The best seat in the house to watch the 144th Kentucky Derby might be 93 miles from the finish line, in the RaceBook at Turfway Park. The Northern Kentucky racetrack will host its annual Kentucky Derby simulcast and Party in the Paddock Saturday, including a free concert by Naked Karate Girls.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and wagering windows open at 10 a.m., 30 minutes before the first race from Churchill Downs. The Party in the Paddock begins at 1 p.m. and continues to 8 p.m., with Naked Karate Girls taking the stage from 3 to 6:15 p.m. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is 6:34 p.m. Rain moves the party indoors.
Throughout the day until 5:45 p.m., fans can enter to win two tickets to the Seven Chefs Buffet at JACK Cincinnati Casino and an overnight stay at the casino’s nearby partner hotel, Springhill Suites. The winning entry will be drawn at 6 p.m.
Admission is free both to the track and to the party. Parking also is free; valet parking is available.
Fans who prefer reservations can book seats in the Homestretch restaurant on the first floor or the Racing Club on the fifth floor, both with buffet, for $45 and $50 per person; only seats at the bar remain in the Homestretch. Both areas are smoke-free. Reserved seating also is available for $5 in Players’ Row, individual handicapping stations in smoking and non-smoking sections on the first floor. Reservations may be made by calling (859) 371-0200.
Men, women and couples all can show off their Derby hats and attire in four contests: best traditional/elegant hat for women; best traditional/stylish hat for men; most unique hat for men and women; and best ensemble, a couples-only category for those who flaunt their Derby style head to toe.
The hat contest is sponsored by Dillard’s of Crestview Hills Town Center.
Advance wagering on Saturday’s Kentucky Derby card will be available Friday. Friday’s feature from Churchill Downs is the Kentucky Oaks, the filly counterpart to the Derby. Turfway’s doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Friday as well, with first post from Churchill also at 10:30 a.m.
Turfway Park
