Derby, Oaks packages sell out quickly

Churchill Downs' exclusive online offering of 3,000 Kentucky Derby (G1) and

Kentucky Oaks (G1) reserved seat packages sold out Wednesday in 48 minutes.

The limited number of two-day ticket packages, which ranged in price from

$172 for individual first floor grandstand bleacher seats to $6,390 for a

six-seat box in the third floor clubhouse with daily access to the exclusive

Secretariat Lounge, were made available exclusively at Churchill Downs' new

online box office,

http://tickets.churchilldowns.com.

Tickets went on sale at 12 p.m. (EST) and were sold out by 12:48 p.m.

"The demand for both Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks tickets is truly

exceptional," Churchill Downs track president Kevin Flanery said. "The rapid

sell-out of this limited offer reaffirms that these two premier racing events

comprise America's hottest, most extravagant and glamorous springtime sports

party. Our online approach gave everyone a fair shot to purchase highly coveted

reserved seats, and we're truly appreciative by the level of support shown by

sports fans and entertainment seekers around the world."

The online sale of Derby and Oaks inventory was originally scheduled for

December 16, but was temporary delayed due to track officials' concerns about a

potential data error that could have resulted in customer service issues for

some patrons. Early internal monitoring of Wednesday's process showed no

significant system troubles.

"There was extraordinary demand with more than 50,000 online requests within

the first five minutes," Flanery said. "We're thrilled for those who were

fortunate to purchase reserved seats and sympathize with those who didn't have

the luck of the draw this time around."

Customers can advance purchase general admission tickets to the 136th running

of the Kentucky Derby for $40 and the Kentucky Oaks for $25, as well as reserved

seats to other 2010 on-track events, including six special "Downs After Dark"

nighttime racing programs.

Customers are advised to visit the online box office frequently as inventory

is continually added.