Run for the Roses
The Downs to simulcast Kentucky Derby, other races
It’s off to the races today and Saturday, May 6, at The Downs Racetrack & Casino.
The Downs will be simulcasting straight from Churchill Downs, with grandstand mutuels, program stand and concessions opening at 8 a.m. today. Mutuels open at 10 a.m. in the First Turn Lounge inside The Downs. The first post from the Churchill Downs is 8:30 a.m. today. Post time for the Kentucky Oaks is 3:49 p.m. Fans can do advance wagering for the Kentucky Derby and the entire Saturday card from Churchill Downs Grandstand in the VIP Room, which has a $5 admission. To reserve your spot, call 266-5555.
On Saturday, grandstand mutuels, program stand and concessions open at 8 a.m. Mutuels and the patio open at 10 a.m. at the First Turn Lounge. There will be a 20-foot HDTV on the patio with 30 screens inside. The first post from Churchill Downs is 8:30 a.m.. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is 4:46 p.m.
Over at the grandstand, the first floor, VIP area and Turf Club bars open at 10 a.m. The second-floor bar, patio bar and the inside and outside beer tub open at noon. The VIP room opens at 8 a.m. It is $15 per person and is by reservation only. To make a reservation, call 266-5555. The Turf Club food service begins at 9 a.m. Service is limited to an abbreviated menu that is available only with paid admission. Reservations are recommended.
Patio tables and apron box seating is first come, first served. The Gravel Pit food court opens at 1 p.m. There will be valet parking available at the south entrance and tunnel. Trolley shuttle service also will be available between the grandstand and the casino.
The Downs also has plenty of gambling promotions this May.
Get lucky during the “$120,000 Winning Wheels” promotion, which runs Mondays through Fridays this month. There will be three winners per drawing. Drawings will be held at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. for a chance at up to $1,000 cash. On the weekends, take part in “$12,000 Downs Derby Saturdays,” with virtual races happening at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Each race awards a total pool of $600 in free play for win, place, show and fourth place finishes. Sundays are time for the “$12,000 Take a Sunday Spin” promotions. Three winners will be chosen at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Each winner will spin a wheel for a chance to win between $100 and $500 in cash.
The Downs is celebrating May holidays by giving guests more incentive to play. Patrons can accrue five times the points today for Cinco de Mayo, on May 14 for Mother’s Day and on May 29 for Memorial Day. Players can also earn five times the points every Wednesday this month.
Also on Wednesdays is the “Instant Hit” promotion, which will feature 15 drawings. Guests are eligible for the promotion when they earn 25 base points within the 30 minutes before each drawing. All prizes are free play and must be used within 48 hours of winning. There will be 60 winners each promotion day. Get to The Downs gambling floor early on Thursdays for the “Early Bird” promotion. Players become eligible for the promotion when they earn 75 base points playing their favorite game. A bonus wheel will appear on their game for a chance to win between $5 and $500 in free play. The promotion ends when a total of $500 is awarded.
For more information on The Downs, call 767-7171 or visit abqdowns.com.