Second Annual 'Thurby' Kicks Off Derby Weekend at Churchill Downs

Apr 28, 2015

Popular Derby Week Event Celebrates All Things Kentucky with 2015 Oaks and Derby Box Giveaway

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Tuesday, April 28, 2015) – Kentucky Derby weekend officially starts Thursday, April 30 at Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”) with the second annual “Thurby.” The historic racetrack’s newest tradition celebrates the state of Kentucky and the local community that has helped to make the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands one of the world’s most exciting events in sports, fashion, celebrity and tradition.

Thurby, whose name was inspired by Churchill Downs’ fans growing use of the hashtag, #thurby, will celebrate horse racing, Kentucky Veterans, bourbon and local music. Gates open at 11 a.m. with the first post at 12:45 p.m. EDT. Tickets start at $15 and are available at www.churchilldowns.com/derbyweek.

In addition to 11 races, Thurby will feature the second annual Thurby Classic Sweepstakes to win a six-person box to each the 2015 Longines Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, a check presentation by the Kentucky Department of Affairs (KDVA) to benefit female veterans, a bourbon cocktail showdown by Brown-Forman and 91.9 WFPK-selected live music in the Plaza with local talent, Kyle James Hauser and Zach Longoria Project.

The Thurby Classic Sweepstakes will take place as part of Race 10. On-site guests will be invited to enter the contest via text until Race 7. In the paddock show prior to Race 10, as many names as there are horses running in the race will be randomly drawn from the pool of entrants. Each name drawn will be paired with a single horse running in Race 10. The person who is paired with the winning horse will receive a free six-person box to this year’s Oaks and Derby.

In the new G.H.MUMM Winner’s Circle following Race 6, the KDVA will present a charitable donation to Athena Sisters, a local non-profit that supports female veterans. The KDVA will also be available in the Plaza throughout the day to answer questions about veteran services for all Kentucky Veterans.

Following Race 3, Brown-Forman’s Chief Entertainment Officer Tim Laird and Master Distiller Chris Morris will make signature cocktails in the Plaza. Tim will make the Louisville Old Fashioned and Chris will make the Woodford Reserve Mule, the specialty cocktails available at Thurby along with the Old Forester Mint Julep.

Recommended attire for non-dining areas is whatever reflects your Kentucky spirit – from casual jeans to Derby-inspired.

About Churchill Downs Racetrack

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 141^st running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on May 2, 2015. The track’s 2015 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 25-June 27. The track has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships eight times. www.ChurchillDowns.com.