We are just mere weeks away from the biggest day of racing in the world, and also one of the best parties in Portland as Portland Meadows is proud to announce our Kentucky Derby and Oregon Derby Day on Saturday May 1, 2010. Portland Meadows will be featuring a live racing program featuring the $25,000 Oregon Derby, that will start at 11:05 am first post time and will race live leading up to the simulcast of the 136th Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs.
Doors will open up early at 7am and Churchill Downs racing will begin at 7:30am, the Kentucky Derby will go off at 3:24pm. Portland Meadows will be featuring a fantastic Buffet in the third floor turf club to celebrate the day. For just $38.95, racing fans will be treated to an omelet buffet from 9:00am to 11am. Then a sumptuous Prime Rib buffet from 11:30am to 2:00pm, followed by a dessert bar from 2pm to 3pm. Patrons who make buffet reservations will also receive a Portland Meadows live racing program, and Churchill Downs program which includes the Kentucky Derby, a souvenir Kentucky Derby glass, and maybe most importantly, guaranteed reserved seating for the day.
Other great events on May 1, 2010 at the track will include the Inaugural Portland Meadows Craft Beer Fest which will include over twelve signature craft beers. There will also be a cigar tent, a outdoor burger pavilion, a ladies hat contest with prizes, and live music featuring local Portland-based band A Cautionary Tale.
1996 Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone will also be in attendance and will be parading in the paddock and on the track for fans to see and photograph. Grindstone has moved to Oregon and is currently standing at stud at Oakhurst Farm in Newburg. He is the only Kentucky Derby winner at stud west of the Mississippi River
One exciting happening for folks visiting the track will be the opening of the Portland Meadows Grandstand for the first time in over a decade. Fans can watch the races in the historic stands while enjoying not only live racing action, but live music in the grandstand as well.
Fans visiting Portland Meadows will be able to get to Portland Meadows via the Max train by taking the yellow line north to the VanPort station exit. From there it is a simple 10 minute walk east to the track down Whitaker Road. For those driving to the races, Portland Meadows always offers free parking in our expansive parking lot. Admission is always free for everyone who attends Portland Meadows and children are always welcome to attend the races.
So make your plans to join us for what will be the biggest day of the year at Portland Meadows, the Kentucky Derby and Oregon Derby on Saturday May 1, 2010.
.