Final Day for Survivors Parade Nominations is Thursday

Mar 10, 2010 Darren Rogers

The final day to nominate a breast cancer survivor to march in this year’s Survivors Parade on Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill Downs is Thursday (March 11) at midnight ET.

    The Survivors Parade, presented by Kroger, was arguably last year’s most memorable and emotional event on Kentucky Oaks Day. Breast cancer survivors invited by Churchill Downs and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, proudly paraded on the racetrack shortly before the running of the Kentucky Oaks – the Kentucky Derby’s companion event for 3-year-old fillies.

This year, all survivors have a chance to participate in the Friday, April 30 parade through a nomination and voting process on the official event Web site, www.KentuckyOaks.com. Guests can nominate a friend, relative or themselves by sharing a brief personal experience that relates to breast cancer survival.

Once the nomination process concludes Thursday night, KentuckyOaks.com visitors can vote for their favorite and most inspirational stories between Friday, March 12 and Friday, March 26. The 136 survivors with the most votes will receive two (2) free reserved seats to the Kentucky Oaks and lunch courtesy of Churchill Downs (travel and hotel accommodations not included). The winners will be announced at KentuckyOaks.com on Friday, April 2.

The Survivors Parade is one the newest traditions on Kentucky Oaks Day, which features a “Ladies First” theme to raise money and awareness for Susan G. Komen for the Cure – the global movement leader for breast cancer research, education, advocacy and community support.

Churchill Downs Incorporated will donate $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every person in attendance on Kentucky Oaks Day and $1 to Horses and Hope from the sale of Oaks Lilies, the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks. All attendees are encouraged to participate in a “PINK OUT” and incorporate pink into their attire to show support the cause. There will also be a First Lady of Fashion Contest and a special Kentucky Oaks winner’s circle formed by breast cancer survivors.

The Kentucky Oaks race and activities will be showcased live by the Bravo Network from 5-6 p.m. ET in partnership with its parent company, NBC Universal.

    Churchill Downs Incorporated, (“CDI”), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., owns and operates four world renowned Thoroughbred racing facilities: Arlington Park in Illinois, Calder Casino and Race Course in Florida, Churchill Downs Race Track in Kentucky and Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in Louisiana.  CDI operates slot and gaming operations in Louisiana and Florida.  CDI tracks are host to North America’s most prestigious races, including the Arlington Million, the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, the Louisiana Derby and the Princess Rooney, along with hosting the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5-6, 2010.  CDI also owns off-track betting facilities, TwinSpires.com and other advance-deposit wagering channels, television production, telecommunications and racing service companies such as BRIS and a 50-percent interest in the national cable and satellite network, HorseRacing TV, which supports CDI’s network of simulcasting and racing operations.  CDI’s Entertainment Group produces the HullabaLOU Music Festival at Churchill Downs Racetrack which premieres on July 23-25, 2010.  CDI trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CHDN and can be found at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

-- END --