The Kentucky horse racing circuit shifts from Keeneland in Lexington to Churchill Downs in Louisville on Sunday as the historic home of the Kentucky Derby readies to open its 131st Fall Meet with an 11-race program – all for promising 2-year-old Thoroughbreds – at 1 p.m. (all times Eastern).
The popular 24-day stand covers a five-week stretch every Wednesday-Sunday through Nov. 29, with the exception of Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7 when the Breeders' Cup World Championships return to Keeneland.
The Fall Meet kicks off in style Sunday with the 16th annual “Stars of Tomorrow I” program, which is entirely devoted to hopeful 2-year-old stars that have aspirations of trail-blazing their way to next year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) and Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI).
Sunday's 11-race opening day card is headlined by the eighth runnings of two 1 1/16 miles, $98,000-added overnight stakes – the open-company Street Sense and Rags to Riches for fillies. Those races serve as local steppingstones to the two Grade II, $200,000, 1 1/16-mile counterparts on the Saturday, Nov. 28 “Stars of Tomorrow II” program – the open Kentucky Jockey Club and Golden Rod for fillies that are part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks series which award points to the Top 4 finishers (10-4-2-1).
Churchill Downs Welcomes Back Guests
Sunday's Fall Meet opener will mark the first time this year that spectators can return to Churchill Downs for live racing. Churchill Downs will continue to follow the COVID-19 health and safety protocols for Venues and Events as mandated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Last year's average daily attendance during the Fall Meet was 4,200 guests, and less spectators are expected this year. Reserved outdoor box seats as well as select indoor premium areas will be open with proper social distancing at limited capacity per the state's requirements for venues and event spaces.
To facilitate a safe and enjoyable experience, there will be no general admission at the Fall Meet but first floor reserved box seats will be sold at general admission pricing for $5 ($7 on Nov. 27-28). Third floor box seats are $12. Dining options are $39 ($72 on Thanksgiving Day and $49 on Nov. 27-28). Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.churchilldowns.com/tickets/. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Temperature checks, medical questionnaires, physical distancing and mandatory face coverings will be required upon entrance and movement within Churchill Downs. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.
More information on Churchill Downs' COVID-19 health and safety guidelines can be found online at https://www.churchilldowns.com/tickets/admissions-services/updates.
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