Special Derby & Oaks training starts Saturday April 17 from 7:30-7:45 a.m.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Wednesday, April 14, 2021) – Between Saturday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 28, Churchill Downs will be open free-of-charge daily from 7-10 a.m. so guests can watch the nation’s top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds train toward their engagements in this year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
“For the past 146 years, the Kentucky Derby has created memories and traditions for so many families and friends in our community,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Mike Anderson. “There’s no better way to start the day than to watch our majestic Thoroughbreds train up-close and personal. We’re thrilled to deliver this new experience free of charge and open it up to the general public for everyone to enjoy.”
Horses train on Churchill Downs’ main track daily from 5:15-10 a.m. Beginning Saturday, April 17, there will be an exclusive training window only for Derby and Oaks participants from 7:30-7:45 a.m. following the 7-7:30 a.m. renovation break. Those horses will be identified by special saddle towels which include their names: yellow saddle towels for Derby horses and pink saddle towels for Oaks contenders.
Churchill Downs will livestream the Kentucky Derby Morning Works presented by TwinSpires.com across its social media channels starting on Monday, April 19. Video also will be broadcast on Churchill Downs’ Big Board.
Guests can enter Churchill Downs through the Paddock Gate and should park for free in the nearby White Lot for convenient entry. Guests will be directed to Sections 115-117 to watch the morning workouts.
Face coverings are required and guests must practice social distancing. Churchill Downs will continue to rely on proven health and safety protocols and operate within the guidance of local and state health officials as well as the CDC.
Between Saturday, April 17 and Friday, April 23, guests may bring in their own food and beverage during the morning workouts. Food and beverage may not be brought into the facility between Saturday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 28 because of Kentucky Derby Week security protocols but Churchill Downs’ new Paddock Grill will be open during that period to offer breakfast items for purchase.
The 147th runnings of the $1.25 Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) and $3 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) will be held Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1, respectively. Opening Night of Derby Week and the 38-day Spring Meet is Saturday, April 24. For Derby Week and Spring Meet tickets, visit www.KentuckyDerby.com/Tickets.
Churchill Downs Press Release
Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs
