Keeneland will host the world’s largest Kentucky Derby celebration for the May 2, 2015 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) as part of its popular two-day party that also features the Martinis on the Lawn event for the May 1, 2015 Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Admission is free on Oaks Day and $5 per person on Derby Day; kids 12 and younger will be admitted free both days. Gates open at 9 a.m. ET each day. Fans will be able to watch and wager on the Oaks and Derby and other races from Churchill Downs as well as races from other major tracks in North America on both days.
Fans are welcome to picnic in the Paddock and Walking Ring and watch the races on the large video board overlooking the Paddock or watch the Churchill races on the infield tote board from the Grandstand seats. More than 1,000 televisions throughout the track also will be available to watch.
On Oaks Day, tickets are still being offered for Keeneland’s annual Martinis on the Lawn event. Fans can enjoy an upscale celebration in the Clubhouse and Club Lawn from 3:30-7:30 p.m. that includes a light buffet, cash bar, live jazz music, door prizes and simulcast of the Kentucky Oaks. Tickets are $45 each and may be purchased by clicking HERE. Post time for the Oaks is approximately 5:49 p.m.
On Derby Day, tables in Keeneland’s dining rooms are sold out, but concessions and bars will be open throughout the Grandstand. The 2ndFloor Grandstand concession will be available when gates open at 9 a.m. All other concessions will open at 11 a.m. Fans can enjoy live music from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Kids Club children’s activities in the Clubhouse from noon to 4 p.m. Post time for the Derby is approximately 6:24 p.m.
A limited number of tables remain for the Derby Bash at the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center. Tickets are $70 per person for a table of eight in the Entertainment Center and $60 per person for a table of eight in the Keene Barn. The Bash will offer a Kentucky-themed buffet, snack bar after 3 p.m., live music, cash bar, Kentucky Derby souvenir program and simulcast of the Derby. Tickets may be purchased by clicking HERE.
Keeneland Oaks/Derby Day Information (all times Eastern)
Oaks Day Derby Day
Gates Open 9 a.m. 9 a.m.
Drive-Thru Wagering Begins 8 a.m. 8 a.m.
Grandstand Mutuel Windows Open 10 a.m. 10 a.m.
Admission Free $5; kids 12 and under free
Parking Free Free
Additional Wagering Locations
Oaks Day Derby Day
Kentucky Horse Park 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 8 a.m.-Derby (post time 6:24)
The Thoroughbred Center 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 8 a.m.-Derby (post time 6:24)
Advance wagering on Churchill’s full card on Oaks Day will be available Thursday, April 30, at Keeneland’s drive-thru wagering windows beginning at 8 a.m. ET. Wagering in the Grandstand begins at 12:15 p.m. ET. There is no advance wagering on Thursday on the Kentucky Derby.
Drive-thru wagering on Oaks Day, Friday, May 1, will be available from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park. Grandstand mutuel windows at Keeneland will open at 10 a.m. Post time for the Oaks is approximately 5:49 p.m.
Advance wagering on Churchill’s full card on Derby Day and the Oaks/Derby Double will be available Friday, May 1, at Keeneland’s drive-thru wagering windows, Kentucky Horse Park and The Thoroughbred Center beginning at 8 a.m. Grandstand mutuel windows open at 10 a.m.
On Derby Day, drive-thru wagering opens at 8 a.m. at Keeneland and at the Kentucky Horse Park, and will continue until post time of the Derby (approximately 6:24 p.m.). Wagering at The Thoroughbred Center opens at 8 a.m. Grandstand mutuel windows will open at 10 a.m.
Tips for planning your Oaks and Derby Day outings at Keeneland:
- First post at Churchill Downs is 10:30 a.m. ET on Oaks and Derby Days.
- Approximate post time for the Kentucky Oaks is 5:49 p.m.
- Approximate post time for the Kentucky Derby is 6:24 p.m.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Tents, canopies, grills and glass will not be allowed in the Paddock, Walking Ring or Terrace.
- Patrons are not permitted to bring alcohol.
- Coolers are allowed but subject to inspection.