September Meet Opens Thursday at 5 p.m.; Twilight Thursdays, College Day, Road to the Kentucky Derby Kickoff Top Week 1

Sep 09, 2024

Horse racing on the Kentucky circuit returns to Churchill Downs on Thursday (Sept. 12) with the first of three Twilight Thursday programs at 5 p.m. (all times Eastern) as the famed Louisville racetrack opens its 12th annual September Meet for an action-packed 14-date run through Sunday, Sept. 29.

 

Thursday’s eight-race opener lured 94 entries (84 in the body of the races plus 10 also eligible runners) for an average of 11.8 horses per race. A field of 10 older horses was entered for the featured seventh race, a $141,000 third-level allowance/optional claiming event at 7 ½ furlongs. Two-year-olds also will be on display in a pair of open six-furlong $120,000 maiden races (Races 5 and 8) and a $127,000 first-level allowance/optional claiming race for 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs (Race 6).

 

The September Meet will be staged over three weeks with racing on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Outside of the three Twilight Thursdays (5 p.m. ET) and Downs After Dark on Sept. 28 (6 p.m. ET), the first race for all other race days will be 12:45 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the September Meet are on sale at https://www.churchilldowns.com/day-at-the-races/, and there are plenty of special events and entertainment to complement the world-class racing on Opening Week:

 

Twilight Thursdays (Thursday, Sept. 12) – Churchill Downs will host Twilight Thursday from 5-8 p.m. in the Paddock Plaza. Highlights include $2 select domestic can beer, live music by Piper Madison and food truck appearances from Black Rock Grille, DonutNV, Gringos, Hurrikanes, Lil Cheezers and Spinelli’s Pizza.
Military Appreciation Day (Thursday, Sept. 12) – Churchill Downs will celebrate Military Appreciation Day in partnership with USA Cares, an organization committed to supporting post-9/11 military veterans, service members and their families. They provide essential financial aid and skills training for long-term stability. Their efforts significantly improve the quality of life for veterans and help prevent factors that can lead to veteran suicide. Military members who show a valid military ID will receive free general admission or can purchase discounted tickets to Millionaires Row or Sky Terrace (subject to availability) by calling (502) 636-4450.
Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Kickoff (Saturday, Sept. 14) – The Road to the 151st Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will launch with the first points-bearing prep races for each series. The Road to the Kentucky Derby starts with the $300,000 Iroquois (GIII) at one mile and the top five finishers will be awarded points to qualify for America’s greatest race next May. The $300,000 Pocahontas (GIII) at one mile begins the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. Three other stakes events will highlight the stellar 11-race opening Saturday card: the $400,000 Fasig-Tipton Locust Grove (Grade II) for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles; $300,000 Open Mind (Listed) for fillies and mares at 6 ½ furlongs; and $300,000 Louisville Thoroughbred Society for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs. Entries will be finalized Monday afternoon.
College Day (Saturday, Sept. 14) – College students will receive free general admission with a valid college I.D. and full-time students are eligible to enter drawings for $20,000 in scholarships thanks to a partnership with KTA-KTOB: one $10,000 scholarship and five $2,000 scholarships that include one designated scholarship to children of backside workers at Churchill Downs and another to a student enrolled in the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program. There also will be prize drawings for exclusive Churchill Downs merchandise and a $250 gift card to The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, as well as giveaways of limited-edition Churchill Downs ball caps in area college colors and Churchill Downs tote bags.
Stakes Room Brunch (Sunday, Sept. 15) – On Sundays, Churchill Downs is offering a brunch special in the Stakes Room. 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.