LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Before horses get the green light to run in the 151st Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs will host a celebration of a great American novel.
The historic horse racing track in Louisville will host a Great Gatsby-inspired Opening Night to start the week-long celebration leading up to the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. According to a news release Tuesday, "The Great Gatsby, A Louisville Legacy" will honor the city's ties to the classic American novel.
"The Great Gatsby," a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, was published in 1925 and is set in the Jazz Age in Long Island near New York City.
Fitzgerald was stationed in Louisville at Camp Taylor during World War I. Louisville is mentioned in the fictional story throughout the narrative. The character Daisy Fay was born in Louisville, and the Seelbach Hotel was the location of her wedding with Tom Buchanan. Jay Gatsby, the protagonist of the novel, first meets Fay in Louisville.
According to a news release, the evening at Churchill Downs will draw inspiration from the novel. Gates will open at 4 p.m., and the first race will follow an hour later. The 2025 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Post Position Draw will take place live on Opening Night.
People are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire. There will be a Great Gatsby-inspired fashion contest to showcase flapper dresses, suits and sparkling accessories.
Churchill Downs is offering an Opening Night two-person ticket package for $599, which includes two Spires Terrace Dining Tickets, a night stay at Derby City Gaming & Hotel April 26, an exclusive Room 20 Speakeasy visit or bourbon tasting at Churchill Downs, along with complimentary onsite parking.
General admission for Opening Night is $24 and reserved seating starts at $32. To purchase tickets online, click here.
Opening Night will be April 26. The Kentucky Derby is the following Saturday, May 3.
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