchill Downs is highlighted by the final Twilight Thursday and Downs After Dark of the year.
Post times for the final five days of the September Meet: Wednesday (12:45 p.m. ET); Thursday (5 p.m. ET); Friday (12:45 p.m. ET); Saturday (6 p.m. ET); and Sunday (12:45 p.m. ET). Tickets for the September Meet are on sale at https://www.churchilldowns.com/day-at-the-races/.
Twilight Thursday (Thursday, Sept. 26) – Churchill Downs will host the final Twilight Thursday of the year from 5-8 p.m. in the Paddock Plaza. There will be $2 select domestic can beer, live music by Shane Dawson and food truck appearances from Black Rock Grille, DonutNV and Hurrikanes.
Bango Goes for Outright All-Time Churchill Downs Win Record (Friday, Sept. 27) – Tamaroak Partners’ veteran 7-year-old sprinter Bango will attempt to make history and claim the outright record for most documented wins at Churchill Downs in Friday’s third race at 1:43 p.m. Trained by Greg Foley and to be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Bango has 11 victories beneath the Twin Spires, a modern mark shared with Ready’s Rocket.
Downs After Dark: Oktoberfest (Saturday, Sept. 28) – The final Downs After Dark of the year will take place Saturday, Sept. 28 as Churchill Downs presents “Oktoberfest” where the spirit of Munich will come to the Twin Spires with an array of local brews from West Sixth Brewing and Gravely Brewing Co in a beer garden; sizzling bratwurst and savory pretzels; lively polka dancing; yodeling contest; live music and world-class horse racing. Admission gates will open at 5 p.m. and the 11-race program will be conducted between 6-11:10 p.m.
General admission to Downs After Dark is $20 and includes an official program. Guests under the age of 18 will only be admitted to the track if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Outdoor box seats range from $28 to $38 per person. Limited premium dining packages are available starting at $91 per person including our new and exclusive Oktoberfest VIP Package. Experience Churchill Downs like never before in our new Paddock-facing Loges with seating for four or six guests. Each package includes the following per guest: Covered loge seating that overlooks the newly renovated Paddock, a Churchill Downs-branded beer stein and two beer tickets. For the group: a shareable Oktoberfest-themed charcuterie board and a guided Paddock tour.
Stakes Doubleheader (Saturday, Sept. 28) – Two important stakes in advance of the Breeders’ Cup highlight the Downs After Dark program: the $500,000 Lukas Classic (Grade II) for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles and $400,000 Ack Ack (Grade III) for 3-year-olds and up at one mile – a Win & You’re In race for the Dirt Mile division.
Stakes Room Brunch (Sunday, Sept. 29) – A brunch special will be offered in the Stakes Room on closing day. The $87 package for adults and $34 package for children includes a seat in the Stakes Room on the fourth floor of the Clubhouse and all-you-can-eat access to the brunch menu that includes scrambled eggs; biscuits and country gravy; French toast; hot brown; carved honey ham; crispy bacon; sausage patties; hash brown potatoes with peppers and onions; fresh fruit; garden vegetables; salads; breakfast breads; and a chef’s dessert display.
Mandatory Payout of Derby City 6 Jackpot (Sunday, Sept. 29) – Because it’s closing day of the September Meet, there will be a force-out of all betting pools, including the 20-cent Derby City 6 Jackpot. The jackpot, which began closing week at $245,040, will be paid to ticket holders with the most winners in Sunday’s final six races. The pool will continue to grow if there are multiple daily winners and only will be paid if there is a single ticket between Wednesday-Saturday.
