Watch Oaks, Derby contender workouts during 'Dawn at the Downs' starting April 23

Dawn at the Downs runs from Thursday, April 23, through Wednesday, April 29.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — With the Kentucky Derby right around the corner, Churchill Downs will open its doors to the public starting this week.

Dawn at the Downs runs from Thursday, April 23, through Wednesday, April 29. The track will be open from 6:45-10 a.m. for guests to watch Oaks and Derby contenders during their morning workouts for free.

Horses train on the main track every day from 5:15-10 a.m., with Oaks and Derby horses exclusively training between 7:15-7:30 a.m. They will be identified with special saddle towels that have their names on them.

Those who attend can park for free in the Yellow Lot or Turquoise Lot off Longfield Avenue, but vehicles must be removed by 10:30 a.m. Guests can enter through the Clubhouse Gate, where they will be directed to specific sections to watch the morning workouts.

The training leads up to the 152nd Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 1 and the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2.

To learn more about Dawn at the Downs, click here.

Kentucky Derby Week and the Spring Meet kick off this weekend with Opening Day on Saturday, April 25. Opening Day includes the post-position draws for both the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks races.

To learn more about Opening Day, click here.