Hoosier Park Racing & Casino is set to host its annual Talk Derby To Me celebration highlighted by a live simulcast of the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5 from Churchill Downs. The day will include a full simulcast race schedule, official Derby merchandise, Kentucky Derby mega-bets, live harness racing starting at a special post time of 7:10 p.m., a derby hat contest, and a $10,000 drawing.

Known as 'The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,' the Kentucky Derby is a $2 million 1-1/4 mile race featuring the very best three-year-old horses in racing. Hoosier Park offers convenient wagering for all races held at Churchill Downs. Advanced wagering will be available at Hoosier Park for the Kentucky Oaks on Thursday, May 3 and the Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 4. The signature Kentucky Derby race has an estimated post time of 6:35 p.m. EST on Saturday, May 5.

A Grand Derby Day buffet will be offered, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Kentucky Derby Day, for $26.95 per person. The Dan Patch Brewhouse will feature $3 craft beers and $3 pizza by the slice throughout the day.

The official 144th Kentucky Derby collector glass will be available with the purchase of a traditional Mint Julep for $9. The official 144th Kentucky Oaks collector glass will be available with the purchase of a traditional Oaks Lily for $9.

Kentucky Derby $500 mega-bet drawings will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on derby day. Guests will also have a chance to win a share of $10,000 by entering at a promotional kiosk starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 4 through 9:59 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.

A special Kentucky Derby Day hat contest will take place at 5 p.m. on The Terrace Showroom stage with a first-place prize of $500. The top three winners will be determined by best presentation, originality and overall appearance.

And starting at noon in the Terrace, guests may also donate $2 to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation for a chance to win $100 in wagers or free slot play between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Premium reserved seating is available for $50, and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet on Hoosier Park’s lower level, a Kentucky Derby Day race program, two complimentary drinks, and a $10 racing wager.

More information on Talk Derby to Me is available at hoosierpark.com.

(Hoosier Park)