One of the biggest horse racing events of the year is coming this Saturday, May 6, and for the first time ever, Shenandoah Downs will hold a Kentucky Derby party in conjunction with its harness race card and offer betting on the big Thoroughbred race.
The regular Saturday harness program will begin at a special time of 2:30 p.m. that day and the Derby simulcast will follow at 6:45 p.m. The track will have a Kentucky Derby "Express" betting window open beginning at 12:30 p.m. for fans that want to bet the "Run for the Roses" in advance but cannot stay for the Derby.
Fans will have six months to cash any winning Derby tickets and can do so at any upcoming Shenandoah Downs race program through Oct. 29. Free Derby past performance pages will be available for bettors on Saturday to assist them in placing wagers. Fans on site will be able to walk onto the track and view the Derby on the infield jumbo screen.
The Skill Billy's Band will provide live music from 3-7 p.m. on the Mountain View concert stage. A first ever Derby Fancy Hat Contest will be held as well after the last harness race at 6 p.m. Come dressed in your best Derby attire or come casual -- there are no rules.
The Kentucky Derby Day Hat Contest will feature $500 in cash prizes and there are three categories fans can enter their headwear: Hatitude - Best Homemade, Dapper Dan - Best Male Headwear, and Too Hot To Trot - Most Elegant. As for the prizes, $150 will be awarded in each category -- $100 to the winner, $30 for the runner-up and $20 for third. The overall Best In Show will get an additional $50 cash.
Admission to Shenandoah Downs is free. The track is located in Woodstock, Virginia at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds.
(With files from Shenandoah Downs)