Churchill Downs September Meet will feature 11 stakes races, all held on dirt track

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Churchill Downs will host 11 stakes races in the September Meet, but they'll all be run on the dirt track.

The races from Sept. 12-29 at the historic Louisville racetrack are worth more than $3.5 million. Churchill Downs officials said in a news release Tuesday that they're keeping the horses off the turf track for now to ensure it's ready to go for the Fall Meet, which begins Oct. 27.

The September Meet will offer horsemen opportunities to prep for the November Breeders' Cup World Championships, which will be held Nov. 1-2 at Delmar Racetrack in California. And months-long points race known as the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks kicks off Saturday, Sept. 14.

Below is a list of marquee events during the September Meet:

Twilight Thursdays (Thursdays, Sept. 12, Sept. 19 and Sept. 26):

Churchill Downs will host three Twilight Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. in the Paddock Plaza. Weekly features include $2 select domestic can beer, live music (Piper Madison on Sept. 12; Kevin Niehoff on Sept. 19; and Shane Dawson on Sept. 26) and food trucks. The Sept. 19 event will include a Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC “Purple Takeover” to support the city’s professional soccer clubs.

Military Appreciation Day (Thursday, Sept. 12):

Churchill Downs will celebrate Military Appreciation Day in partnership with USA Cares, an organization committed to supporting post-9/11 military veterans, service members and their families. They provide essential financial aid and skills training for long-term stability. Their efforts significantly improve the quality of life for veterans and help prevent factors that can lead to veteran suicide. Military members who show a valid military ID will receive free general admission or can purchase discounted tickets to Millionaires Row or Sky Terrace (subject to availability) by calling (502) 636-4450

Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Kickoff (Saturday, Sept. 14):

The Road to the 151st Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will launch with the first points-bearing prep races for each series. The Road to the Kentucky Derby starts with the $300,000 Iroquois (GIII) at one mile and the top five finishers will be awarded points to qualify for America’s greatest race next May. The $300,000 Pocahontas (GIII) at one mile begins the Road to the Kentucky Oaks.

College Day (Saturday, Sept. 14):

College students will receive free general admission with a valid college I.D. and full-time students are eligible to enter drawings for $20,000 in scholarships thanks to a partnership with KTA-KTOB: one $10,000 scholarship and five $2,000 scholarships that include one designated scholarship to children of backside workers at Churchill Downs and another to a student enrolled in the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program. There also will be prize drawings for exclusive Churchill Downs merchandise and a $250 gift card to The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, as well as giveaways of limited-edition Churchill Downs ball caps in area college colors and Churchill Downs tote bags.

Senior Day (Friday, Sept. 20):

Guests 60 and up will receive $3 general admission or can enjoy lunch and a day at the races in Millionaires Row for $45. Senior Day tickets can be purchased by calling (502) 636-4450.

Stakes Room Brunch (Sundays, Sept. 15, Sept. 22 and Sept. 29):

On Sundays, Churchill Downs is offering a brunch special in the Stakes Room. The $87 package for adults and $34 package for children includes a seat in the Stakes Room on the fourth floor of the Clubhouse and all-you-can-eat access to the brunch menu that includes scrambled eggs; biscuits and country gravy; French toast; hot brown; carved honey ham; crispy bacon; sausage patties; hash brown potatoes with peppers and onions; fresh fruit; garden vegetables; salads; breakfast breads; and a chef’s dessert display.

Family Adventure Day (Sunday, Sept. 22):

Family Adventure Day on Sunday, Sept. 22 is the perfect event for everyone in the family to experience a fun-filled day at Churchill Downs. There will be more than 15 kid-friendly activities for children under 12 to enjoy, including stick-horse races; face painting; inflatables; bubble station; game zone; arts and craft station; and an appearance by Kona ice truck and DonutNV. Guests are encouraged to bring up to five cans of soup to help support Blessings in a Backpack Louisville Chapter and win opportunities for special Family Adventure Day experiences, including a personal meet and greet with popular track bugler Steve Buttleman. The day also will mark the second annual Thoroughbred Aftercare Day to introduce young learners to the interesting life of Thoroughbreds after retirement and bring awareness of family opportunities to engage with these magnificent animals after their career in racing.

Downs After Dark: Oktoberfest (Saturday, Sept. 28):

The final Downs After Dark of the year will take place Saturday, Sept. 28 as Churchill Downs presents “Oktoberfest” where the spirit of Munich will come to the Twin Spires with an array of local brews from West Sixth Brewing and Gravely Brewing Co in a beer garden; sizzling bratwurst and savory pretzels; lively polka dancing; yodeling contest; live music and world-class horse racing. Admission gates will open at 5 p.m. and the 11-race program will be conducted between 6-11:10 p.m. General admission to Downs After Dark is $20 and includes an official program. Guests under the age of 18 will only be admitted to the track if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Outdoor box seats range from $28 to $38 per person. Limited premium dining packages are available starting at $91 per person including our new and exclusive Oktoberfest VIP Package. Experience Churchill Downs like never before in our new Paddock-facing Loges with seating for four or six guests. Each package includes the following per guest: Covered loge seating that overlooks the newly renovated Paddock, a Churchill Downs-branded beer stein and two beer tickets. For the group: a shareable Oktoberfest-themed charcuterie board and a guided Paddock tour.

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