Churchill Downs, desperately looking for a way to boost its non-Derby fortunes, has decided to follow harness racing into the dark nights.
The track will try to light up Louisville with an upscale carnival of pleasures, including dinner in its finest restaurants at $300 a couple, three summer nights with celebrities, bands, food and drink, chances to mingle with the upper crust, free parking, temporary lighting, a special three-night admission package of $15, and seniors over 60 admitted to the show for $1.
It is all called 'Downs After Dark,' and lest attendees forget their is horse racing, Churchill has issued a reminder. “Racing is at the core of everything we do at Churchill Downs,” a release says, "and it remains as important to us today as when we first opened our gates in 1875.”
Well, almost.
The track is scuffling for horses, and recently cut back its racing schedule, something it acknowledges in the release when it says, “But one 135 years changes a lot of things, and as we seek to redefine the racetrack experience and keep our sport relevant for today’s customers, we are excited to offer the night racing experience under the Twin Spires for the very first time. We hope our customers will enjoy the upscale experience....which will offer our guests the perfect blend of a night on the town and the excitement of thoroughbred racing.”
(With files from Harness Tracks of America)