Night Racing A Success At Churchill

This past July Fourth holiday weekend the spring meet at Churchill Downs came to a close as did the track’s three-day night racing experiment, which proved to be a huge success

.

Over the course of the three evenings (June 19, June 26 and July 2) a total of 89,115 people visited the racetrack with a 33,481-person crowd on the final night, which is believed to be the largest non-Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks or Breeders Cup crowd in the track’s modern history. The previous record is believed to be 28,396 on November 17, 1987 for a $1-million pick six carry-over.

Attendance skyrocketed at the Kentucky racetrack during the experiment despite early criticisms from cynics that the ticket prices would keep fans away. Tickets cost $10 for the first day and $6 for each additional day (or $15 for all three days). A Friday "Date Night" special was also offered, which cost $59.90 per person and included admission, reserved seating in "premium" areas, dinner, a program and live jazz. A $95 package included alcohol.

Churchill has vowed to bring night racing back next season.

Click here to watch a news report on the record crowds at Churchill Downs from WHAS 11 News.

(With files from thoroughbredtimes.com)

Have something to say about this? Log in or create an account to post a comment.