If you’re not going to Churchill Downs in Louisville for the Kentucky Derby, Empire City Casino is the place for New Yorkers to watch the “Run for the Roses.”

Real Housewives of New York megastar Bethenny Frankel, the daughter of the late and legendary Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel, will host the casino’s Kentucky Derby Viewing Party on Saturday, May 7, trackside at historic Yonkers Raceway.

A bevy of trackside activities at the casino’s historic Yonkers Raceway will be highlighted by the opportunity to meet and take a photograph in the winner’s circle with the wildly-popular Frankel from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The annual Kentucky Derby “Fancy Hat Contest,” a free two-horse exacta box on the “Run for the Roses” to the first 1,000 Empire Club members, the Cooler than Julep made with Bethenny’s Skinny Girl Sangria and Skinny Girl Vodka, live entertainment by DJ LAX, and of course the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby at 6:34 pm will turn Empire City into Churchill Downs East.

Empire City’s Kentucky Derby extravaganza is open to the public, and gets underway at 3:00 p.m. on the raceway apron.

Frankel is among the most popular reality television personalities in America with 1.5 million twitter followers, has hosted the talk show Bethenny, and is the best-selling author of four self-help books, chef, entrepreneur, and founder of Skinnygirl Cocktails.

Participants can register for the Fancy Hat Contest trackside from 3:00-4:30 p.m, and the winner will be announced at 5:00 p.m. The Grand Prize is $500 in cash; second place wins $250 cash, and third place receives $100 cash. A celebrity pick will be announced at 5:30 p.m. and the winner receives $750 cash.

While the traditional and classic Mint Julep is on the menu, the Cooler than Julep rules at Empire City. Its ingredients include: Skinny Sangria, Skinny Vodka, Raw sugar, Lime, and Mint.

Simulcast locations include: trackside, the Winner’s Circle Bar in Empire Terrace on the 2nd Floor, the Simulcast Room on the 3rd Floor, the 4th floor Grandstand and Dan Rooney’s Sports Bar.

The first 1,000 Empire Club Members to visit the entertainment lounge beginning at 4:00 p.m. will receive a two-horse exacta box for the Kentucky Derby whiles supplies last.

(Yonkers Raceway)