Fall Meet 2013 at Churchill Downs
The 124th Fall Meet at Churchill Downs opened Sunday with an eleven-race card, one of which was the Stars of Tomorrow – dedicated to promising two-year-olds. Horse racing fans can look forward to 25 days of racing and entertainment over the next five weeks on a Wednesday to…
Sunday Schedule. Most of the programs will feature ten races with the first race taking place at 12h40. The final three days of the Fall Meet will be on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with Stars of Tomorrow II being a highlight of the final day. This race has launched the successful careers of a number of graded stakes winners, such as Rachel Alexandra, Fort Larned, Shacklefort, Believe You Can, Court Vision, Lawyer Ron and Super Saver, to mention a few.
With a purse of $500,000, the Grade I Clark Handicap is the most lucrative event of the meet and will take place on the Friday of the Thanksgiving weekend. This year will be the 13th running of the race for three-year-olds over a 1 1/8 mile distance, with some of North America’s top older horses competing. Also, because of the timing of the Fall Meet at Churchill Downs, fans will see experienced horses pitting their street smarts against newcomers preparing for the new season. Moreover, because there are not as many races at other venues at this time, the Fall Meet generally offers larger fields than during high season.
Sundays between 11h30 and 16h00 have been declared as Family Fun Day throughout the Fall Meet. As the name suggests, there will be games, activities, crafts and more for the entire family, along with special events each week on the Plaza Balcony at Churchill Downs. The Junior Jockey Club will also have a host of activities and entertainment for children each weekend, with Churchill Charlie making an appearance in the afternoons.
On Saturday November 16, fans can enjoy an evening of racing at the Downs After Dark event – an excellent opportunity for racegoers to pull out all the stops in the fashion stakes. Sunday November 24 features the pink-themed Horses and Hope, an initiative to raise awareness about breast cancer. Other events on the calendar include Veterans Day and a Breeders’ Cup Viewing Party. Certainly, there is plenty to look forward to this Fall at Churchill Downs – so make your plans to be there.
