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Clydesdales, dachsunds visit Turfway Park as meet wraps with fan appreciate night March 31


Big horses and small dogs will join Thoroughbred racehorses at Turfway Park Saturday, March 31, as the Northern Kentucky track closes its winter/spring meet with Fan Appreciation Night.

Weather permitting, a full eight-horse hitch of Budweiser Clydesdales and their famous wagon will parade on Turfway’s Polytrack, giving fans an up-close look at the beloved icons. One of the massive draft breeds, Clydesdales weigh as much as 2,300 lbs. and stand about 6 ft. at the shoulder, more than twice the weight of an average Thoroughbred and at least 8 in. taller.

At the other end of the spectrum, Dachshunds and other breeds 20 lbs. and under will take to the track for the annual Polytrack Puppy Party to benefit the Boone County Animal Shelter. Dachshunds will compete in heats and a championship race, while the small dog division offers one race. Fans can even place $2 “bets” on their favorites, but it’s all in fun because every $2 (or greater) donation goes directly to the shelter. Instead, those who back the winning dogs will be entered in prize drawings. In addition, a variety of prize baskets and a limited edition Maker’s Mark bottle signed by Cincinnati Reds broadcasting legends Marty Brennaman and the late Joe Nuxhall will be raffled. Pet supplies will be available from vendors on the track apron, and the Boone County Animal Shelter will have dogs available for adoption. Polytrack Puppy Party registration is $15 per dog and closes March 29. All proceeds from registrations, raffles and “bets” benefit the shelter.

Turfway will give away a 55” LG Smart Ultra 4K TV to one lucky fan, with entries taken on the third floor, and $2 burgers, hot dogs and draft beer will be available. Fan Appreciation Night will continue after racing ends, with local rockers DV8 taking the stage until about 1 a.m.

“Fan Appreciation Night is our way of saying thank you to our guests for their support,” said Turfway Park general manager Daniel “Chip” Bach. “We’re proud to hold down the winter dates for Kentucky’s year-round racing circuit and appreciate the fans who come out all winter to make it happen. We’re excited to welcome them closing night with music, specials, giveaways and of course live racing.”

The night’s featured race is the Animal Kingdom Stakes, a $50,000 sprint for 3-year-olds. Formerly the WEBN Stakes, the race was renamed for the winner of the 2011 Jeff Ruby Steaks (then Spiral Stakes) who went on to win the Kentucky Derby, that year’s Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old and the Dubai World Cup the following year.

March 31 is also this year’s Dubai World Cup day, so Turfway will open its race book at 9 a.m., two hours earlier than usual. Originating from Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai World Cup day is the world’s richest day of racing. The day’s nine races offer purses totaling more than $29 million, capped by the $10 million Dubai World Cup. Turfway will take wagers beginning with the fourth race, the UAE Derby, a qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby that goes off at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Racing continues Thursday through Saturday this week and next, with first post at 6:15 p.m. Admission and parking are free at Turfway.

From Turfway Park


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One Comment

  1. Nancy Cullars says:

    What time does apprentice night start. Clydesdales dog races

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