World-class harness racing. Festive hats. A balloon artist. Paddock tours and starting gate rides. Live music. Food and drink specials. Giveaways. Those are among the festivities that Hollywood Casino at The Meadows and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) will feature on track on Kentucky Derby Day May 4.
The action kicks off with the live harness racing card beginning at the special time of 11:30 a.m. and headlined by the initial Pennsylvania Sires Stakes of the year at The Meadows. Sophomore colt and gelding pacers will take the stage, with an estimated $170,000 USD in purses up for grabs. The Meadows also will offer the Churchill Downs simulcast of the Derby Day card.
The fun will be non-stop, and it will include a Kentucky Derby hat contest on track, with prizes awarded in three categories: Most Elegant, Most Creative and Best Fascinator. Contestants may win up to $1,000 USD in cash. Registration is between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. while the contest begins shortly thereafter.
And if you don’t have your own hat, a balloon artist will be available to fashion one for you.
Other activities include giveaways (while supplies last) at the MSOA Bonus Perks Table; food and drink specials at the outdoor Ember’s Lounge; paddock tours and starting gate rides (ask MSOA staff to schedule these for you); music all day provided by DJ AJ Fresh; and a live radio broadcast, sponsored by MSOA and emceed by Fox Sports Pittsburgh personality Tim Benz, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on 970 AM (WBGG) and 104.7 HD-2.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)