Racing legends join Kentucky Derby celebrations
Steve Cauthen, one of the most accomplished jockeys in Kentucky Derby history, will return to the historic racetrack this year, celebrating the 35th anniversary of his run to the Triple Crown aboard Affirmed.
Cauthen will be the celebrity handicapper for "Derby Experiences," the Churchill Downs travel experience programme.
It was 1978 when Cauthen and his chestnut colt outdueled Alydar in the Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. The sport’s 11th Triple Crown has not been accomplished since.
Owner of a thoroughbred breeding farm in north central Kentucky, the Hall of Famer is an accomplished handicapper and he will be on hand Saturday, May 4, for the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby.
Also back at the Derby will be Pat Day, the winning jockey in nine Triple Crown races, who scored his pinnacle triumph aboard long shot Lil E. Tee in the 1992 Kentucky Derby.
Day will be on hand Friday, May 3, for the US$1 million Kentucky Oaks – the Derby’s sister race for fillies.
Cauthen and Day will visit multiple clubhouse and grandstand hospitality party venues for autograph signings and meet-and-greet opportunities with "Derby Experiences" clients, part of customizable packages of travel, hotel accommodations, tickets and amenities for fans, groups and businesses looking to experience the Kentucky Derby in a special way.
Cauthen will be especially comfortable in the Affirmed Lounge, one of the premium hospitality venues, named after his famed equine partner, located in the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Derby Cafe and Oaks Garden Tent at Gate 1.
Access to Affirmed Lounge is part of the Orange Package, detailed at www.DerbyExperiences.com. The packages range in price from US$799-US$7,899.
The "Derby Experiences" programme provides fans with a secure buying platform, rather than ticket brokers or online, secondary market channels.
All ticket and hospitality packages come direct from Churchill Downs and can be customized to fit individual needs.
Ian Jarrett
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