Skye Lounge makes debut at Downs After Dark

Those looking to socialize in a club-like premium lounge area while enjoying

a night at the races will get their opportunity when Churchill Downs introduces

the new "Skye Lounge" for the track's only "Downs After Dark" nighttime racing

and entertainment event of the fall meet on November 16.

The premiere of the Skye Lounge will provide an exclusive indoor environment

to 300 customers age 21 and up -- a welcomed alternative to outdoor box seating

or indoor reserved dining areas for the sophisticated casual customers and

entertainment seekers.

Tickets are $40 and include an indoor lounge environment; a fifth-floor,

two-tiered balcony to view the races; delicious hors d'oeuvres designed by

Churchill Downs' Executive Chef David Danielson, cocktail tastings by Southern

Comfort, el Jimador and Finlandia Vodka; and entertainment by a DJ. Admission to

the track and a racing program are included as well.

The Sky Lounge -- located on the fifth floor of the Skye Terrace, which is

situated just past the Finish Line and near the start of the Clubhouse turn --

also will have mutuel tellers, self-service wagering machines and multiple

television monitors to enjoy the racing action.

The November 16 "Downs After Dark" will showcase a "My Fall Derby Style"

theme. Fans are urged to dress to impress with Derby-inspired fall fashions for

this exciting night of dining, dancing and racing beneath the Twin Spires.

Attendees also will get an insider's look into what to expect for Kentucky Derby

140.

The Skye Lounge will showcase passed food and drink pairings every hour from

5:30-8:30 p.m. (EST):

5:30-6:30 p.m. -- Derby Fascinator & Petit Shrimp and Grits

* Fascinator: Finlandia Vodka, orange liqueur, lemon sour, orange juice and

pomegranate

* Petit Shrimp & Grits: sautéed shrimp served on a mini grit crisp

6:30-7:30 p.m. -- Billycocks and Bowlers & Sliders

* Billycocks and Bowlers: Southern Comfort, ginger beer, peach infused bourbon

and bitters

* Sliders: mini burgers topped with smoked Gouda, barbecue brisket and a pickle

7:30-8:30 p.m. -- Third Turn & Mini Hot Brown

* Third Turn: El Jimador, agave, lime juice, club soda, mint leaves and

strawberries

* Mini Hot Brown: roasted turkey, Mornay sauce, bacon and tomato served in a

pastry cup

Additional menu items will be available for purchase for an additional $5 per

food station:

* Seoul Brothers BBQ -- Beef short ribs, pork shoulder and chicken marinated

in a tangy Asian barbecue sauce and served on a four inch corn tortilla with

pickled vegetable slaw and cilantro. Portion size is two tacos per order.

* Biscuit Bar -- Southern sliders to be served on fresh baked buttermilk

biscuits. Topping options include fried chicken filet with hot sauce, honey pork

filet with bourbon mustard honey, or catfish filet with homemade tartar sauce.

Portion size is two per order.   

* Southern Sticks -- Brown sugar sweet tea pork skewer with bourbon peach

barbecue sauce, Kentuckyaki glazed chicken skewer with hot and sweet peanuts, or

garlic herb steak skewer with Henry Bain dipping sauce. 

Churchill Downs admission gates will open at 3 p.m. on November 16. The first

of 11 live races will be 4:30 p.m. and sunset is around 5:30 p.m., which means

at least seven races will be held under the lights. The final race is scheduled

for 9:36 p.m. The racing action includes two stellar stakes events for

three-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on turf: the Grade 2, $175,000 Mrs. Revere for

fillies and Grade 3, $100,000 Commonwealth Turf for open company.

The cover charge (general admission) to all "Downs After Dark" events is $10,

and no one under the age of 18 will be admitted to the track unless they are

accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. All reserved seating and general

admission tickets can be purchased in advance online at

ChurchillDowns.com/Tickets or by visiting the Churchill Downs Gate 1 Box

Office, which is open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (noon to 9 p.m. on

November 16).

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com