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.
More by Dick Healy