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About Kentucky Oaks
Pop quiz: What Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses happens every year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, but isn't The Kentucky Derby? There's only one answer: Kentucky Oaks.?
The race has been the run-up to the Derby for as long as the latter has been around. The Oaks has been run annually since 1875, and it was started that year by the same visionary who founded the Derby, Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. (grandson of legendary explorer William Clark).?
As such, it's not only one of the longest-running sports institutions in America, it's also one of the most popular. The Oaks, much like the Derby, has gone from strength to strength over the years, and these days the turnout for the race is about 100,000 each year. Nicknamed "Lilies for the Fillies" after the lily garland that accompanies the winning purse, the Oaks is part of the Triple Tiara of Thoroughbred Racing, otherwise known as The Filly Triple Crown (The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and The Acorn Stakes are the other two).?
The rich history of the Oaks includes legendary jockeys like Manuel Ycaza and Eddie Arcaro and record-breaking runs like those of Bird Town and Sweet Alliance. In more recent years, the likes of Florent Geroux on Monomoy Girl and Mike E. Smith on Abel Tasman have carried the tradition proudly forward.?
Another important aspect of the modern-day Oaks is the Pink Out, in which the track is fabulously decorated in pink and attendees are asked to dress accordingly as part of the fundraising effort to fight breast and ovarian cancer.?
The Survivors Parade and the track's donation of a dollar for the sale of each Oaks Lily (the traditional drink of the Oaks) are part of the effort as well. Whether you're soaking up the fashion, the fun, or the aforementioned Oaks Lilies, every year on the Friday before the Derby you get to see some of the fastest thoroughbred fillies on the planet giving it their all.
This years pricing is a joke. The infield way to expensive. Cost more get less. The lines in the all inclusive areas way too long. Slow service. There was a 30 plus delay opening the gates. Going way to corporate. Need to calm down the price gouging.
Very convenient and easy to use. Loved the race. Needs more Uber engagement and service.
If we could have bought the all inclusive package for Oaks or Derby we would have liked to. Two days of all that drinking and eating is too much. Otherwise, it was a great experience.
It was really fun but weather made it kind of miserable towards the end.
The entire staff at Churchill Downs were great and made the experience enjoyable. The problem we faced is standing for 3 hours was too much and we probably would never buy general admission tickets again. The lack of seats to rest was a real problem especially for our elderly guests. If I can’t sit down and I can’t see the race then I will stay home and watch it on TV. I recommend grand stand seats in the infield facing the paddocks.
Had a wonderful tume in spote of early rain. Wish the numerous hospotality suites didn't dwarf the Twin Spires. They ruined the look of a clasic venue.
Went to the Kentucky Oaks with a bunch of friends. Had a fantastic time! Facility is top notch. Needs to reassess the gate situation as leaving left a bunch of people stuck for 45 minutes trying to exit the facility and board the shuttle to the parking lot. Entering the track was easy but exiting was a disaster. Shuttle parking at fairgrounds was not well organized - lots of room for improvement. Enjoyed the day - great weather, great seats and great horse racing!
Absolutely love this event!!! Kentucky Derby 2018!!! Rain can't keep us away, will always go to this great race place!! Horses, juleps and infield party!
It was wonderful!!!the races, people,drinks and boneless chicken with fries awesome!
It rained and was windy the whole time. There was no shelter at all. Next year if it rains will sell tickets. They should have more shelter and beers went up 4.00 from last year. Very disappointed
