By Dick Healy
The horse-racing world will be focused on the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs this Saturday, May 7, however, one grand Derby party will be held at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N. Y.
According to Brien Bouyea, the Museum’s communications coordinator, they’ll be hosting the Derby Party to benefit Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, a non-profit Thoroughbred Retirement facility located in nearby Greenfield Center, N. Y.
For $60 you get an appetizer, dinner and desert, catered by Saratoga’s famous Panza’s Restaurant There will be a cash bar and, in keeping Derby tradition, mint juleps will be available.
The full day’s Churchill racing card will be presented on a giant projection screen as well as other high-definition flat screen televisions throughout the Museum, courtesy of Best Buy.
Those attending the benefit will have the added treat of being able to view Kentucky Derby trophies of Count Fleet, Sunday Silence, Reigh Count, Gallahadion and Cavalcade. The Derby Party runs between 4 and 8 p. m. The Museum’s Saratoga Silks and Gift Shop will stay open throughout the and during the Derby Party.
If you’re interested in attending the Derby Party you can call Cabin Creek’s Jo Ann Pepper for more details – (518) 698-2377.
The Museum is located at 191 Union Avenue, across from the historic Saratoga Race Course.
Another highlight of the day features a special Kentucky Derby day tour of Saratoga’s Oklahoma training track for those who signed up by May 4. The Oklahoma oval is where trainers such as Todd Pletcher and Nick Zito prep horses for major races, including the Derby.
