Twilight Thursday 'Purple Takeover,' Family Adventure Day Top Week Ahead

Sep 17, 2024 Darren Rogers

Week 2 of the three-week September Meet at Churchill Downs is highlighted by a “Purple Takeover” during Twilight Thursday, Senior Day, a stakes quartet and Family Adventure Day.

The September Meet continues Wednesday-Sunday through Sept. 29. Outside of Twilight Thursday (5 p.m. ET), the first race for all other race days this week is 12:45 p.m. ET.

Tickets for the September Meet are on sale at https://www.churchilldowns.com/day-at-the-races/.

Twilight Thursday / “Purple Takeover” (Thursday, Sept. 19) – Churchill Downs will support the city’s professional soccer clubs with a “Purple Takeover” during Twilight Thursday from 5-8 p.m. in the Paddock Plaza. There will be a meet-and-greet with players from Racing Louisville FC (5:30-6 p.m.) and Louisville City FC (6:15-6:45 p.m.); a soccer skills game; $2 select domestic can beer; live music by Kevin Niehoff; food truck appearances from Black Rock Grille, DonutNV, Hot Buns and Hurrikanes; and an exclusive area for Racing Louisville and Lou City fans to watch the races.

Senior Day (Friday, Sept. 20) – Guests 60 and up will receive $3 general admission or can enjoy lunch and a day at the races in Millionaires Row for $45. Senior Day tickets can be purchased by calling (502) 636-4450.

Stakes Quartet (Saturday, Sept. 21) – Four stakes events will highlight Saturday’s 11-race card: the $300,000 Dogwood (Grade III) for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs; $300,000 Bourbon Flight for 3-year-olds at 1 3/16 miles; $300,000 Harrods Creek for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs and $175,000 Seneca Overnight Stakes (Listed) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles.

Family Adventure Day (Sunday, Sept. 22) – Family Adventure Day on Sunday, Sept. 22 is the perfect event for everyone in the family to experience a fun-filled day at Churchill Downs. There will be more than 15 kid-friendly activities for children under 12 to enjoy, including stick-horse races; face painting; inflatables; bubble station; game zone; arts and craft station; and an appearance by Kona ice truck and DonutNV. Guests are encouraged to bring up to five cans of soup to help support Blessings in a Backpack Louisville Chapter and win opportunities for special Family Adventure Day experiences, including a personal meet and greet with popular track bugler Steve Buttleman. The day also will mark the second annual Thoroughbred Aftercare Day to introduce young learners to the interesting life of Thoroughbreds after retirement and bring awareness of family opportunities to engage with these magnificent animals after their career in racing. Children may attend for free with paying adult (who is at least 18 years old with a valid ID). Limit two children per paying adult. Additional children will require the purchase of a full price general admission ticket. Reserved Seating: Children under the age of 2 may attend for free, provided the child must be held or on the lap of an adult; children ages 2-12 or any child that needs his or her own seat, will require the purchase of a child’s or full price ticket.

Stakes Room Brunch (Sunday, Sept. 22) – 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.

ABOUT CHURCHILL DOWNS RACETRACK

Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of the Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility and Race and Sports Book. www.ChurchillDowns.com.