Turfway Park Kicks Off 40th Holiday Meet on Thursday

Turfway Park will launch its 40th holiday meet on Thursday, Dec. 3, bringing the Commonwealth’s year-round circuit of live thoroughbred racing back to Northern Kentucky. 

Turfway’s holiday meet will run through Dec. 31 and offer live racing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:15 p.m. and on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. The track is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

“The horsemen are ready and so are we,” said Turfway Park general manager Chip Bach. “We are thrilled to once again bring quality racing to Northern Kentucky along with live bands and drink specials in a casual and fun atmosphere.” 

Highlighting the racing schedule are the 30th running of the Holiday Inaugural Stakes on Dec. 5 and the 21st running of the Prairie Bayou Stakes on Dec. 19, each offering a $50,000 purse. Director of Racing Tyler Picklesimer has carded nine races each day. 

Highlighting the party schedule is Turfway’s annual New Year’s Eve bash, featuring live racing and options for every budget, from free admission to reservations with full buffet and open bar. Turfway favorite, Doghouse, will take the Willis Music stage at 10 p.m. and rock the crowd into 2016. More information on reservation options is available at www.Turfway.com. 

Once voted Greater Cincinnati’s Best Cheap Date, Turfway brings back dollar nights on Friday and Saturday evenings, with draft beer and hot dogs just a dollar each and live local bands covering rock to pop to country. The Rusty Griswolds are up first (Dec. 4), followed by the Amy Sailor Band (Dec. 5), Doghouse (Dec. 11), East of Austin (Dec. 12), Naked Karate Girls (Dec. 18), The Billy Rock Band (Dec. 19) and The Whammies (Dec. 26). Bands take the stage at 9:30 p.m. 

Smoke-free dining is available in the Homestretch Bar & Grill, trackside on the first floor. The Homestretch is open for lunch and dinner during live racing, offering an American menu under the direction of Executive Chef Kevin Best. Reservations are recommended and available by calling 859-371-0200. Food and beverages also are available at concession stands on the first, second and third floors. 

Smoking is permitted in the north side of the RaceBook on the first floor and on the south side of the second floor. All other areas of Turfway’s enclosed grandstand are smoke-free. 

The holiday meet closes on Dec. 31 and is followed without interruption by the winter/spring meet, which runs through April 3.

Source: Turfway Park