Churchill Sets Post Times, Admission Plan for Spring

Churchill Downs will offer free admission on weekdays after the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) during its "Spring Meet of Champions," which begins April 24.

First post time for April 24-25, and 27-29, is set for 12:45 p.m. EDT. First post time April 30-May 1 will be 11 a.m. Thereafter, first post will be 1:15 p.m. with the exception of Fridays, when it will be 2:45 p.m.

The 53-day meet extends through July 5. Trackside Louisville, Churchill's off-track betting facility, will remain open during the spring meet except for April 24-29. Because of construction, Churchill kept the facility open during the 2003 fall meet.

The regular racetrack admission price of $2 ($1 for seniors) will be in place for Kentucky Derby week programs from April 24-29. Admission will be available throughout Derby week at all of the track's regular admission areas, which include gates 1, 10, and 17. Most sections of the clubhouse that were closed last fall because of the renovation projection will be open from April 24-May 1.

Beginning May 5, weekday admission will be free. Box seats in the grandstand--outside of those reserved for season boxholders--will be available to patrons on a first-come, first served basis. The regular admission price of $2 ($1 for seniors) will be in place on weekends, but there will no admission charge for members of Churchill Downs' Twin Spires Club.