FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 4, 2011
Remington Park announces annual Oklahoma Derby Week Festivities
Events: Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame induction ceremony, community expo, Derby hat contest, family festival and $400,000 Oklahoma Derby
OKLAHOMA CITY – Remington Park officials have released the lineup of festivities for its major weeklong event of Thoroughbred racing season. The 3rd annual Oklahoma Derby Week features the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a special open-to-the-community expo, Derby-style hat contest and running of the 2011 Thoroughbred season’s richest race. Oklahoma Derby Week kicks off Tuesday, Oct. 11 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 16.
Scott Wells, Remington Park president and general manager, said this year’s Oklahoma Derby has activities to entice all ages to experience the excitement of racing during this weeklong celebration. Since the inaugural running of the Oklahoma Derby in 1989, he said racetrack officials have focused on creating a celebratory atmosphere around one of the world’s most exciting sports.
“Oklahoma Derby Week is an exciting time for our bustling city and great state,” Wells said. “We want to create an environment that not only champions the Thoroughbred industry but also gives current and not-yet horse-racing fans the chance to experience every aspect of Remington Park. Over the course of the past two years, we have concentrated on returning this racetrack to its pristine condition that once rivaled any other track in the world. I believe Remington Park, along with our new ownership group Global Gaming Solutions, have succeeded in that mission, and Derby Week is just one way we continue giving back to those who made it possible.”
3rd ANNUAL OKLAHOMA DERBY WEEK FESTIVITIES
Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame induction
ceremony and banquet–Tuesday, Oct. 11
This inaugural induction of individuals representing Thoroughbred racing takes place Tuesday, October 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Silks Restaurant, located on the track’s Clubhouse level. Inductees include: trainers Donnie Von Hemel and Chuck Taliaferro; owners John and Barbara Smicklas, John and Debbie Oxley, William and Suzanne Warren, and Ran Ricks, Jr.; horses Clever Trevor, Lady’s Secret, Mr. Ross and Round Table; jockeys Bobby Ussery, Pat Steinberg, Tim Doocy, John Lively, Don Pettinger, Cliff Berry and John Sellers. Tickets to the banquet include a cocktail reception, dinner and the induction ceremony and are available by calling (405) 425-4081
Oklahoma Derby Community Expo – Friday, Oct. 14
The Oklahoma Derby Community Expo encourages metro-area businesses and non-profit organizations to set up a complimentary booth on the Clubhouse Level, helping spread awareness of their community-enhancing programs. Admission to the expo is free. To reserve a vendor booth, local business owners and leaders can call (405) 425-3270.
Sunrise at Remington Park – Sunday, Oct. 16
Sunrise at Remington Park gives racing fans the chance to kick off Oklahoma Derby Day with a special opportunity to meet those connected with the day’s biggest races. Hosted by Chris Kotulak, the Oklahoma Derby Day Sunrise event enables fans to talk with those involved as well as learn about what happens every morning during training hours at Remington Park. Sunrise at Remington Park begins at 8:45 a.m. and concludes with a special tour of the stables area. To attend, enter the Racing Entrance and proceed to the Track Plaza outside.
Oklahoma Derby Hat Contest – Sunday, Oct. 16
The Oklahoma Derby Hat Contest features extraordinary hats and the ladies who wear them from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Clubhouse Level. Seven celebrity judges will award prizes to the most beautiful, most outrageous Derby hats. Prizes include Grand Prize, 2nd Prize and 3rd Prize for all hats entered. Subsequent categories include Best Ensemble, Most Elegant and Most Original, with 1st through 3rd Prizes awarded in each category. The Oklahoma Derby Hat Contest is free to enter and open to anyone 18 years or older.
23nd Running of the Oklahoma Derby – Sunday,
Oct. 16
The week’s festivities culminate during the 23nd Running of the Oklahoma Derby. With live racing beginning at 1:30 p.m., the afternoon will be filled with the season’s marquee Thoroughbred races including the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby, the $250,000 Remington Park Oaks and then $125,000 Remington Green Stakes on the only Sunday of racing during the season. The entire Oklahoma Derby Day will have entertainment options for everyone in the family. Some children’s activities include an extreme animal zoo, a magician, inflatable games, a mechanical bull, train rides, face-painters. Food options will be available for purchase. Horse-drawn carriages will be available to shuttle guests from their cars to the entrance.
About Remington Park
Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. Admission, parking and valet parking are always free. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit www.remingtonpark.com. Parking and admission are always free at Remington Park.